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Learning the Saxophone?
PolloDiablo
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Long story short, I was given a saxophone, and I'd kind of like to learn how to use it. I know precisely dick about them, so I've got a few questions.
First, is it hard to learn? I don't expect to become coltrane after a year, but is it the kind of instrument that takes a decade before I can carry a tune?
Second, I know it's a tenor sax. Does that make a difference beyond the sound it produces?
Third, is there anything I should know before I start shopping around for lessons?
First, is it hard to learn? I don't expect to become coltrane after a year, but is it the kind of instrument that takes a decade before I can carry a tune?
Second, I know it's a tenor sax. Does that make a difference beyond the sound it produces?
Third, is there anything I should know before I start shopping around for lessons?
PolloDiablo on
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A tenor sax is the "middle" sax, tone-wise. Baritone is lower, alto is higher, and soprano (think Kenny G) is higher still. A tenor isn't quite as easy to learn on as an alto, because you have to blow harder to get a full tone out of it, but you'll be fine.
As far as lessons go, I'd call your local high school's music department and ask if they recommend anyone for private lessons. At least in my experience, the good teachers work off referrals and don't advertise. I wouldn't invest in a new mouthpiece until you start lessons, but your teacher may well ask you to get a new one or help you pick one out. There are a lot of variables involved with mouthpieces and everyone plays better on different ones. Also, some mouthpieces are easier to learn on because they are very open, but for the same reason you won't get a rich tone. A good teacher will help you with all that though, as well as the basics on buying reeds, maintenance of the horn, etc.
I'm gonna go ahead and disagree with RUNN1NGMAN about a tenor being harder than an alto; a tenor does take more air, but it's much easier to get a good sound out of than an alto; the embouchure isn't as difficult. And yes, it will take you months (if not years) to get a good embouchure, but that's basically muscle-building. You should be able to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star within a couple of months with a good teacher and plenty of practice.
Saxaphone is one of the easier wind instruments to play, so you'll be a lot quicker to get a grip on it than, say, a bassoon or oboe.
Just keep in mind as you're learning to play that sax's are really loud, so don't practice at 2 am or anything.
If you've never played an instrument before I wouldn't say that the sax is any harder or easier than most other woodwind or brass instruments since you're starting from square one anyways. If you do have music experience then it will have an effect on how easy/hard it is, but it won't make a difference between alto or tenor sax.
Yeah, nothing is going to be more frustrating than trying to get the thing to play a note in tune when the cork is all cracking and the pads are worn out and the mechanisms are all bent.
But aye, beyond the embouchure, playing a sax isn't a whole bunch different from playing a recorder (besides being a million times less dorky). Get your embouchure sorted out and then start hitting those scales, you'll be playing improv blues and jazz in no time.
And if anybody suggests you play classical music on it, the case a Tenor sax comes in makes a fine club (I learned to play sax with classical sheet music as my teacher gave me the impression that was how to 'learn properly' never mind the fact I'd been playing and reading classical sheet music for eight years already but trying to get your embouchure down whilst struggling with unfamiliar music is just soul-destroying - I didn't actually start enjoying playing the saxophone until I quit my lessons and then started playing in a Jazz band a few years latter - get some music that's familiar and fun and it'll be a lot easier. And practice those damn scales!).
1) Take your sax into a repair shop and tell them to give it a working over, make it good as new. That will ensure that your pads do not leak, your screws are all tightened, and that none of the buttons or workings on it are loose or will give you trouble for awhile. This is important, because as a new player you probably won't be capable of troubleshooting your problems yourself for awhile.
2) Don't be put off by the horrible noise you're making. It will sound like a wounded moose. This will subside, and it will get better.
3) The saxophone can play any sort of music, jazz or classical, depending on what you like and what you have an affinity for. Many people play jazz saxophone here, and it's awesome, especially on the tenor. I am a classical saxophone player with a few years experience in jazz as well, so i know the other side, and with a bit of practice, you can make a very sweet sound to serenade the audience in any classical piece for band.
4) Always practice your fundamentals. Long tones, scales, etc. Do this the entire time you play your instrument, use exercises. This will never fail you, and indeed, it is quite nearly a requirement for improvement.
Like I said before, I've been playing saxophone for a long time, 12 years now, I own an alto and a soprano, and I have played all 4 of the saxophones in concert ensembles at private university. If you have any questions, feel absolutely free to shoot me a PM.
Learning won't be all that hard if you've got patience and can tap your foot in beat with a song on the radio. When I first started to learn tenor I was told that my hands were too small (5th grade), fuck the naysayers man, if you want to do it..go forth and do it.
I don't know how old you are, but your school may have a lessons program, if not, talk to some local music shops. Classical vs Jazz vs Blues...whatever, the basics are still very much the same. Play what you dig.
In school I played mostly classical stuff in various wind ensembles and sax quartets. However, there was an after school program where we played a lot of jazz, blues, and big band/swing stuff, which is what I love.
Don't buy expensive reeds yet, you don't need them. To be perfectly honest, you may never need them. All depends on how you play.
I'll echo the sentiment, get that sucker worked over by a good music shop. Leaky pads, sticking keys and rotting cork shouldn't hold you back from learning.
Your mouthpiece: You'll see lots of pros playing with a metal mouthpiece. In my opinion, they are a bit trickier to play. A black hard plastic/resin one may be more forgiving as you're learning.
Learn to read scales and just run scales all the time until you can move your fingers comfortably without thinking about where everything needs to go.
Hmm...I'm running out of tidbits.
Play till your fingers cramp, your lips bleed and your soul is soothed.