Bob Sheppard: "How I REALLY Learned to Play the Saxophone!"

In this powerful 25-minute segment from the Next Level Sax Summit, legendary saxophonist Bob Sheppard breaks down the truth about what really builds your sound, time feel, and creative voice on the saxophone.

Grab the new Jazz Standards Etude Workbook for just $1! That's right, for a limited time I'm offering the new book for only $1 with discount code NEXTLEVEL when you use the standard "add to cart" checkout (not ShopPay) at my new store! Look for the "+" symbol to add the discount code. This is a thank you for watching and supporting! This is just for a limited time so make sure you grab it now here: https://shop.nextlevelsax.com/product...

The Jazz Saxophone Blueprint Digital Course: Mastering Tone, Articulation & Time Feel is Here: https://www.nextlevelsax.com/saxophon...
The Jazz Saxophone Blueprint gives you a step-by-step path to build a resonant, professional sound, articulate with clarity and style, and develop a swinging sense of time that makes your playing feel alive. Through 25+ in-depth video lessons, guided practice methods, and exclusive resources, you’ll finally connect the dots between technique and expression so you can sound like the jazz player you’ve always wanted to be.

Download your FREE copy of “Rhythm Changes: The Ultimate Guide” from this 45 minute lesson video:    • Take Your Rhythm Changes to the Next Level...  

Bob shares how he developed his own approach—not by running endless scales or rigid exercises, but by playing along with music, internalizing melodies, and following his ear. Whether you're a serious high school saxophonist, an adult learner getting back into the horn, or a pro who's admired Bob’s career for years—this talk will shift the way you think about practicing.

🧠 Topics covered in this clip:
Why long tones and scales aren’t always the best starting point
How to train your ear the same way a baby learns to speak
Bob’s personal practice methods (you’ve probably never heard them taught this way)
Using known melodies like “Softly,” “Happy Birthday,” and “When You Wish Upon a Star” to build control, tone, and phrasing
How to make your practice fun, musical, and actually stick

Articulation MIni-Course is here! https://jeffpifhermusic.lpages.co/sax...

Jam Session Essential Standards Etude Book is here! 120+ pages of etudes on 11 of our favorite standards: https://jeffpifhermusic.lpages.co/etu...

If you want to take your saxophone playing to the next level, I also teach private lessons online — check it out here: https://www.nextlevelsax.com/lessons-...

MORE FREE DOWNLOADS FROM NEXT LEVEL SAX!
Bob Sheppard Live Sax Masterclass here:    • Sax Icon Bob Sheppard Blows Audience Minds...  
Melissa Aldana Sax Masterclass here:    • Sax Icon Melissa Aldana: Lifetime of Inspi...  
Ed Wynne Live Masterclass here:    • The Brutal Truth About Gigging as a Sax Pl...  
Eric Marienthal Sax Masterclass: Tone, Technique & Jazz Wisdom here:    • Eric Marienthal Sax Masterclass: Tone, Tec...  
Face Melting Altered Pentatonic Jazz Phrases: Modern Sound Unlock here:    • Face Melting Altered Pentatonic Jazz Phras...  
Tritone Substitutions for Sax Players Made Easy! Free PDF! here:    • Tritone Substitutions for Sax Players Made...  
Legend Tom Scott Masterclass & Words of Wisdom here:    • Legend Tom Scott Sax Masterclass & Words o...  
Favorite warm-up exercise under 15 minutes here:    • Best Sax Warm-up Under 15 Minutes!  
Best 10 minute articulation exercise here:    • Best Sax Warm-up Under 15 Minutes!  
How to master the bebop scale here:    • How To Use The Bebop Scale! #jazz #bebop #...  
Giant Steps Etude FREE PDF here:    • Giant Steps Etude! Free PDF All Saxophones...  
Sax Masterclass with Legend Gary Keller + FREE PDF downloads here:    • Mind-blowing Sax Masterclass with Legend G...  

Join the community! Next Level Sax is an all-in-one membership with all of your most essential jazz saxophone educational materials PLUS a community group where you can get direct support from jazz experts and peers!

This is everything you need to take your playing to the next level at a fraction of the cost of traditional courses, programs, or lessons!
https://www.nextlevelsax.com/

Make sure you check out all of the sax education videos on this channel @NextLevelSax
IG: @jeffpifher