Wojtek Goral
With a network of Artist Centres and Ateliers around the world, Yamaha works with leading players to support their performances and develop instrument designs and new ideas for the benefit of all musicians. Yamaha Artists share with us a passion for inspiring the next generation of players, and a belief that everybody should be encouraged to nurture their talent, connect with others and tell their stories through music.
Get to know Yamaha Artist and saxophone player Wojtek Goral
Statement about your relation with Yamaha or your instrument:
My first alto saxophone was a Yamaha YAS - 62. So I have had quite a long experience of playing Yamaha saxophones and therefore when asked to join the Yamaha family in 1992 the answer was of course yes! Today I use YAS - 82Z. All the woodwinds that I have used since 1992 are Yamaha instruments.
How does your instrument help you in your daily life as an artist?
Working both as a studio musician, soloist, performing live with different kinds of bands and playing many different styles of music requires great instruments. I just love the sound and the mechanics of my Yamaha horns.
Who was your most influential teacher and is there any advice which you still follow?
Michal Urbaniak was my most influential teacher. He is a jazz musician who among many famous jazz artists recorded with Miles Davis.
His advice, " let your daily practice time be a joy every day and never lose your daily contact with your instrument".
Advice for a young musician:
There is no end to learning. It's very important to practice, work with your technique and your sound but it is also very important not to forget why you are performing, if your music comes from your heart and you feel it in your soul, you will most likely affect your listeners in the same way.
