This one goes out to anyone who's cracked a low note attack in the last week (i.e., all of us).

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In an attempt to answer a straightforward question, Erik goes deep into the weeds this week, touching on Cal Newport's Deep Work, the search for creative balance, artistic legacy, and more.

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Erik plays and discusses the Robert Muczynski Sonata (with a bonus example from yesteryear).

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Audio excerpts used by permission of G. Schirmer, Inc.

Yes, you're allowed to play pieces more than once. But HOW? (This episode also features a brief digression about Hemke reeds.)

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The summer of equipment trials comes to a close with D'Addario Select Jazz alto saxophone mouthpieces (DM5, DM6, DM7) tested against a Meyer 6M.

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MOAR GEAR! This episode features the D'Addario Reserve alto saxophone mouthpieces (D145, D150, D155) tested against a Selmer S90-180.

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Erik plays and discusses Aria by Eugene Bozza, touching on its history, breathing suggestions, practice techniques, dynamic inconsistencies, and more.

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Audio excerpts used by permission of G. Schirmer, Inc.

In a blingtastic episode, Erik tries out Selmer gold plated and solid sterling silver necks as well as a solid silver Series III alto, followed by a solid silver 33mm lefreQue.

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Erik agonizes over how to ensure that his students learn their scales.

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Erik's 12-week "Slow-Medium-Fast" scale progression:Week 1: Work assigned (work at remedial speeds if needed) Week 2: 50% Week 3: 60% Week 4: 50% (test at 50%) Week 5: 70% Week 6: 50% Week 7: 80% Week 8: 50% (test at 75%) Week 9: 90% Week 10: 50% Week 11: 100% Week 12: 50% (test at 100%)

Erik's nine-week "Slow-Medium-Fast" scale progression:Week 1: Work assigned, 50% Week 2: 60% Week 3: 50% (test 50%) Week 4: 70% Week 5: 80% Week 6: 50% (test at 75%) Week 7: 90% Week 8: 100% Week 9: 50% (test at 100%)

Erik performs his own composition Before Two and the Prelude from Cello Suite No. 2 by J.S. Bach in honor of the Steighner family Boston terrier, Lulu (Oct. 10, 2006 - July 9, 2019).

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