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 launching in Sax School PRO, Catherine also shares practical tips for bringing th...
Jul 14, 2025•22 min•Ep. 30
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.
Jun 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 29
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/Podcast...
Jun 09, 2025•34 min•Ep. 28
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! All episodes here: SaxSchoolOnline.com/Podcast...
May 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 27
Learn how Joanna grew her Instagram and TikTok saxophone accounts to over 180k followers and millions of views. Every sax player today needs to build their OWN audience and Joanna breaks down her 4 step method that you can use to start doing exactly the same thing today. More info on our blog: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
May 12, 2025•36 min•Ep. 26
They happen to everyone. Nightmare gigs that don't go how you thought. Today Nigel, Joel and Fred share their worst gig experiences and what they learned from them, so you can avoid these mistakes! Read more and watch : saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Apr 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 25
You might aspire to be a killer Jazz, Pop or Blues player, but do you include any Classical repertoire in your practice? Nigel chats with Jools Holland saxophonist Anna Brooks to unpack how her Classical background lead to a HUGE career in the Hip Hop, Blues and Jazz worlds as a sax player. More info about this podcast here: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Apr 14, 2025•44 min•Ep. 24
Is your saxophone progress being held back by the same mistakes that MOST people make? Find out in this episode with Nigel, Fred and Joel from the Sax School Tutor Team. PLUS, get tactics you can use TODAY to make better use of every practice session. Learn more about Sax School and start with a 14 day free trial here: https://saxschoolonline.com/
Mar 31, 2025•25 min•Ep. 23
If you want to learn saxophone faster and make better use of your practice time, you need these apps! Fred, Joel and Nigel from the Sax School Tutor team share their FAVOURITE practice apps that will help you too! More info and links here: saxschoolonline.com/podcast
Feb 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 22
What Would Pro Saxophonists Do Differently If They Started Today? Join Sax School Online founder Nigel and top tutors Joel Purnell and Fred Vigdor as they explore how saxophonists could thrive in today’s music landscape. From choosing styles like bebop and DJ sax, to modern practice techniques and building a career with social media, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your playing to the next level, you’ll discover ho...
Feb 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 21
🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full episode transcription: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ In this episode of the Sax School Online podcast, Fred Vigdor quizzes Sax School Online Founder Nigel McGill about his career in music. Find out how Nigel went from growing up in small town Australia to travelling the world as a pro player, and building Sax School Online which helps thousands of saxophone learners every day. This episode is packed with insights a...
Nov 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 20
🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full episode transcription: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ We all know we should practice long tones on saxophone, right? But isn't long tone practice really boring? Nigel and Joel from Sax School Online share 6 ways you can make practicing long tones on sax fun! Get their pro tips on making long tones an essential part of your practice routine to boost your sound and make you a better, more creative sax player (and enjo...
Oct 28, 2024•36 min•Ep. 19
🔑 Try Sax School for 14 Days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full episode transcription: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ When you're playing saxophone to 80,000 people every night, what is going on inside your mind? In this episode Snake Davis explains his whole process that has made him one of the most successful pop sax players in the world. Find out more about Snake Davis here: snakedavis.rocks Check out our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmus...
Oct 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 18
Nigel chats to Fred Vigdor - Sax Man to The Average White Band and member of the Sax School tutor team. Fred shares what he's learned from his long playing career about taking opportunities, practicing badly, getting fired and the importance of your music network. This conversation is packed with great insights into the life of a gigging sax player, and there's loads to learn for all saxophone players. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://s...
Sep 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 17
When you first start learning saxophone, or maybe if you're thinking of adding another sax to your collection, is buying a brand new instrument the only option that you should consider? Or is perhaps hiring a better way to go, or maybe even buying a used sax? Nigel chats to Rob Driver from UK sax hire company Music Corner. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Music Corner Checkout our free lessons and resources:...
Sep 16, 2024•25 min•Ep. 16
Are you struggling to make your saxophone practice count? Get our top tips on super-charging every practice session. Plus grab our free Practice Planner in our show-notes here https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/what-saxophone-practice-style-is-best Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool Instagram: https://www.instagram...
