Everything Saxophone Podcast

What does it take to perform on some of the world's biggest stages while continuing to grow as a musician and educator?
 
In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator Steve Kortyka to discuss his musical journey, performing with legendary artists, the discipline required to succeed, and his biggest advice for developing as an improviser.
 
Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation: 
00:00 Musical beginnings
12:10 How to gauge your progress
13:33 His teaching experience
26:03 Simplicity vs. complexity of music process now and then 
33:02 Playing with Lady Gaga and other opportunities that opened up
42:22 How Steve studied the craft of writing arrangements
44:16 Required discipline and hard work even for famous people
48:29 Listen and reflect on Steve's solo "Love for Sale"
58:49 Is it nerve wracking to play for a famous person with large shows?
01:04:26 Preparing for shows
01:16:37 Steve's huge tip for those wanting to get better with their improvisation
01:18:11 This element of music is most important when soloing
01:22:26 Equipment
01:29:00 Upcoming projects
 
Explore more about Steve Kortyka-his music, background, and socials-all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-steve-kortyka-on-discipline-performing-with-famous-people-ep-274
Become a Patron today! 
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows V Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE

How do you prepare for a performance like an Olympic athlete?
 
In Episode 273 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Greg Banaszak shares his disciplined approach to performing, practicing, and thriving as both a classical and jazz saxophonist.
 
00:00 - Greg's approach to working on the Bird With Strings project
15:56 - His mindset in playing both classical and jazz
20:58 - Tips for transcribing
26:05 - Why he recommends Vandoren products 
32:50 - Audience receptiveness, especially overseas
37:12 - How he prepares for overseas concerts
42:54 - Greg's "Olympic" preparation
56:54 - How's the saxophone scene in Mumbai
01:07:35 - Upcoming projects

 
Explore more about Greg Banaszak, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-greg-banaszak-olympic-style-preparation-for-performances-ep-273

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Become a Patron today! 🥳  
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE

What does it mean to use music as both an artistic outlet and a way to make an impact?
 
In Episode 272 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with acclaimed saxophonist Nick May to explore the experiences, ideas, and techniques that have shaped his career.
 
Nick reflects on his musical beginnings and the moment he decided to pursue the saxophone more seriously. Along the way, he shares an important reminder for musicians at every stage. The conversation also dives into Nick's passion for, about founding the I Exist Project.
 
Tune in now to hear Donna and Nick discuss music, artistry, lifelong learning, and the many ways the saxophone can inspire meaningful connection: 
00:00 Musical beginnings
08:18 When he got serious into playing
27:12 The creation of the I Exist Project
40:53 Billy Strayhorn and Julien Eltinge Tribute
47:30 What school he attended for college
49:32 You can learn from anyone
51:44 Double stops and how he deals with it
01:01:37 Equipment
01:05:57 Circular Breathing
01:12:16 Mistakes people make when approaching altissimo
01:23:06 First steps working on the Harrison Concerto
01:27:38 Legere reeds
01:29:08 Upcoming projects
 
Explore more about Nick May, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-nick-may-how-he-became-a-classical-saxophone-phenom 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become a Patron today! 🥳  
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE

In Episode 271 of Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna sit down with legendary tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, whose remarkable career has spanned jazz clubs, television studios, recording sessions, and some of the most iconic albums in music history.
 
In this episode, Donna and Pete talked about:
00:00 His encounter with Chet Baker
06:46 Violin as his first instrument
16:37 Playing with Eddie Lockjaw Davis 
18:14 Influenced by what he heard around him
23:44 The incredible connection between Pete and Warne Marsh when they improvised
26:03 The Jazz Master that was the biggest influence on Pete's playing
29:15 Album with Warne Marsh
31:50 What his father taught him
46:29 His introduction to saxophone
51:11 Tip from his teacher that stood out for him
54:25 How he got a gig with Johnny Carson
59:48 Learning how to improvise
01:07:10 Inspiring people around him
01:11:12 The influence of classical music on Jazz 
01:14:04 Upcoming projects

 
Explore more about Pete Christlieb, his music, background, and socials, all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/how-pete-christliebs-life-was-shaped-by-the-jazz-masters-ep-271

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become a Patron today! 🥳  
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE

Nicole Johänntgen joins Donna on Episode 270 of The Everything Saxophone Podcast!
 
Nicole is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential saxophone creators on social media today. In this conversation, she shares her musical journey, teaching philosophy, and practical insights for saxophonists looking to improve their playing and creativity.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 Musical beginnings
04:40 Nicole's tip for improving your saxophone technique
07:11 Coming from a classical background
08:36 Her introduction to saxophone
10:48 Her 360 Degree approach to teaching that involves the whole body/mind
12:31 Jazz is a skill for life
15:01 How her journey to composing started
17:30 What inspired Nicole to play so rhythmically
23:54 Playing with the time/timing
32:17 Listen and reflect to 'Pandeiro'
38:50 Her scooping technique
44:53 Moving to New Orleans
53:55 Upcoming projects



 
Explore more about Nicole Johaenntgen, her music, background, and socials, all in one place:  https://saxophonepodcast.com/nicole-johaenntgen-ep-270-rhythm-as-the-foundation-for-great-sax-solos

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Become a Patron today! 🥳  
Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:
✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode
✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!
Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!
Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE
Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔
To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?
That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."
Inside, you'll discover:
How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop
Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.
Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 HERE