Saxophone Academy

1,000 Saxophonists walk into a bar...

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about North America's giant saxophone conference, amazing performances, and raising our standards. 

Dr. Jonathan Helton: The French Connection!

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with Jonathan Helton, Professor of Saxophone at the University of Florida! What makes a great career in performance? What c...

Practicing Creativity with Dr. Nicki Roman!

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with Dr. Nicki about the art of creativity, improvisation, burnout, practice planning and MUCH more! 

One Giant Saxophonic Leap!!

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue review the New CD from the Moanin' Frogs: One Giant Leap! Go buy a copy and support these amazing saxophone ambassadors: https:/...

The World's Largest Saxophone School, with Nigel McGill!

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with a man who has helped more adults learn the saxophone than, perhaps, anyone on earth?! Explore the strategies of teachi...

Electric Sax Pants

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sue and Dr. Wally chat about music for electronics, new gear, and old friends.

Developing Artistry with Dr. Heidi Radtke!

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat with Dr. Heidi about developing your sound, refining artistry, and pursuing a career in music. 

Learning Jazz

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue share 3 pillars to transition from a classical to jazz player. Check out the livestream of Sue's latest concert: https://www.you...

Fast Etudes and Faster Fingers

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue break down learning the blistering new etudes from Jenni Watson - download for free here: https://www.thesaxophoneacademy.com/Wa...

Gettin' Chops Back and Mailbag questions!

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue answer your questions about getting back into shape, soprano fingerings, C-melody saxophones and other nonsense. 

New Etudes and More (free .pdf download)

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.thesaxophoneacademy.com/Watson

Under Pressure: Sue's Soapbox

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue discuss the importance of applied pressure to applicable applications of applied saxophonics. Also, sue gets Angry. 

Groundhog Deja Vu

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about the magic of repeated performances and answer YOUR questions! 

Measure Impossible!

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You know that one impossible measure? That bit of an etude? That horrendous lick? Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat strategies to save your sanity and reputa...

5 Keys to a GREAT Rehearsal

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue share the secrets to a fun and productive rehearsal. Preparation, planning, patience and another word that doesn't start with "p...

Practice Secrets

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're back! Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue share practice secrets: 3 strategies to make your studio time more effective! There's also other nonsense, that's no...

The Dark Tone

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about what constitutes a "dark" or "bright" sound and how we navigate the colors of tone. Looking for the Desmond sound? We...

Preparing for Recording!

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sue and Dr. Wally chat about recording for a recording session and answer your questions...well, some of them. 

Soprano Double and Double Trouble

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about doubling on soprano and switching between classical and jazz mouthpieces. 

Dead Reeds and Horn Upgrades

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue discuss the ethics of reed euthanasia and answer your questions! 

Atomic Saxophone Habits

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue talk about practice habits and answer your questions! 

Lifelong Lessons and Practice time!

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue talk about being a lifelong learner and answer YOUR questions! 

Selmer Christmas Supreme?

25 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue chat about gift ideas for the beloved saxophonist in your life. Also, is the Supreme worth the money?!

Vibrato Legends

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue share recordings of what has influenced their vibrato and discuss performance and pedagogy! 

Sax got Rhythm

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about rhythmic resources and answer listener questions!

Sax for the People!

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about performance opportunities, the price of quartet music, and answer YOUR questions!

The Deadly B

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue dive into the music of Alfred Desenclos, Honking Catastrophes, and strategies to hide one's poor intonation. 

The $700 Ligature!

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about Vandoren's expensive new venture, practice mindset, and the music of Charles Koechlin! Check out the playlist of his saxophon...

Accents and Accidents

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about articulation, accents, accidents, and Sue's never-ending obsession with Kenny G. 

Peak Practice (the summer shed)

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Dr. Sue chat about peak practice, artistry, and plenty of saxophonic nonsense. We also answer your question! 

Summer Saxophone!

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue catch up on all things saxophone and answer your questions!

Timothy McAllister!

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally interviews concert saxophone virtuosos Timothy McAllister! We chat about his new line of mouthpieces, practicing, overtones, and much more n...

Jack from Boston Sax Shop

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally chats with Jack Finucane, owner of the Boston Sax Shop about the launch of the Nexus saxophone, modern saxophone trends, and other nonsense....

Improvisation Everywhere

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue chat about improvisation outside the jazz setting!

Money for Sax

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tango and the Tongue

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue chat about saxophone fundamentals, and check out a NEW album from the Nexas Saxophone Quartet! Check out Sue's recording of Envelope...

Flying Fingers

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue chat about flying fingers and answer your questions! Preorder the NEW 56 Select (alto and tenor): https://www.windycitywoodwinds.com...

