Category Archives: Learning methods/inspiration

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Diatonic approach, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards, Technique

Have You Met Miss Jones Basic chords and Guide Tone Lines

16 January, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

If you want to learn to play Have You Met Miss Jones You might want to start here
Play and learn the chords and arpeggios

Video
Download PDF

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorenballegaardsaxophonelessons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenballegaard
Website: https://sorenballegaard.dk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SorenBallegaard

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

16th notes, Advanced, Chords, Diatonic approach, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 10, Standards, Technique, Timing

Have You Met Miss Jones Chris Potter Arpeggios

16 January, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

The first of many jazz solo etudes on standards.
Have You Met miss Jones full chorus solo using sped up arpeggios to get the sudden change and movement in the rhythm

Video Link
Download PDF

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Beginner, Chord note solos, Chords, Diatonic approach, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Standards, Technique, Timing

How To Solo Over Autumn Leaves in 3 Steps (Jazz Beginner)

16 January, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

Learn to master the jazz standard ‘Autumn Leaves’ with this step-by-step guide. From melody and harmony to improvisation, this presentation simplifies complex techniques, offering practical exercises, rhythm tips, and chord tone lines to elevate your jazz solos effortlessly.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

Master the Melody: Learn by ear from simple versions.
Understand the Harmony: Grasp chords, key, and exceptions effortlessly.
Start Improvising: Use chord tones, lines, and rhythm creatively.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Everybody Plays Autumn Leaves – You Should Too
01:20 Learn The Melody
02:15 Find The Key Of The Tune
03:38 The Chords by Heart
04:24 Improvise using Chord Tones
05:55 Guide Tone Lines
07:27 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/120152734

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
The ONLY effective way to learn Jazz https://youtu.be/6qbV8Qts1Cc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/112417517
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/the-only-effective-way-to-learn-jazz/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Standards, Technique

Set Smart Goals in 2025 And Learn Jazz Faster

9 January, 2025 Søren Ballegaard

Set 2025 as the year to master tough keys and sound like jazz greats. Learn efficient practice goal-setting, from breaking down Chris Potter solos to integrating techniques into tunes. Achieve milestones with short-term, actionable steps. Let’s talk goals!

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

Set Clear and Actionable Goals
Break ambitions into manageable, achievable steps.
Integrate Techniques into Practice
Turn ideas into exercises and apply to tunes.

Focus on Sound, Technique, and Tunes
Combine practice areas for holistic growth and musicality.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:

+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Set Smart Goals in 2025 And Learn Jazz Faster
00:38 Goal Setting Unwritten Rules
02:24 Learn A Technique
03:54 Add it To Your Vocabulary
04:28 Learn Tunes
05:43 Always Play With Great Sound
05:58 Never Set Long Term Goals
06:41 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/119667971

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Follow These 6 Steps To Learn Jazz Faster
https://youtu.be/h9shgk4B1Kg
https://www.patreon.com/posts/118313410
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/altered-scale-this-makes-it-sound-amazing/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Standards, Technique

The 8 Most Awesome Jazz Practice Strategies of 2024

25 December, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Discover the biggest musical lessons of 2024: turn warm-ups into endless musical phrases, master slow and precise practice for true integration, and explore the magic of groupings and posture for tone and creativity. Transform practice into music every day!

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

Transform Warm-Ups Into Music: Turn exercises into flowing, musical phrases.

Master Precision and Integration: Practice slowly to internalize material and perfect technique.

Expand Creativity Through Keys and Rhythms: Embrace all keys and unique rhythmic groupings.

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 2024 Looking Back – The Best Practice Strategies
00:18 What I Learned From Pat Metheny
02:04 Chris Potters Play and Fix Approach
03:10 Strong Fingers Like Michael Brecker
03:52 Go Slow With Joel Frahm
05:06 Joe Henderson For The Best Rhythm
06:00 Posture and Breathing as Ryan Devlin
06:53 Play All 12 Keys
07:51 I Practiced My Scales The Wrong Way in 2024
08:40 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/118652663

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Chris Potter – This Exercise Will Teach You
https://youtu.be/UOFL0NVuppc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/113788891
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/chris-potter-this-exercise-will-teach-you/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Standards, Technique, Triads

Not Having A Warm Up Is A Huge Mistake

24 December, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Turn every warm-up into music with Pat Metheny’s purposeful chord exercises, Chris Potter’s play-and-fix approach, and the amazing Ben Wendel’s triad approach, emphasizing voice leading, tone, and musicality. Focus on tone, speed, and application. Let every practice session connect you to the joy of creating music.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

Transform Warm-Ups Into Music: Turn simple exercises into meaningful musical moments.
Master Ben Wendel’s Triad Approach: Focus on tone, phrasing, and expressive triad voice leading.
Learn From Chris Potter’s Philosophy: Play, identify issues, and fix them in real time.

