I've noticed that some students who have the desire to improve don't seem to make progress toward that goal. Often, it's because they don't spend enough time practicing, to connect with their instrument. There are certain basic physical connections that need to be established and the only way to do that is to physically play the instrument. Some people do this more quickly and easily than others, but we are all capable of achieving this connection.

Connecting to the instrument is a concept that is hard to describe because it is a physical sensation. Suddenly the horn seems to sing, and playing becomes more effortless than anything you've ever experienced. Everything seems to work together. Once you've felt it, you'll know what I mean.

If you spend the time and get connected to the instrument, you'll find that many problems will take care of themselves. For instance, practicing long tones to improve your sound, can also help your intonation. Working on finger technique will also help your sound. All these elements are inter-related. 

I experienced this for the first time when I started playing alto sax in college. I worked intently on long tone studies to develop my sound and-surprise! My intonation got a lot better also. Why? Because as I concentrated on my sound and learned how to use my air stream more efficiently, I also solved my intonation problems which were related to my unfocused air.

I've helped many students lighten their finger pressure and watched their sound and intonation improve at the same time. It's all related, but you have to spend enough time with the instrument to optimize the air stream and finger technique. We all need repetition to do this, how much repetition depends on the individual. So, Practice-Practice-Practice!

Spend time on fundamental exercises, such as long tones, fingering patterns, and scale exercises (as in Marcel Mule's Gammes et Arpeges). Focus on decreasing your finger pressure and making more efficient finger movements. Be conscious of your air speed and experiment with less lower lip pressure. Do simple exercises that allow you to move your focus from reading the notes to observing the way your body feels. Once you master the fundamentals-the rest will be easier. 
 
 
 

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