Sep 02, 2024•25 min•Ep. 15
What does it take to be a Sax Player with a DJ and build a career? In this video you'll learn how Jason built a huge career using social media. Plus, how he learned the right performing skills to make him successful for over 20 years. Get Jason's DJ Sax Masterclass inside Sax School with a 14 Day Free Trial Here: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lesson...
Aug 19, 2024•52 min•Ep. 14
Want to avoid an embarrassing gig blunder? Nigel and Joel discuss the most common things sax players get WRONG on gigs, and how you can avoid them! Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool...
Aug 05, 2024•23 min•Ep. 5
Joel talks to the incredible saxophonist Jesse Bannister - world renowned performer and composer of Indian classical music. Jesse breaks down the techniques he's developed to incorporate saxophone into Indian music, including tonguing, fingering techniques and even physical adjustments to his sax. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgi...
Jul 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 13
Following the sad news of the death of saxophone legend David Sanborn, Nigel and Fred share their memories of Sanborn, and chat about his influence on their own playing. Plus they share their recommendations for Sanborn recordings you should check out. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool...
Jul 08, 2024•20 min•Ep. 12
Is it possible to make great playing saxophones that don't break the bank? And what should you look out for to avoid buying the WRONG cheap sax? Get the full podcast transcription here: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Try Sax School for 14 Days here: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Check out our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool Check out JeanPaul Saxes here: https://jeanpaulusa...
Jul 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 11
For our first episode in the "Meet the Tutors" series Nigel is talking with jazz educator Joel Purnell. You might know Joel from his "Triad Pairs" video on Youtube. Our Sax School Members know him as the brains behind our Explore Jazz series of courses. But, he didn't set out to be a jazz sax player, let alone one of the top jazz educators in the UK! Check out the full story in today's episode. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschool...
Jun 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 6
Confused by saxophone mouthpieces? Nigel chats to Jody Espina of Jody Jazz about how to choose the right mouthpiece for you. Why your mouthpiece could be sabotaging your progress on sax Common mouthpiece mistakes and how to avoid them 3 tips for choosing your mouthpiece upgrade. Get the full transcription and links to extra resources on our blog. Try Sax School Free for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/txZy3bnIqvE Try Jody Jazz 6 Questions Servi...
May 27, 2024•40 min•Ep. 8
Ever dreamed of hitting the road with your sax and touring with a band, show or as a solo artist? This week join Nigel, Fred and Joel as they share stories from the road and discuss what life is like as a touring pro sax player. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillmusicsaxsc...
May 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 4
Nigel talks with Jamie Straker - head of Europe's biggest saxophone retailer Sax.co.uk about their brand new Atlantic Saxophone range. Why did they design a new saxophone in today's crowded market, and what's so special about it? Try Sax School free for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/XWyQTva5UBc Visit Atlantic Sax here: https://www.atlanticsax.com/...
Apr 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 7
Want to get the most "bang for your buck" from your sax warmup? This week Nigel, Fred and Joel are sharing their favourite warmup tactics that helped them stay in shape during busy playing careers. Lots of tips, tactics and advice for players of all levels in this episode! Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgillmusicsaxschool Instagra...
Apr 15, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Do you "digi sax?" Should an Aerophone or EWI be part of your saxophone arsenal? And which is the best one to start with? This week we are discussing all this and more with the guy who consults with Roland on the Aerophone design, Alistair Parnell. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Check out Alistair's courses for Aerophone here: isax.academy Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.yout...
Apr 01, 2024•30 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the brand new Sax School Online Podcast. In this very first episode, we're going to be discussing the things that you can do to make the best progress on your saxophone this year. Presented by Nigel McGill, Joel Purnell and Fred Vigdor from the Sax School Online tutor team. Try Sax School yourself with 14 days free access: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Full transcript: N: It's not just listening to the big picture, it's all those little details, that's where the magic happens...
Mar 18, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1
If you love playing sax but want to improve your skills this is the podcast for you! Each episode is packed with pro tips, techniques and advice from the Sax School Online Tutor team. We are helping thousands of learners like you every day and will be sharing some of that with you here too! Plus, you'll hear from special guests from around the saxophone world for behind the scenes info about new products, stories from the stage and more. Whether you are just getting started on sax, getting back ...
Mar 12, 2024•1 min