BeBop N' Bach

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue talk about improvisation, the benefits of classical study, and answer your questions! Huge thanks to our sponsor, Key Leaves! Follow...

Chops Supreme

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about the Selmer Supreme, "Chops" by Dan Graser, and answer listener questions! Download our first commissioned composition by Jenn...

Big Practice Little Time

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sue and Wally chat about a cool new gear, a new record from Alexa Tarantino, and answer your questions! Check out our sponsor for a BIG discount on ou...

Saxophone Reboot!

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Susan Fancher are back! Check out this week's sponsor for 20% off one of our favorite saxophone accessories:  https://keyleaves.com/pag...

Marsalis, Meyer, and More

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Wally and Sue chat about industry news, a recent CD from the Branford Marsalis Quartet, and dig into the mailbag! Venn Reed: https://www.daddario...

Chamber Challenges

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue check out a CD by the Masato Kumoi Sax Quartet, chat about industry news and new products, and answer listener questions! If you have a...

Valentine Gear

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about our winter love for new saxophone gear and have some recommendations! We dive into the mailbag and answer listener questions,...

New Year New Saxo-Goals!

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about goals for the new musical decade, check out an album by Chad Eby, and answer your questions. Exciting news: We're switching t...

Virtuosity and the Blues

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sue and Wally talk about a new recording from concert saxophone virtuoso Timothy McAllister, some cool new products, and helping your beginning studen...

Episode 18: Tips, News, and Reviews!

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about upcoming industry events, some saxophone product news, and a new CD from Matt Olson. We dig into the mailbag and answer liste...

Pumpkin Spice Reeds

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about industry news, a new CD by Dave Camwell, and dive into the mailbag. In the podcast community news:  Sean Imboden's Etude Boo...

Episode 16: Zen and the Saxophone

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about the debut album from Paul Nedzela, improving your intonation, and Zen in the Art of Archery. Support the podcast and stay war...

Episode 15: Inner Game of Saxophone

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about back to school equipment, peak performance, military band auditions and the FIRST installment of the Saxophone Book Club! Sup...

Episode 14: Slap Tongue Time

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about the fine art of slap tonguing, Wally's new vintage mouthpiece, the Bell Ring from Peak Performance Woodwinds, and answer ques...

Episode 13: Practice Strategy, News, and Reviews

03 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about learning new music efficiently, Collider by the Donald Sinta Quartet, sticky keys, and dive into the mailbag! 

Episode 12: Overtones and Zoot

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue discuss strategies for practicing Overtones, one of Wally's favorite jazz albums, and how to get great press photos (and why you want th...

Episode 11: Frogs, Scales, and New Gear

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue discuss strategies for structuring your practice session, Sue's CD pick of the week, a NEW mouthpiece from Vandoren, and tips for record...

Episode 10: Turbo Tongue

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sue and Wally discuss strategies for faster articulation, look at some cool new products, check out a NEW CD from Alexa Tarantino, and answer some que...

Episode 9: Transcribing, Marble, and Fuego

30 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wally and Sue chat about the process of jazz transcription, a limited edition mouthpiece from D'Addario, and a new CD from the Fuego Quartet! Check ou...

Episode 8: Remembering Hemke

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Fancher earned three degrees with Fredrick Hemke during his 50 year career at Northwestern University. On this very special episode, Sue shares ...

Episode 7: Low tones, the showboat, and news!

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week Sue and Wally chat about low note strategies, a remarkable album by Phil Woods, and tips on building a better masterclass. 

Episode 6: Practice Hacks and Legos

04 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week Wally and Sue discuss strategies to overcome technical challenges, dive into the pool of endless neck strap options, and Wally shares one of...

Episode 5: Tales from the Pro (Failure is an Option)

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sue and Wally discuss industry news, how we teach vibrato, a new recording featuring Alexa Tarantino, and share stories of failure!  Alexa Tarantino:...

Episode 4: Reed Rituals

02 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sue and Wally discuss strategies for better reeds, check out a recording of the H2 quartet, chat about gigging, and answer listener questions! Huge th...

Episode 3: Warmups, Reviews and News!

14 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Fancher and Wally Wallace explore ways to find your perfect warmup routine, discuss a new Etude Book from Adam Larson, Review a recording from Jaz...

Episode 2: Practicing Less

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Fancher and Wally Wallace discuss the concept of practicing less (material, not time), review Stephen Page's new CD, share insights on Freelanci...

Episode 1: Saxophone Resolutions

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Saxophonists Susan Fancher and Wally Wallace discuss their saxophone goals for the new year, setting goals for students, and keeping ourselves and stu...