In this tutorial
00:00 Don’t Waste Your Time On A Lousy Warm Up
01:26 Warm-Up by Pat Metheny
02:48 Always Play Music
04:10 What’s Your Focus?
05:40 Chris Potter – Play Music and Fix It
06:52 Ben Wendel – Jazz Etudes
08:37 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/118537228

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Do This Everyday If You Want To Learn Jazz Faster
https://youtu.be/d9XPNg-vvAo
https://www.patreon.com/posts/116467438
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/do-this-everyday-if-you-want-to-learn-jazz-faster/

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Chris Potter – Pat Metheny: How to Play What You Hear in Your Head
https://youtu.be/Ob7jwg4-fqc
https://www.patreon.com/posts/110629494
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/chris-potter-pat-metheny-how-to-play-what-you-hear-in-your-head/

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Beginner, Coltrane, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Standards, Technique, Timing

6 Levels Of Practice Every Student Must Master

19 December, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Follow These 6 Steps To Learn Jazz Faster
Master jazz with the 6-Level Genius Approach: listen to legends like Coltrane and Brecker, learn and internalize tunes, develop strong technique, and blend creativity with focused practice. Stay consistent, explore deeply, and enjoy the journey. For guidance, join our supportive Patreon community. Play music and make it yours

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
– 3 step process – exercise – add to music – make music
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and
Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Follow These 6 Steps To Learn Jazz Faster
00:59 Listen To Lots Of Music
01:36 Learn Tunes
02:08 Read Music
02:43 Internalize knowledge
03:47 Play With Great Technique
04:40 Practice Slow
05:44 Apply Everything You Learn
07:00 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/118313410

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
3 Things That Will Save You Years Of Practice
https://youtu.be/sBqGw3JEauQ
https://www.patreon.com/posts/114228662
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/3-things-that-will-save-you-years-of-practice/

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Technique, Timing

Fix The One Thing That Ruins Your Phrasing

29 November, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Transform your practice routine with wisdom from Chris Potter and Joel Frahm! Potter emphasizes fixing limitations as you play, while Frahm champions taking small, focused baby steps. Combine these with just one minute of focused practice, and you’ll achieve exponential growth. Play, improve, get Inspired!

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
– developing exercises and licks from practicing phrases on Take The A-train
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 The 3 Rules Of Practicing
02:34 Chris Potter – Limitations
03:36 Joel Frahm – Baby Steps
05:11 1 minute Practice = 1 minute Better
06:32 Adding material to Other Settings
07:07 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/116467438

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
Why They Sound Pro When You Don’t
https://youtu.be/LSyewyqK-Jg
https://www.patreon.com/posts/115138487
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/solo-like-a-pro-only-2-rules/

Chris Potter On Practicing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajD0X3O_9Z0&t=105s

Better Sax Joel Frahm Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB70LFLog_Q&t=2302s

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Advanced, Alterations, Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, SOUND/INTONATION/EMBOUCHURE/ARTICULATION, Standards, Technique, Timing

Solo Like A Pro – Only 2 Rules

1 November, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

You need to practice everything in all ways, but there are always ways to do it smarter and faster.
These two PRO tips from Joel Frahm and Chris Potter are solid facts
Sound and Target Notes Practice are essential.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-simple short target note practice lines moving towards advanced lines with dominant alterations
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Everything is target notes and sounds
00:49 Joel Frahm Great Sound
02:18 Play Great Phrasing
03:07 Full Phrase Target Notes
04:12 Practice Target Note Feel
05:07 Chose The Road To The Target
06:13 Advanced Target Note Practice
07:16 Expand The Progression
08:24 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/115138487

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Learning methods/inspiration, Patreon Tier 5, Scales, Technique, Timing

This is what Pro Rhythm sounds like!

25 October, 2024 Søren Ballegaard

Playing jazz with great timing and rhythm is a must.
I’m using the method of the pros and is digging into how they learn and play off beats, syncopation and rhythmic displacement to get fluent rhythm and timing.

LINK TO VIDEO
DOWNLOAD PDF + get access to 3000+ pages of learning material

50+ PAGES LESSON TRANSCRIPTION CONTENT:
-Scale and chord training in different rhythmic patterns
-Play the full form blues etudes using off beat, syncopation and rhythmic displacement
+ all lesson examples are transposed to the Tenor, Alto and Concert keys and bass clef
+ all released lesson manual material are available in all 12 keys

In this tutorial
00:00 Play Flawless Rhythm Over The barline
00:57 Off Beat Rhythm
02:30 Syncopation
04:08 Rhythmic Displacement
05:18 Groupings of 3 and 6
07:20 Don’t Play Copy Paste Rhythm
07:47 Do you like my videos – support me on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/posts/114672456

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Video links:
How To Develop Your Rhythm Like Chris Potter https://youtu.be/odBQztXb6cU
https://www.patreon.com/posts/105749219
https://sorenballegaard.dk/product/how-to-develop-your-rhythm-like-chris-potter/

Free Scale Practice PDF – sign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribetomynewslettersorenballegaardsaxophonelessons

Lesson Manuals – Check This Link
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/
Solo Manuals Check them here
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonetopics/patreon-tier-20-access/

Rigotti reeds webshop
http://www.reedsonline.fr/boutique_reedsonline/en/accueil-gb/

Subscribe for more free saxophone videos and lessons: https://www.youtube.com/c/SørenBallegaard

Lesson tutorials and live online lessons – check my shop:
https://sorenballegaard.dk/shop

Contact me for video exchange lessons or live online lessons
https://sorenballegaard.dk/saxophonelessons/

My setup:
Tenor saxophone: Selmer MKVI 82xxx
mouthpiece is an old Otto Link Babbit – refaced from opening 6 to opening 8/8,5
Alto – The Martin Alto
Soprano – Yanagisawa Elimona

Saxophone-inspiration-motivation