The search is important, especially in music and anything creative. When we are searching we are alive and alert. Open to input and ready to put our creations into the universe. We are testing them and receiving feedback. Our minds are sizzling with a quest for knowledge and improvement. Once we convince ourselves that the search is over, we think we have arrived. This is equal to death for creativity. We will never arrive at our ultimate creative zenith acting un-searchingly. Striving for … [Read more...]

Writing music is extremely fulfilling, but damn is it hard. At least for me at any rate. Staring at the blank page is one of the most intimidating things in the world. That's why, for the past 2 weeks I have been writing 4 measures of music every single day. Most of it has been horrible. Like, never see the light of day, thrown in the trash can immediately kind of horrible. That's the bad news. The good news is that I already have solid ideas for two compositions that will actually turn into … [Read more...]

Jam sessions are one of the best parts about being a jazz musician. Whether it's at a club or in someone's basement, getting together with other people that love playing jazz just as much as you do is a great way to meet other musicians, practice playing in front of people, and show off what you've been working on lately. There are, however, some unspoken rules at jam sessions that if you don't follow, may not get you invited back or called for any gigs in the future. Jam sessions can and … [Read more...]

I have been reading a lot lately and one book has risen surprisingly above the noise for me. Do you remember the comic strip Dilbert? Turns out the author, Scott Adams has written an amazing book called, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life.  If you have ever read any self improvement or motivational books, you probably know that most are just a regurgitation of the same principals and ideas and won't actually do much but give you some fluffy "go … [Read more...]

Let me start by saying that listening to yourself play is one of the most painful, awful experiences in life.  It's the worst. Whenever I listen to myself play I realize that the stuff I thought I had sounding really good needs a lot more time and a lot more effort to get close to where I believed it was. So at this point I have to ask myself, "do I want to believe that I sound really good or do I actually want to sound really good?" I actually want to sound good! Deep down I know that … [Read more...]

I did a lot of practicing this week. It felt really good to get a ton of hours in a short period of time and I can already feel the benefits and growth when I'm on the bandstand. I have to tell you though, I wanted to quit at least 10 times throughout the week as well. Not quit for the day, but more like quit music and learn how to do computer programming or something like that. This is such a common thought that pops into my head when I'm working on something so hard that my brain feels like … [Read more...]

Hey Saxophonists! Wanted to give you a quick peek and an overview of my new book Comprehensive Saxophone Warmups: A Proven Method To Increase Technique and Become A Complete Saxophonist.  This book contains a complete and practical approach to increasing your skills on the saxophone and becoming the best player you can through the warmup process. Your warmup sets you up for the day, it's the time where we take care of the fundamentals that will be the foundation for everything else you … [Read more...]

Pat Martino is a very heavy guitar player and musician  He is one of the living legends of music and a very articulate guy speaking on music and how to improve one's situation from choosing a teacher, the difference between instruments, and the deeper points of becoming the best you can be. This Youtube masterclass will open your eyes Make some time to watch this video, I promise you will gain many things from being in the presence of someone like this even if it is a via video. Pat … [Read more...]