Martino Scovacricchi, Author at London Saxophone School

3 March 2025 In Blog

How to Improve Tonguing: 5 Pro Secrets You Need to Know

5 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Saxophone Tonguing Technique

If you’ve ever struggled with your tonguing technique on the saxophone and found that every note sounds like a duck, don’t worry—you’re not alone! The good news is that you can fix this with simple yet effective techniques. In this guide, we’ll explore five ways to instantly improve your tonguing and get your playing to sound smooth and professional.

3 March 2025 In Blog

Top 10 Saxophone Techniques to Play Like a Pro

10 Essential Tips to Strengthen Your Saxophone Basics

If you’ve been struggling with the basics of the saxophone or want to dive into more advanced concepts but feel something is holding you back, this guide is for you. Whether it’s poor technique, weak sound, or just a lack of direction, these ten tips will help you refine your fundamentals and accelerate your progress. Let’s dive in!

25 May 2024 In Blog

Saxophone Arpeggio Practice Techniques

Improving your saxophone arpeggio practice techniques

Arpeggios are fundamental to mastering saxophone technique, improvisation, and reading music. Understanding and practicing arpeggios will transform your playing and significantly enhance your skills. If you’re an upper beginner or intermediate player, this article is perfect for you. Let’s explore how arpeggios are built, the best ways to practice them, and get some hands-on practice together.

15 August 2023 In Blog

Mastering the Art of Slap Tongue: Insights from Kenneth Tse

In the world of saxophone playing, mastering extended techniques is crucial for adding depth and versatility to your musical expression. Recently, Kenneth Tse, the renowned classical saxophonist and professor at the University of Iowa, shared invaluable insights during a masterclass. One of the key topics he discussed was the slap tongue, an extended technique for saxophonists seeking to explore new horizons.

Tse’s explanations were clear, concise, and captivating, making it imperative to share his wisdom with fellow saxophonists. In this article, we will delve into Tse’s insights on slap tongue, breaking down the technique step by step. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to slap tongue or an experienced player looking to enhance your technique, Tse’s explanations are bound to dispel any doubts and propel your playing to new heights.

8 August 2023 In Blog

Unlocking the Tongue’s Full Potential

Playing the saxophone is an art that requires mastery of various techniques, and one crucial aspect is tonguing. Proper tonguing can enhance your playing, allowing you to express yourself more effectively and achieve a better overall sound. In this article, we will explore the importance of air flow, the mechanics of tonguing, and techniques to improve your tonguing skills. Join Martino from the London Saxophone School as he shares his expertise and provides valuable insights to help you become a better saxophone player and musician.

1 August 2023 In Blog

Sound Secrets from George Garzone

George Garzone’s Secret to a Bigger Saxophone Sound

Hey guys, welcome to the London Saxophone School! I’m Martino, the founder, and today I want to share with you one of the greatest pieces of advice I’ve ever received on how to achieve a bigger, fuller, and more relaxed saxophone sound. This technique, taught by legendary Berkeley professor George Garzone, has helped countless musicians, including Branford Marsalis and Joshua Redman. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or even a professional player, this technique can eliminate 99% of your sound-related issues. So, let’s dive in and discover the secret to a relaxed and powerful saxophone sound!

25 July 2023 In Blog

Mastering the Altissimo Range

A Guide to Bridging the Altissimo Gap

Hello, fellow saxophonists! It’s wonderful to have you back here again. My name is Martino, and today I’m thrilled to show you how to conquer the altissimo range on your saxophone. Now, let me be upfront with you—the altissimo range is a formidable challenge. But don’t let that discourage you. It’s important to remember that everyone struggles with it at some point. In this article, I’ll share a little trick to help you bridge into the altissimo range successfully. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey!

18 July 2023 In Blog

A Strategic Approach to Scales

Mastering Scales

In this blog post, we will delve into some valuable tools for practicing any type of scale, be it major or minor scales, pentatonic, augmented or diminished scales, and more. One of the fundamental aspects of mastering any instrument is developing proficiency in all twelve keys. However, this process can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to share a strategic approach to practicing scales that will make your life easier and help you divide and conquer the twelve keys effectively.

11 July 2023 In Blog

The Sax Holder

In this blog article, we will explore the sax holder, a revolutionary product that has the potential to transform the lives of saxophone players. Whether you are a professional musician or an amateur enthusiast, the sax holder offers a unique solution to the common problem of discomfort and strain caused by prolonged saxophone playing. In this review, we will delve into the personal experience of Martino, a dedicated saxophone player who discovered the sax holder and its remarkable benefits. From addressing physical pain to improving overall playing experience, the sax holder proves to be a game-changer for saxophone players of all levels.

4 July 2023 In Blog

The Importance of Relaxation for a Clear Saxophone Sound

Achieving a clear and resonant sound on the saxophone is a goal for every player. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues such as a strained or strangled sound. In this article, we will explore the connection between relaxation and sound quality on the saxophone. Martino, founder of the London Saxophone School, emphasizes the importance of relaxation in producing a rich and vibrant tone. By understanding how tension affects our playing and implementing simple techniques, we can unlock a more relaxed and expressive sound.