SMMC would like to congratulate saxophone student Mason Y. for earning the “Student Of The Month” award for February 2026. Mason has been taking saxophone lessons with SMMC since October 2023 when he was 10 years old. This October will mark his third year of enrollment in private lessons. In that time, Mason has developed into a very solid young alto saxophonist. Mason participates in San Marino Music Center’s Chamber Ensemble and has performed with the group on two occasions. Mason is also a regular when it comes to performing at our Center’s recital performances too.
On Learning Saxophone
As with any instrument, there are fundamental techniques that need to be developed in order to play the saxophone successfully. Of those techniques the first thing to learn is diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle at the base of one’s lungs. Also known as “belly-breathing”, this type of breathing involves using your diaphragm to fill your belly with air as opposed to breathing from the chest. This kind of breathing fills your lungs to their full capacity. Once filled, students then learn to push this air outward as a steady stream. This is referred to as breadth support and the more breadth support a student has, the longer a musical phrase they can play.
Another key technique is developing the embouchure. Essentially, this is how the player’s mouth and teeth are placed on the mouthpiece. There is no universal method for the embouchure since everyone’s mouth, lips and teeth are shaped differently. Yet, there are some key features to be aware of. First, the top teeth rest firmly on top of the mouthpiece about 1/2 inch in from the edge. The top and bottom lip presses firmly against the reed and the corners of the lips pull inward to prevent air from leaking. Finally, a steady stream of air is blown out through the mouthpiece while allowing the reed on the mouthpiece to vibrate. It’s vital for the seal to be tight, but not too tight that it prevents the reed from vibrating.
Even More Techniques To Master
These are only just a few of the essential techniques in order to get learn to make a sound on the instrument. To develop into a good saxophone player, students must learn articulation (how to use their tongue to stop/start notes), develop finger dexterity in both hands, and develop a good tone and intonation. These last two qualities deal with pitch accuracy and having a full, round sound that is not airy or weak. Working on tone and intonation is often an ongoing process that gets better with time and age. As a student gets older and stronger, their tone and intonation develops in step.
In His Teacher’s Words
Mason takes saxophone lessons at SMMC with Mr. Osvaldo Gonzalez. Osvaldo is a multi-instrumentalist who teaches clarinet, saxophone and oboe. He received his Masters in Music in Clarinet Performance from Cal State University Los Angeles and has taught at SMMC since June of 2022. Of Mason, Mr. Gonzales writes: “Mason’s overall skill level has just reached the first steps of intermediacy. Mason takes his practicing seriously and as a result, progresses week after week. Mason’s music reading skills have improved immensely as well. His participation in the Music Center’s “Chamber Ensemble” where he plays music with other students his age and level have made a big impact on his sight reading skills. Recently, our lessons are focusing on phrasing, using dynamics, proper tonguing technique for articulations, and bigger sound projection. I look forward to continue working with Mason and guide him on the road to becoming a better saxophonist!“
Mason Performance
Last month on January 25th, Mason participate in San Marino Music Center’s Winter Recital. It was a wonderful performance that we invite you to enjoy below!
In His Own Words
Time for the “Question and Answer” portion of our Student of the Month blog! We sent Mason a set of questions to get more insight into him as person and to learn what inspires him musically. Here is what Mason had to share:
1. How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
“I’ve been playing the alto saxophone for 3 years. The thing I like most about it is how many variations of sounds you can play out of it.”
2. How did you get started playing saxophone and why did you decide to take lessons?
“I started because I was playing saxophone in 5th grade band at school, and I chose to take lessons to improve my playing.”
3. How do you make time to practice in your busy schedule?
“I find a time of the day when I’m not busy and I practice what I need to work on. Also, try to make time to practice on the weekends.”
4. If any, who are some of the artists you look up to for your instrument and why do you like them?
“I don’t have a favorite artist that I look up to currently.”
5. What is your favorite food, movie/tv show, video game, etc.?
“I love Chinese food, especially soup dumplings. I don’t have a favorite movie or tv show. My favorite video game is Brawl Stars.”
6. Besides music, what do you like to do in your down time?
“I like to crochet, watch movies, and play with Legos”
7. What have you done this year that you consider to be the most fun you’ve had all year?
“The most fun I had all year was when I went to Europe for summer vacation, especially going on tours around Italy and Spain, and experiencing new things there.”
Thank you for sharing Mason! A European vacation sounds like a blast!
Start Your Musical Journey
Surely, you or your child are ready to get yourselves started on your musical journey! In that case, our wonderful teachers are eager to work with you. Study with degreed educators who have years of experience. Whether you are a beginner, have not played for years, or looking to make the jump to intermediate or advance level, our teachers have the tools to help you achieve your ambition! Book a trial lesson today!