The Sax School Online Podcast

Practising your sax regularly… but still not improving? You’re not alone—and it’s probably not your effort, it’s your approach. In this episode, Nigel, Joel, and Fred break down the 3 biggest practice mistakes sax players make—and how to fix them so you can finally start making real progress. 🎷 Learn how to: Build a simple, effective practice routine Stop reinforcing mistakes Make faster progress...

What happens when a sax player goes from the practice room to an international tour? Catherine Rannus joins Nigel to share what she learned touring Europe and the USA with Bolden—and how those lessons can help every sax player grow faster. All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast Improve your playing today: Sax School 14 Day Trial: saxschoolonline.com

Want to learn saxophone improvisation but don't know where to start? In this episode, Nigel, Joel and Fred explain the first steps to improvising on sax, including note choice, rhythm, harmony and confidence-building exercises for beginners. All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast Improve your playing today: Sax School 14 Day Trial: saxschoolonline.com

Squeaks, thin tone, or a sound that just doesn’t feel right? In this episode, Nigel, Joel, and Fred break down the most common sax tone problems and share simple, practical fixes you can apply straight away. Small adjustments to your setup and approach can make a huge difference — and this episode shows you exactly where to start. All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast Try Sax School FREE: saxs...

Feeling stuck with your sax playing? You’re not alone — every player hits a plateau at some point. In this episode, Nigel, Joel, and Fred break down why it happens and the simple steps you can take to reignite your progress. From reconnecting with listening, to trying something new, to resetting your goals, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. All Episodes: saxschoo...

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...

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 lon...

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 abo...

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...

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 episode...

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! Read more and watch : saxschoolonline.com/podcast

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 stor...

🔑 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...

🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full 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...

🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full 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: sn...

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 pla...

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/ Podca...

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...