Everything Saxophone Podcast

What does it take to create a saxophone that delivers exceptional tone while still feeling natural and comfortable to play?
 
In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator Alex Hahn.
 
Here, Alex shares his experience collaborating with Eastman on the development of the EAS 852 52nd Street Alto Saxophone.
 
In this episode: 
00:00 Origins of the EAS 852 alto sax
02:11 The process of testing out the new prototypes
04:19 The importance of the saxophone neck
12:31 His process in setting his equipment right
14:46 Ryan Richman's goal for Alex
19:10 EAS 852 in a action
24:29 Testing the prototypes
27:43 The ergonomics compared to the first version or other horns
33:49 Alex as an educator
40:06 Upcoming projects
 
Explore more about Alex Hahn, his music, background, and socials here: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-alex-hahn-introducing-the-new-eastman-eas-852-alto-saxophone-ep-276
 
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✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
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Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level

The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)

And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.

What does it take to build a successful career as a saxophonist and multi-woodwind musician?
 
In Episode 275 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz welcomes Chad Smith, an accomplished Broadway saxophonist, multi-woodwind specialist, studio musician, and educator.
 
In this episode, Chad shares insights into his musical journey and discusses:
00:00 Musical background
05:18 How playing the piano helps as a saxophone player
09:10 How Chad got into music education
13:14 Total approach
21:50 Otto Link mpc in Met Opera
27:24 Importance of mouthpiece to your sound
38:52 How to double tongue
49:55 Single tonguing with efficiency
01:00:52 Listen and reflect to Sax Flight
01:02:57 Sax Flight - Each movement influenced by…
01:13:36 Vintage saxes vs. new
01:16:27 Playing in C melody
 
Explore more about Chad Smith-his music, background, and socials-all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-chad-smith-what-piano-mouthpieces-tonguing-can-teach-you-about-saxophone-ep-275
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become a Patron today! 
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.

What does it take to perform on some of the world's biggest stages while continuing to grow as a musician and educator?
 
In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator Steve Kortyka to discuss his musical journey, performing with legendary artists, the discipline required to succeed, and his biggest advice for developing as an improviser.
 
Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation: 
00:00 Musical beginnings
12:10 How to gauge your progress
13:33 His teaching experience
26:03 Simplicity vs. complexity of music process now and then 
33:02 Playing with Lady Gaga and other opportunities that opened up
42:22 How Steve studied the craft of writing arrangements
44:16 Required discipline and hard work even for famous people
48:29 Listen and reflect on Steve's solo "Love for Sale"
58:49 Is it nerve wracking to play for a famous person with large shows?
01:04:26 Preparing for shows
01:16:37 Steve's huge tip for those wanting to get better with their improvisation
01:18:11 This element of music is most important when soloing
01:22:26 Equipment
01:29:00 Upcoming projects
 
Explore more about Steve Kortyka-his music, background, and socials-all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-steve-kortyka-on-discipline-performing-with-famous-people-ep-274
Become a Patron today! 
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows V Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE

How do you prepare for a performance like an Olympic athlete?
 
In Episode 273 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Greg Banaszak shares his disciplined approach to performing, practicing, and thriving as both a classical and jazz saxophonist.
 
00:00 - Greg's approach to working on the Bird With Strings project
15:56 - His mindset in playing both classical and jazz
20:58 - Tips for transcribing
26:05 - Why he recommends Vandoren products 
32:50 - Audience receptiveness, especially overseas
37:12 - How he prepares for overseas concerts
42:54 - Greg's "Olympic" preparation
56:54 - How's the saxophone scene in Mumbai
01:07:35 - Upcoming projects

 
Explore more about Greg Banaszak, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-greg-banaszak-olympic-style-preparation-for-performances-ep-273

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become a Patron today! 🥳  
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE

What does it mean to use music as both an artistic outlet and a way to make an impact?
 
In Episode 272 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with acclaimed saxophonist Nick May to explore the experiences, ideas, and techniques that have shaped his career.
 
Nick reflects on his musical beginnings and the moment he decided to pursue the saxophone more seriously. Along the way, he shares an important reminder for musicians at every stage. The conversation also dives into Nick's passion for, about founding the I Exist Project.
 
Tune in now to hear Donna and Nick discuss music, artistry, lifelong learning, and the many ways the saxophone can inspire meaningful connection: 
00:00 Musical beginnings
08:18 When he got serious into playing
27:12 The creation of the I Exist Project
40:53 Billy Strayhorn and Julien Eltinge Tribute
47:30 What school he attended for college
49:32 You can learn from anyone
51:44 Double stops and how he deals with it
01:01:37 Equipment
01:05:57 Circular Breathing
01:12:16 Mistakes people make when approaching altissimo
01:23:06 First steps working on the Harrison Concerto
01:27:38 Legere reeds
01:29:08 Upcoming projects
 
Explore more about Nick May, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-nick-may-how-he-became-a-classical-saxophone-phenom 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become a Patron today! 🥳  
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE