The Sax School Online Podcast
Saxophone tips techniques and stories to help you learn faster brought to you by the number one online learning platform for saxophone players SaxSchoolOnline.com.
Episodes
Feel like you don’t have enough time to practise saxophone?
If you’re juggling work, family and everything else life throws at you, finding an hour for saxophone every day might be completely unrealistic.
But what if you only needed 10 minutes?
In this episode, Nigel McGill, Fred Vigdor and Joel Purnell share three different ways to make a short daily practice session genuinely useful — and explain why consistency...
Sore neck? Aching thumb? Tension when you play?
You don’t have to put up with it.
In this episode, Nigel, Joel, and Fred break down the most common causes of pain when playing sax—and the simple fixes that can help you play longer, more comfortably, and with better technique.
All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Improve your playing today: Sax School 14 Day Trial: saxschoolonline.com
Most people assume learning an instrument gets harder as you get older. But in the ways that actually count — motivation, taste, self-awareness, and knowing what you want — adults have a real advantage. In this episode, Nigel, Fred, and Joel dig into how adult learners are different, why that's a good thing, and what your saxophone learning experience might actually look like.
All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Coming back to saxophone after 20 or 30 years away? This episode is for you. Nigel, Fred, and Joel talk honestly about what returns quickly, what takes time, and the emotional side of rediscovering an instrument you once loved. Warm, practical, and genuinely useful if you're thinking about picking it up again.
All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Improve your playing today: Sax School 14 Day Trial: saxschoolonline.com
There's a saxophone song that got to most of us — Baker Street, Careless Whisper, something on the radio you never forgot. In this episode, Nigel, Fred, and Joel each share the song that hooked them on the sax and why. It's personal, it's joyful, and it might just make you want to pick one up.
All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Improve your playing today: Sax School 14 Day Trial: saxschoolonline.com
Is online saxophone learning actually as good as face-to-face lessons? Here is the honest answer from our Tutor Team — including what can go seriously wrong if you don't do it the right way. If you're considering starting to learn sax as an adult this is a MUST LISTEN!
All Episodes: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Improve your playing today: Sax School 14 Day Trial: saxschoolonline.com
Not sounding the way you want on sax?
It’s not just about practising more—it’s about what you focus on.
In this episode, Nigel, Joel, and Fred break down the key reasons players don’t sound “pro” yet—and the simple changes that can transform your sound.
🎷 You’ll learn:
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Why your sound concept matters more than...
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:
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Build a sim...
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: saxschoolonline.com
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: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
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 ...
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:
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Nigel’s 4-part practice routine to cover all the essentials
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How “interleaved practice” keeps your brain engaged (Joel)
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Why consistency beats long...
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:
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Why chasing fancy gear isn’t the answer
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Standard mouthpiece and ligature options that actually work
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How to pick one setup and stick with it
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Why pros like Branford Marsalis say it’s not ab...
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 laun...
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/...
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!
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