Twelve (12) Nevers of Playing the Soprano

1. Never practice without a chromatic tuner.

2. Never play all of your favorite alto and tenor saxophone licks.

3. Never avoid your lower register.

4. Never go without checking out Sidney Bechet and Steve Lacy for long periods of time.

5. Never play a set-up that doesn't allow you to get a nice sub-tone.

6. Never go without experimenting to find new and interesting sounds.

7. Never confuse expressiveness with being out of tune.

8. Never forget that the soprano is the storyteller's instrument. Just check out Wayne Shorter!

9. Never avoid the music of Thelonious Monk for long periods of time.

10. Never underestimate to the effectiveness of practicing sloooooooooow.

11. Never believe doublers when they say that a new line of sopranos is the best ever.

12. Never forget that playing soft is just a powerful as playing loud.