What’s the Point of Your Sax Technique? – Jeff Coffin

I had the great pleasure recently to speak with 3 time Grammy Winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin, most well known from his years of playing with Dave Matthews Band, at the JEN conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

We talked a bit about sound, and how influenced he is by vocalists to get the sound that he is looking for. He talks about the fact that so many people tend to put emphasis on technique rather than reaching people with the melody. Being more influenced by vocals, helps him to focus more on a melodic sound.

He talks about how music can resonate with listeners physically, as sound vibrations evoke deep emotional responses, and trigger sensations, which is a testament to the connection between sound and body. He also highlights how great musicians, like Branford Marsalis and Sonny Rollins, reflect their personal voice and experiences through their tone, showing how sound can deeply convey the artist’s identity.

Keys to Musical Development

Jeff talks about his approach to teaching and the evolution of his clinics, which have shifted from a focus on listening to more comprehensive fundamental techniques. He describes his “Big Five” elements for musical development, including listening, tone, dynamics, articulation, rhythm, time, and harmony.

His methodology involves helping students connect with their instruments through practical exercises, emphasizing the importance of mastering chord tones and improvisation. He stresses the importance of dialogue in music, noting how differing opinions among musicians can lead to more enriching conversations and creative growth.

By sharing personal stories and strategies, he underscores how critical it is to make learning accessible and fun, fostering a supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks and find their unique voice in music.

The Importance of Collaboration in Music

Jeff emphasizes that to truly grow as a musician, particularly in jazz, it’s crucial to surround oneself with other musicians and actively share ideas. He believes that the inspiration and new perspectives gained from such interactions are essential for improvement.

While traditional methods often focus on playing notes and chord scales, he advocates for learning through rhythm and chord sounds for improvisation, as it leads to more effective results. He also encourages embracing the process of learning, acknowledging that even experts continue to evolve.

The key is to accept the journey, especially at the beginning, without being discouraged by early struggles.

Expanding Musical Perspectives and Expression

Jeff stresses that music education should not just teach the technical aspects of playing, but also encourage a broader understanding of musical expression. He advocates for exposing students to various perspectives, as hearing different explanations can deepen their understanding and help them develop their own personal approach to music.

He also shares his approach to teaching, using examples like encouraging students to record themselves or providing diverse learning opportunities through different instructors. He believes that the process of learning music is never-ending and should remain open and flexible, allowing for continuous growth and evolving perspectives.

We talked about these things and so much more, so be sure to watch the full interview at the link above.