João Pedro Silva
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 João Pedro Silva
How does your instrument help you in your daily life as an artist?
For me, a musical instrument is simply the extension of our body, an element organically connected to the musician, with the function of communication. Although it seems simple, technically, this is a lifelong process — truly adopting an external element as part of our body. Communication and expression are the paths I chose for my life; through music, I think, create, critique, and share. This is why my instrument integrates into my daily life; it is my voice, for others and for myself. Having an excellent instrument is essential for this process to occur naturally and authentically, which is why I play Yamaha saxophones...
How would you characterise your instrument?
I can't speak in the singular; I have three saxophones, each one different, not just because they are soprano, alto, and tenor, but because they have their own identities, and I have a distinct and special relationship with each. They all excel in tone and intonation; my soprano is irreverent and surprising, my alto is sweet and virtuosic, and my tenor is warm and emotional.
When and how did you first come into contact with Yamaha?
My first contact with Yamaha was when I was 12, in a Yamaha organ course (😊). In 2002, I won first place in Yamaha's scholarships for wind players, and in 2003, I bought my first Yamaha (alto EX) and gradually fell in love with the instrument. Later, I acquired the soprano, tenor, and my current alto, and I don’t want to change, for the reasons mentioned above. Additionally, it’s a privilege to represent Yamaha; since 2007, I have proudly and wholeheartedly supported the brand.
Who was your most influential teacher and is there any advice which you still follow?
This is a tough question... I have many saxophonists/teachers for whom I hold great admiration and respect. I think that from early on (even unconsciously), I sought the best in each of them, or what touched me the most, and I transformed it into a unique and organic blend that helped build who I am. Among the influential figures in my academic life are Daniel Deffayet, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, Mario Marzi, Claude Delangle, Alberto Roque, José Massarrão, and Pedro Moreira. Generally, I continue to try to convey the balance between technique and expression, to help my students acquire the technical tools to serve their musical discourse, and to help them discover their Voice.
Advice for a young musician:
Let yourself fall in love with your instrument; only then can you spend a lifetime playing and striving to improve day by day. Practice a lot and with the highest quality possible. And most importantly, never forget that our instrument and music are our way of expressing what we think and feel about the world!
