Struggling with breath control, running out of air, or fighting for a stronger tone? In this episode, we dive into the most common breathing mistakes sax players make — and the simple fixes that will help you play with more power, control, and confidence. Try Sax School FREE for 14 days All episodes here: saxschoolonline.com/podcast

Thinking about joining a jam session or stepping on stage with your sax — but not sure you’re ready? In this episode, Nigel, Fred, and Joel from the Sax School Tutor Team share how to prepare for your first jam, what to expect, and how to build real confidence.From finding the right jam session to communicating with the band and handling those pre-gig nerves, you’ll get practical tips to help you sound great and enjoy the experience. Check out all episodes here Improve your saxophone playing - Start 14 Day Trial to Sax School PRO

30-Minute Practice Routines That Actually Work Short on time but still want to make real progress on sax? In this episode of the Sax School Online Podcast, Nigel, Joel, and Fred share how to make the most of just 30 minutes of practice a day. We’ll cover: Nigel’s 4-part practice routine to cover all the essentials How “interleaved practice” keeps your brain engaged (Joel) Why consistency beats long, irregular practice sessions (Fred) If you’ve ever wondered how to structure your practice when life is busy, this chat will give you a clear roadmap to see results—without needing hours each day. More info and all episodes here: saxschoolonline.com/podcastStart learning sax with us FREE here: saxschoolonline.com

Confused about mouthpieces and ligatures? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Sax School Online Podcast, Nigel, Joel, and Fred cut through the noise to share what beginners really need to know. We’ll cover: Why chasing fancy gear isn’t the answer Standard mouthpiece and ligature options that actually work How to pick one setup and stick with it Why pros like Branford Marsalis say it’s not about the gear—it’s about the player Whether you’re just starting out or coming back to sax after years away, this chat will help you focus less on equipment and more on making music. More info and all episodes here: saxschoolonline.com/podcast Start learning sax with us FREE here: saxschoolonline.com

Jazz House is making waves—millions of monthly listeners and packed-out gigs across the globe. In this episode, Nigel sits down with UK saxophonist Catherine Rannus from the breakout group Bolden to explore what Jazz House is all about, why it’s connecting with such a huge audience, and how sax players can tap into this exciting genre. With a USA tour on the horizon and a brand-new Introduction to Jazz House course launching in Sax School PRO, Catherine also shares practical tips for bringing this modern sound into your own playing.

Neck pain from your saxophone? You’re not alone.In this episode, Nigel and Joel share personal stories, expert advice, and the top alternatives to traditional neck straps—including a full review of the ErgoSax support system. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned player, this is essential listening if you want to play pain-free.

Forgotten your strap? Lost your reed? In this episode, Nigel, Fred, and Joel reveal the essential saxophone gear they always carry to gigs. From lightweight sax cases to reed tools, gaffer tape, and even vodka reed storage! This episode is the ultimate gear guide for sax players who want to play with confidence and avoid gig disasters. Learn saxophone smarter—and be ready for anything. All episodes here: SaxSchoolOnline.com/Podcast

What’s the best app for organizing saxophone sheet music? In this episode, Nigel, Fred, and Joel dive into ForScore and PDF Expert—two game-changing tools for sax players. Whether you’re an adult beginner or gigging pro, you’ll discover time-saving hacks, digital workflow tips, and must-have features to keep your music sorted and your practice on point. Learn saxophone online smarter, not harder!

Learn how Joanna grew her Instagram and TikTok saxophone accounts to over 180k followers and millions of views. Every sax player today needs to build their OWN audience and Joanna breaks down her 4 step method that you can use to start doing exactly the same thing today.   More info on our blog: saxschoolonline.com/podcast

They happen to everyone. Nightmare gigs that don’t go how you thought. Today Nigel, Joel and Fred share their worst gig experiences and what they learned from them, so you can avoid these mistakes!

You might aspire to be a killer Jazz, Pop or Blues player, but do you include any Classical repertoire in your practice? Nigel chats with Jools Holland saxophonist Anna Brooks to unpack how her Classical background lead to a HUGE career in the Hip Hop, Blues and Jazz worlds as a sax player. More info about this podcast here: saxschoolonline.com/podcast

Is your saxophone progress being held back by the same mistakes that MOST people make? Find out in this episode with Nigel, Fred and Joel from the Sax School Tutor Team. PLUS, get tactics you can use TODAY to make better use of every practice session. Learn more about Sax School and start with a 14 day free trial here: https://saxschoolonline.com/

If you want to learn saxophone faster and make better use of your practice time, you need these apps! Fred, Joel and Nigel from the Sax School Tutor team share their FAVOURITE practice apps that will help you too! More info and links here: saxschoolonline.com/podcast

What Would Pro Saxophonists Do Differently If They Started Today? Join Sax School Online founder Nigel and top tutors Joel Purnell and Fred Vigdor as they explore how saxophonists could thrive in today’s music landscape. From choosing styles like bebop and DJ sax, to modern practice techniques and building a career with social media, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your playing to the next level, you’ll discover how to play saxophone with confidence and navigate the challenges of the modern music world. 👉 Learn saxophone online today with our 14-day free trial! #LearnSaxophoneOnline #SaxophoneLessons #PlaySaxophoneConfidently

🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full episode transcription: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ In this episode of the Sax School Online podcast, Fred Vigdor quizzes Sax School Online Founder Nigel McGill about his career in music. Find out how Nigel went from growing up in small town Australia to travelling the world as a pro player, and building Sax School Online which helps thousands of saxophone learners every day. This episode is packed with insights and tips on how to build a successful career as a saxophone player in 2024. Check out our free lessons and resources:
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🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-todayFull episode transcription: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ We all know we should practice long tones on saxophone, right? But isn't long tone practice really boring? Nigel and Joel from Sax School Online share 6 ways you can make practicing long tones on sax fun! Get their pro tips on making long tones an essential part of your practice routine to boost your sound and make you a better, more creative sax player (and enjoy your practice too). Check out our free lessons and resources:
 Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool  

🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-todayFull episode transcription: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ When you're playing saxophone to 80,000 people every night, what is going on inside your mind? In this episode Snake Davis explains his whole process that has made him one of the most successful pop sax players in the world. Find out more about Snake Davis here: snakedavis.rocks Check out our free lessons and resources:
 Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool

Nigel chats to Fred Vigdor - Sax Man to The Average White Band and member of the Sax School tutor team. Fred shares what he's learned from his long playing career about taking opportunities, practicing badly, getting fired and the importance of your music network. This conversation is packed with great insights into the life of a gigging sax player, and there's loads to learn for all saxophone players. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources:Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschoolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool

When you first start learning saxophone, or maybe if you're thinking of adding another sax to your collection, is buying a brand new instrument the only option that you should consider? Or is perhaps hiring a better way to go, or maybe even buying a used sax? Nigel chats to Rob Driver from UK sax hire company Music Corner.  Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Music Corner  Checkout our free lessons and resources:Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschoolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool

Are you struggling to make your saxophone practice count? Get our top tips on super-charging every practice session. Plus grab our free Practice Planner in our show-notes here https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/what-saxophone-practice-style-is-best Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources:Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschoolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool