Listening to This Counts as Practice was a podcast released between 2018 and 2024. With a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts (based on eight whole ratings!), it included discussion and demonstration of warm-up and practice techniques, masterclasses on saxophone works, gear trials, selected performances, satire/parody episodes, and a sprinkle of general reflections on whatever was going on in Erik’s life at the time.
Below is the complete episode list with the original descriptions. Access to a page with all episodes available to stream is available for a single payment — over 24 hours of content for the price of just one in-person lesson! You will receive a password via email that provides access to the full episode archive for as long as it remains on the site.
Aug. 1, 2024
#124 Wrapping Up
Erik puts an ending tag on the show. Thanks for listening for the past six (!) years!
Dec. 5, 2023
#123 Testing Légère’s New French Cut Alto and Tenor Sax Reeds
Erik tries out the new Légère French Cut reeds for alto and tenor saxophone and compares them to the Signature Cut and Vandoren/D’Addario cane examples. If you enjoy listening to the same measures of music played over and over and over and over, then this will be right up your alley!
Aug. 22, 2023
#122 What’s Next
Erik’s mulls over the show’s future. And attend or stream Erik’s upcoming faculty recital, 3 p.m. PST on Sept. 10 at PLU!
May 25, 2023
#121 Another School Year in the Books
Erik’s subconscious ordered another episode.
Jan. 30, 2023
#120 Selmer Tenor Mouthpiece Shootout – S90-170, S90-180, Concept
Erik records a spur-of-the-moment episode comparing the Selmer Concept and S90-180 tenor mouthpieces against his S90-170.
Jan. 16, 2023
#119 Testing the D’Addario Venn G2 Synthetic Reed
Erik tries out the new(ish) D’Addario Venn G2 synthetic reed and compares it against the first generation.
Jan. 13, 2023
#118 The Mostest Tips for the Newest of Years
Now with almost 100 percent fewer tips!
Oct. 17, 2022
#117 Gigging and Plugging
Erik checks in again after a symphony gig and plugs some stuff. Volatility Index for solo alto saxophone is now available for purchase from Alea Publishing. Catch the South Sound Saxophone Ensemble on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. PDT on 98.1 KING-FM or on Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. PDT at PLU (livestream).
Sept. 8, 2022
#116 Busy Busy Busy
Erik phones one in.
June 19, 2022
#115 Backun Vocalise TM2 Mouthpiece Trial
Erik tests the new Backun Vocalise TM2 against his current Selmer Claude Delangle (and older Selmer S90-180) mouthpieces.
June 6, 2022
#114 HBDTM
Erik treats himself to a new mouthpiece and listens to John Corigliano’s new saxophone concerto.
May 15, 2022
#113 Fourth Anniversary Hullabaloo
A wild celebration followed by a little metronome talk.
April 1, 2022
#112 Whither Must I Podcast
Erik shares some brief updates and a recording of “Whither Must I Wander” by Vaughan Williams from his recital in February.
Feb. 19, 2022
#111 Recital Plug (Feb. 20)
Erik plugs his upcoming recital with pianist Oksana Ejokina, to be held at 3 p.m. PST on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Pacific Lutheran University (streamed live via this link). The program includes works by Djupstrom, Maurice, Vaughan Williams, and Yoshimatsu.
Jan. 26, 2022
#110 Heavenly Tedious
Does the episode title describe the show itself or something profound? Listen and find out.
Jan. 7, 2022
#109 Innumerable Tips for a Productive New Year
The annual tradition continues.
Dec. 21, 2021
#108 Practicing Emotion in Music
Erik checks out The Richtmeyer Method for Saxophone Mastery (you should, too!) and reflects on how much emotion he conveys as a performer.
Nov. 19, 2021
#107 YouTube Round-Up No. 1
Erik discovered a site called “YouTube”! He watched: [links available on archive page]
Oct. 12, 2021
#106 Selmer Supremina
Erik recorded this instead of practicing.
Oct. 5, 2021
#105 Bach and Tetris
It’s been a busy start to the school year, but Erik takes a little time to check in with an update.
Aug. 3, 2021
#104 Vacation Mode, Scale Practice, New Books
Erik checks in during an extended vacation break to talk about scale practice approaches for the umpteenth time and plug a couple new books by Dan Graser and Robert Musser.
July 6, 2021
#103 Returning to In-Person Lessons
Erik reflects on his priorities as in-person lessons resume and plugs the Seattle Sax Institute Online Community Lesson Series.
June 22, 2021
#102 Saxophone Mysteries Book 3 Chapter 9
Erik continue to read from the Avery Combs saxophone mystery series. It’s time for Book 3, Chapter 9…this one gets tense!
June 15, 2021
#101 Forty and Sporty
Erik premieres a celebratory piece by Mark Steighner for solo alto saxophone.
June 8, 2021
#100 Reflecting on 100 Episodes
Erik basks in the glow of accomplishment after finishing 100 episodes.
May 25, 2021
#99 Ignore the Leap
Erik shares a mental trick to make interval leaps feel easier and sound better.
May 15, 2021
#98 Third Year Anniversary Jamboree
Three years of this stuff. Can you believe it?
May 11, 2021
#97 Saxophone Family Members Ranked
In an episode accomplishing very little, Erik ranks his beloved saxophone children.
April 27, 2021
#96 Steighner – Volatility Index (2021) for solo alto saxophone
Erik shares a recording of his new work for solo alto saxophone, Volatility Index (2021). Let him know if you’re interested in obtaining a copy!
April 20, 2021
#95 Post-Recital Musings
Holy moly, brace yourselves for a bonus episode! Erik decompresses a bit after finishing his first live recital in over a year.
April 13, 2021
#94 Youtz – From Stillness (2021) for solo saxophone
Erik presents an encore performance of From Stillness (2021) for solo saxophone by Gregory Youtz, premiered last weekend at the NASA Region 1 Conference. Hear the piece again at Erik’s PLU faculty recital this Sunday, April 18 at 3 p.m. PDT. Livestream link.
March 30, 2021
#93 Rehearsal Analysis – Bozza Improvisation and Caprice
A few weeks prior to his next recital, Erik reviews rehearsal audio of Eugene Bozza’s classic Improvisation and Caprice. Bozza excerpts used by permission of G. Schirmer, Inc.
March 16, 2021
#92 Spring Forward and Hire a Professional
The show continues flying in a holding pattern until we get closer to the NASA Region 1 Conference and Erik can release some episodes about those world premieres.
March 2, 2021
#91 Recital Preparation Strategies
Erik gives a quick overview of how he structures his practice in the months prior to a solo recital.
Feb. 16, 2021
#90 Snow Day Randomness
After spending hours frolicking in the snow, Erik uses his leftover energy to plug upcoming spring events and share a bonus tip from a masterclass he attended 17 years ago. Visit the NASA Region 1 Conference website
Feb. 2, 2021
#89 Erik’s New Favorite Method Book
Erik shares his thoughts on an excellent new method book for saxophone.
Jan. 19, 2021
#88 Testing the D’Addario VENN Synthetic Reed
Erik compares the D’Addario’s relatively new VENN synthetic reed with other synthetic and cane options.
Jan. 5, 2021
#87 Even More Tips for a Productive New Year
Erik kicks off 2021 with a masterclass on one of the most well-known works from the saxophone repertoire.
Dec. 22, 2020
#86 Selmer Soprano Mouthpiece Shootout – S80, S90, Concept
More mouthpiece trials, this time on soprano. Erik pits his Selmer S90-170 and S80 C* against the Concept. Main playtests begin at 6’00”.
Dec. 8, 2020
#85 Selmer Alto Mouthpiece Shootout – S90, Concept, Claude Delangle
It’s a good old-fashioned alto mouthpiece shootout! Erik pits his Selmer S90-180 against the Concept and the new Claude Delangle. Main playtests begin at 11’38”.
Nov. 24, 2020
#84 As a Lily among Brambles by Anderson – Commentary Track
Erik revisits another work from Made in Tacoma in this last-minute commentary on Deborah Anderson’s As a Lily among Brambles for baritone saxophone and piano (available from Dorn Publications).
Nov. 10, 2020
#83 Arrangement – Sonata in A Minor by C.P.E. Bach
Erik washes away the stress of election week with C.P.E. Bach’s Sonata for Solo Flute in A Minor, Wq. 132, H 562, arranged by Sunil Gadgil. Check him out at sunilgadgil.com!
Oct. 27, 2020
#82 Archived Performance – Tecca – “the Light is filled with birds” for solo alto saxophone
On the tenth anniversary of its premiere, Erik presents a live recording from 2010 of Jeff Tecca’s work for solo alto saxophone, the Light is filled with birds. Interested in ordering it? Contact Jeff at jefftecca@protonmail.com.
Oct. 13, 2020
#81 Temptation Bundling, Skipping Warm-Ups, and a Bonus Game
In a scattershot episode, Erik talks about temptation bundling to increase your motivation to practice, when it might be okay to skip your warm-ups, and plays a bonus game of “Who Said It: Saxophone Edition” with his father, Mark!
Sept. 29, 2020
#80 Bach Basics and Trill Trouble
While Erik is by no means a Baroque music specialist, he shares his general approach to playing Bach. Afterwards, he amps up the excitement and delves into the controversy over whether one must always approach Baroque and Classical trills from the upper neighbor. BRACE YOURSELF!
Sept. 15, 2020
#79 Saxophone Etude and Method Books, Part 2
Erik follows up Part 1 with a shocker — Part 2! This one covers general etudes and altissimo method books.
Sept. 1, 2020
#78 Saxophone Etude and Method Books, Part 1
Erik begins a tremendously entertaining overview of instructional material for the saxophone, the first part of which focuses on method books and scale books.
Aug. 18, 2020
#77 Erik’s (Non-Music) Summer Book Club
Taking a little break from music-talkin’ and doing some book-talkin’ instead.
Aug. 4, 2020
#76 Reevaluating Mouthpiece Target Pitches
Could the mouthpiece pitch targets you’ve been taught be a LIE?! Enjoy the beauty of not one but four different mouthpieces (SATB) being played by themselves.
July 21, 2020
#75 Digital Music Resources
A midsummer episode that’s about as exciting as its title! Erik gives a brief overview of his favorite DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), MIDI controllers, etc.
July 7, 2020
#74 Go Gentle Into That Good Altissimo
Erik eases up on the high register a bit. (Stay until the end for some bonus advice from your favorite host!)
June 23, 2020
#73 Practicing with Air Attacks
Erik avoids using any consonants in an episode all about air attacks for fun and profit.
June 9, 2020
#72 Short and Sweet
Featuring a very special guest host.
May 26, 2020
#71 Arrangement – Absalon, fili mi
Erik unearths and records yet another arrangement. This time it’s Absalon, fili mi by Josquin des Prez (or Pierre de la Rue), scored for either the traditional SATB quartet or the much more exciting TTBB.
May 15, 2020
#70 Two Year Anniversary Shindig
Two years of shows, y’all.
April 28, 2020
#69 The Secret to Learning Difficult Music…REVISITED
Erik pits his “Slow-Medium-Fast” approach to learning a technical etude against the method described here: https://youtu.be/5_g-VmEjF6o
April 14, 2020
#68 Arrangement – Weber – Agathe’s Cavatina
In what will probably be the last arrangement-focused episode for a while, Erik positively shreds on the piano as he accompanies himself on another lyrical selection, Agathe’s Cavatina from Der Freischütz by Weber.
March 31, 2020
#67 A Word of Economic Caution to Music Performance Majors
In a mild bummer of an episode, Erik crunches some numbers for Jane Q. Springreed, who just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance. If you still want to major in music performance after listening to this, then perhaps you were meant to do so after all.
March 17, 2020
#66 Arrangement – Mozart – Abendempfindung
Erik features his arrangement of Mozart’s lovely “Abendempfindung,” clucking his tongue at an old recording and then giving it another go-round.
March 10, 2020
#65 NASA Conference Recap and Last-Minute Cancellations
Erik makes it home from sun-soaked Arizona and checks in with a super quick episode, just in case all those people from NASA desperately miss him already (who is he, again?).
March 3, 2020
#64 NASA Biennial Conference Preview and Other Miscellany
Erik gets ready for the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference at Arizona State University. He also gets a hearing test, goes to a concert, deletes his Facebook account, and rambles about who knows what else. The episode concludes with the first movement from the Concerto for Baritone Saxophone, Small Orchestra, and Electronics by Joseph Bozich. You can listen to the other movements on this YouTube playlist.
Feb. 18, 2020
#63 Demersseman Fantaisie Masterclass
Erik discusses Fantaisie sur un théme original by Jules Demersseman and unearths a performance from four years ago that probably contradicts most of what he just said.
Feb. 4, 2020
#62 Arrangements – Renaissance Choral Works by Bennet and Gibbons
Erik performs his arrangements of The Silver Swan by Orlando Gibbons and Weep, O Mine Eyes by John Bennet. Contact Erik for free access to these quartet/quintet arrangements in multiple instrumentation options.
Jan. 7, 2020
#61 Tuning Talk and Dynamic Duos
Erik rambles about tuning and attempts to put it into practice by playing through several duets from Rami El-Farrah’s new three-volume series, Dynamic Duos for Saxophone.
Jan. 7, 2020
#60 More Tips for a Productive New Year
Another year, another Very Important Episode full of Serious Advice.
Dec. 24, 2019
#59 Arrangement – Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf by J.S. Bach
Erik (all eight of him, yikes) performs his arrangement of the J.S. Bach motet Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226. Contact Erik for free access to this arrangement (in multiple versions for either SATB/SATB octet or AATB/AATB octet).
Dec. 17, 2019
#58 Revisiting the 2018 iPad Pro
An episode in which Apple has the last laugh.
Dec. 10, 2019
#57 Basic Saxophone Care and Maintenance
There’s more to taking care of a saxophone than not dropping it! You’ll basically be a certified repair tech after hearing this one.
Nov. 26, 2019
#56 In Praise of Less Music and No Guide
Don’t sell all your music and fire your teacher…but maybe there’s a middle path.
Nov. 12, 2019
#55 Decruck Sonata Masterclass
Erik plays and discusses the Fernande Decruck Sonata in C#. Check out Joren Cain’s dissertation on the piece or Erik’s live performance at PLU last October. Audio excerpts used by permission of Gérard Billaudot Éditeur.
Oct. 29, 2019
#54 The Border Between Silence and Sound
This one goes out to anyone who’s cracked a low note attack in the last week (i.e., all of us).
Oct. 15, 2019
#53 How Much Should You Practice?
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.
Oct. 1, 2019
#52 Muczynski Sonata Masterclass
Erik plays and discusses the Robert Muczynski Sonata (with a bonus example from yesteryear). Audio excerpts used by permission of G. Schirmer, Inc.
Sept. 17, 2019
#51 Maintaining Past Repertoire
Yes, you’re allowed to play pieces more than once. But HOW? (This episode also features a brief digression about Hemke reeds.)
Sept. 10, 2019
#50 Equipment Trial – D’Addario Select Jazz Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces
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.
Sept. 3, 2019
#49 Equipment Trial – D’Addario Reserve Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces
MOAR GEAR! This episode features the D’Addario Reserve alto saxophone mouthpieces (D145, D150, D155) tested against a Selmer S90-180.
Aug. 20, 2019
#48 Bozza Aria Masterclass
Erik plays and discusses Aria by Eugene Bozza, touching on its history, breathing suggestions, practice techniques, dynamic inconsistencies, and more. Audio excerpts used by permission of G. Schirmer, Inc.
Aug. 6, 2019
#47 Equipment Trial – Selmer Gold Plated and Solid Silver Necks and a 33mm lefreQue
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.
July 23, 2019
#46 Developing Scale Benchmarks
Erik agonizes over how to ensure that his students learn their scales.
[9- and 12-week “Slow-Medium-Fast” scale progressions available on archive page]
July 9, 2019
#45 “Before Two” and Prelude from Bach Cello Suite No. 2
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).
June 25, 2019
#44 Glazunov Concerto Masterclass
If you’re starting to learn the Glazunov Concerto for solo and ensemble contest or an audition, Erik offers you some initial observations. Also, here’s a fun discussion of the Leduc versus Barenreiter editions.
June 11, 2019
#43 The One-Note Practice Session
Featuring low B…on TENOR!
June 4, 2019
#42 Equipment Trial – D’Addario Select Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces
Buh-buh-buh-BONUS episode in which Erik tries out the D’Addario Select Jazz D6M/D7M/D8M/D9M tenor saxophone mouthpieces and four strengths of Select Jazz filed reeds. Which combination was the winner? WAS there a winner? Can you withstand hearing the same excerpt 16 times? (If not, fast-forward to 14:24.)
May 28, 2019
#41 Circular Breathing
It’s *sniff* really *pshhh* not *sniff* that *pshhh* complicated.
May 14, 2019
#40 One-Year Anniversary Hoedown
Erik celebrates one year of podcasting!
May 7, 2019
#39 Erik’s Top Tens & Going All Marie Kondo on the Music Pile, Part II
Erik follows up on his music decluttering episode and segues into lists of favorite works for saxophone, classical works in general, bands, and podcasts! Bonus link to the Spotify playlist mentioned in the episode (or you could just listen to Shut Down the Streets instead).
April 23, 2019
#38 Revisiting Légère Signature Reeds
This week Erik is replaced as host by a food-grade, non-toxic polymer. Can you tell the difference?
April 9, 2019
#37 Obsessing Over Tone and Setup
Erik loves a good saxophone sound as much as anyone. Well, probably more than just about everyone…and that’s the problem. After rambling for a while, Erik play tests a Meridian Winds Center Brace Resonance Weight. Note: Speaking of tone, the first half of this episode uses audio recovered from a backup, so you will hear an improvement in audio quality around halfway through.
March 26, 2019
#36 Going All Marie Kondo on the Music Pile, Part I
Sparkin’ joy and takin’ names.
March 12, 2019
#35 New Books by Harle and Watkins
Well, new-ish, at least. It’s time for a little book report on The Saxophone by John Harle and From the Inside Out by Mark Watkins.
Feb. 26, 2019
#34 NFL Kickers and Orchestral Saxophonists
Talkin’ about butterflies in your tum-tum today!
Feb. 12, 2019
#33 Slap, Double, and Triple Tonguing
Even if you don’t need to slap or double tongue that often, working on them helps develop your single tonguing…at least, Erik thinks so.
Jan. 29, 2019
#32 Advice for a Younger Self
Erik travels back in time 20 years, sits backwards in a chair, and keeps it real with his younger self.
Jan. 15, 2019
#31 Rediscovering Your Roots
Erik discusses young students and unearths a recording of himself from sixth grade.
Jan. 1, 2019
#30 Tips for a Productive New Year
Welcome to a Very Important Episode full of Serious Advice.
Dec. 18, 2018
#29 When Sounding “Bad” Is Good
Sorry, students, this title doesn’t mean you don’t have to practice for juries.
Dec. 4, 2018
#28 Test Driving the 2018 iPad Pro
If Erik records an episode about an iPad Pro, does that count as a tax write-off?
Nov. 20, 2018
#27 Embouchure Concepts
Swan diving into the murky waters of the embouchure.
Nov. 6, 2018
#26 Note Grouping Is Awesome
NOTE grouping is awesome. Note GROUPING is awesome. Note grouping IS awesome. Note grouping is AWESOME.
Oct. 23, 2018
#25 Recommended Books
Erik give props to some of his favorite books related to the saxophone and music performance. Among those mentioned are: 1. Larry Teal, The Art of Saxophone Playing; 2. David McGill, Sound in Motion; 3. Michael Hester, Saxophone Master Classes; 4. James Umble, Jean-Marie Londeix: Master of the Modern Saxophone; 5. William Westney, The Perfect Wrong Note…and many more!
Oct. 9, 2018
#24 Calypso by Greg Youtz – Commentary Track
Erik comments on his performance of Calypso (2008)by Greg Youtz. Made in Tacoma: New Chamber Music for Saxophone is available from Alea Publishing and various music streaming services. Calypso is also available from Alea Publishing.
Sept. 25, 2018
#23 Are You Practicing Slow Enough?
Well, are you? Are you really practicing slow enough? Huh? Huh? Also, Erik describes a scale routine that didn’t really work, so that’s one less thing you’ll need to try.
Sept. 11, 2018
#22 Rondo à la Banjo – Commentary Track
Erik shares the compositional process behind his Rondo à la Banjo for saxophone trio, featuring both studio and live recordings. Also includes a performance of Erik’s Altissimo Etude No. 6 (all 14 etudes are available as a free download from The University of Texas at Austin). Made in Tacoma: New Chamber Music for Saxophone is available from Alea Publishing and various music streaming services. Rondo à la Banjo is available from Dorn Publications.
Aug. 28, 2018
#21 Returning to Practice After Time Off
Took it a little too easy this summer? Then listen to this one.
Aug. 14, 2018
#20 Everyday Carry
Erik shares his EDC.
July 31, 2018
#19 Altissimo Tips
A smattering of thoughts about altissimo, including an impromptu performance of Altissimo Etude No. 1. All 14 etudes are available as part of Erik’s doctoral treatise, available as a free download from eriksteighner.com/publications
July 17, 2018
#18 Memorization
This episode is about…uh…what was it, again?
July 3, 2018
#17 Rambling About Reeds
Random reeds tips (and vamps…and hearts…and heels).
June 19, 2018
#16 More Practice Techniques for Difficult Spots
Just in case the last episode’s “secret” wasn’t enough to get the job done.
June 5, 2018
#15 The Secret to Learning Difficult Music
What could the secret be?! Also, now that the 14 warm-up routine episodes are done, the show is moving to an every-other-Tuesday release schedule.
June 1, 2018
#14 Warm-Up Routine Part 14: Scales
And now your reward for making it through the previous 13 episodes: scales. *shrug*
May 31, 2018
#13 Warm-Up Routine Part 13: More Overtones
This is it for overtones, promise.
May 30, 2018
#12 Warm-Up Routine Part 12: More Voicing Exercises
More exercises to make anyone within earshot love you.
May 29, 2018
#11 Saxophone Warm-Up Routine Part 11: More Pitch Bends
Oh no, we’re not done with the bends just yet.
May 28, 2018
#10 Warm-Up Routine Part 10: Front F Bends
Like the opening to Rhapsody in Blue but wish that clarinet smear went in the opposite direction? Here’s the show for you.
May 25, 2018
#09 Warm-Up Routine Part 9: Mouthpiece Exercises
Woah, is Thom Yorke here? Because baby’s got the bends…mouthpiece bends.
May 24, 2018
#08 Warm-Up Routine Part 8: Overtones
So. Many. Overtones.
May 23, 2018
#07 Warm-Up Routine Part 7: Low Register Voicing
Playin’ low with that octave key down!
May 22, 2018
#06 Warm-Up Routine Part 6: Vibrato
Vuh-vuh-vuh-vuh-vibrato! So much vibrato.
May 21, 2018
#05 Warm-Up Routine Part 5: Chromatic Skips
Gettin’ jumpy with some chromatic skips. Croak along like a student in 8 a.m. ear training and practice your solfège while you listen.
May 18, 2018
#04 Warm-Up Routine Part 4: Articulation Pressure
Tickle your tongue with some articulation pressure exercises.
May 17, 2018
#03 Warm-Up Routine Part 3: Full Range Long Tones
If the last episode’s long tones weren’t enough for you, you will be very pleasantly surprised by this one. Stick around after the demonstration for Erik’s current setup details.
May 16, 2018
#02 Warm-Up Routine Part 2: Long Tones on the Neck and Mouthpiece
Erik plays some thrilling long tones on the neck and mouthpiece.
May 15, 2018
#01 Warm-Up Routine Part 1: Introduction and Sheet Music
Erik introduces himself.