Lessons Archive – Cambridge Saxophone

In A Mellow Tone – Lesson Four

The fourth and final lesson in our ‘In A Mellow Tone’ transcription project. In this lesson we will cover clips 7&8 and show you how to record your version of the project.

In A Mellow Tone – Lesson Three

In this lesson we will be dealing with Clips 5&6 and in the video lesson, I will be going into much more detail than usual, (it’s a long one, so get a drink and settled!)

In A Mellow Tone – Lesson Two

Clips 3&4 are quite contrasting clips. In clip 3 Javon seems to keep it quite ‘straight’ and inside the scale of Bb major, whereas in Clip 4 he explores more of the chromatic enclosures that are often found in Bebop.

In A Mellow Tone – Lesson One

We’re taking the break into the solo and learning these fantastic opening lines of Javon’s solo. Remember, transcribing is much easier if you have some software to help, either Transcribe on your computer, or AnyTunePro on your phone.

Transcribe Surrey with the Fringe – Lesson 8

In this lesson we glue clips 14, 15 & 16 together so form the final part of our solo. As I’ve said in the video, don’t attempt this until you’ve got clip 13 from lesson 7 done!

Transcribe Surrey with the Fringe – Lesson 7

Today we’ve got something a little different. This clip 13 is HARD and it had me stumped for days, so I’ve decided to transcribe it onto paper for you so you can work through it.

Mark Grieshaber

02:44 03 Jun 20

Dan has many years of experience as a working musician and as a teacher. Dan's lessons are well organized and he clearly puts thought into each lesson beforehand. There won't be any standing around while your teacher figures out what to do next. Dan provides a good balance of real music and technical exercises in each lesson. If you are serious about learning to play, Dan is a great choice.

Emma Stewart

08:37 02 Jun 20

Dan's been teaching my son saxophone with weekly Skype lessons for over a year and the progress has been incredible!! The lessons are well structured and challenging and is thankfully now a joy to hear my son play!! I would highly recommend Dan for anyone keen to improve their playing.

lyndsay mcintosh

09:24 05 Jul 19

As a student returning to the sax after 20+ years of not touching it, I was nervous! Dan has been both patient but pushed me, recognising my ability. He’s given me more confidence than I ever had before. And with his support I’m loving learning again! Dan is inspiring in his teaching methods. My weekly lessons are the highlight of my week and I leave desperate to get home to practice! Thanks Dan!

Jay Calpin

13:12 14 May 19

I came across Dan by browsing reviews on youtube. As a professional guitarist taking up a new instrument at 33, the thing I needed the most was an honest, impartial opinion on where I was at and, most importantly, a plan. Being busy with gigs, I really needed someone to structure my practice plan and help me get the most out of my practice time. I am very happy with my progress and love the fact that lessons take place at home, with no travel time or added inconveniences. I would highly recommend him.

Jas Sanghera

09:00 13 May 19

24 years ago I bought a Saxophone! After a few years of occasional practice, it sat in its case until last year when I contacted Dan. I have not looked back as Dan has renewed my enthusiasm and given me real hope that I could actually be a capable Saxophone player. I have one lesson a month and use the excellent website and videos to keep me practicing in between. Dan is a natural teacher and I look forward to our lessons - it just shows it’s never too late. I would highly recommend Dan and his online lessons and videos.

Simon Herberholz

11:19 11 May 19

Dan is a great teacher and has always inspired me to be the best musician I can be. In particular he introduced me to the process of transcription which has helped me make great strides in my playing. I would recommend Dan's lessons to anyone looking to get better at the saxophone.

Martin Watkins

16:35 10 May 19

As a saxophone newbie coming to the instrument later in life, I discovered Dan's YouTube channel whilst surfing for tips. When I found out he offered Skype lessons I jumped at the opportunity and I'm SO glad I did. In just a few months he has given me a real focus for my playing and practice, including starting to read music, which I thought I'd never do! I've only just scratched the surface of the Cambridge Saxophone website materials, as there is plenty to keep me interested for years to come. I also recently saw Dan play live, which was great, as I think it reinforces a teacher's credibility when you see that they can do it 'for real' as a professional gigging musician. Thanks Dan - looking forward to my next lesson...

Michael Wells

10:53 21 Sep 18

Dan's lessons are challenging, but if you're dedicated to the work there is no faster way to progress on the saxophone. He helps you build a great sound and a good grasp of music theory by mixing in transcriptions of fantastic, inspirational players with structured practice. Dan's own ability on the sax is out of this world - something to aspire to!

Sarah Williamson

16:09 08 Mar 18

Dan has taught my daughter for several years. He has a lovely laid back attitude but pushes his pupils to achieve great results. His passion for his music shows through.. highly recommended

jocelyn fleet

19:39 07 Mar 18

Dan is a great tutor, he’s ability to change the pace of the lesson to match my learning speed ( that day) and practice is the week is brilliant, not to mention how easily he explains the physics behind playing the sax! It’s always a fun lesson :)

Keith Murray

17:35 07 Mar 18

Dan is the consummate tutor and to learn from such a talented saxophonist is both an honour and a pleasure. Don’t get me wrong Dan demands that you put the effort in to learning the saxophone and always challenges you. For a man in his sixties to be able to achieve the progress in a few lesson shows what Dan can coax out of you. Thanks Dan.

Adam Glinsman

14:54 07 Mar 18

Dan reinvigorated a middle-aged wannabe latecomer to the saxophone, and made him fee like he unleashed his inner Coltrane. (Even though the harsh truth is more like plodding Grade 3... ). Massively enthusiastic, and one of life's natural teachers. Can't recommend Dan highly enough.

Kim Keates

20:56 11 Jun 15

I have been having Skype saxophone lessons with Dan for 10 months now. He has been able to facilitate my learning in a way that has engendered my confidence in my own ability. He believes in his students and sincerely wants to enable them to be the best that they can be. If you want to make progress in all aspects of musicianship, then Dan is the teacher to choose. He will guide you and help you to achieve your musical goals.