A lot of beginners, upon opening their new saxophone’s case, often have the impulse of grabbing the helpless instrument and blowing on it mindlessly. Though what you hear might not be what you expect, chances are you’re going to need a couple of saxophone lessons from an experienced sax instructor to help you get started.
When in the areas of New York of Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, New York City, or near Northern Virginia or Southeastern North Carolina, check out the talented music teachers that offer both in-home and in-studio sax lessons at Kathryn Brickwell Music, found online at https://www.music-instruction.com and phone at 800-285-5732.
Before your initial sax music lesson, here are a couple of tips that will hopefully enhance your learning.
Practice Long Notes. Playing long notes on the sax is boring, not to mention it will also irritate your family and neighbors. However, being able to play long notes is a good way to learn tone control. This said, just try to play a few notes every day, but don’t spend hours rehearsing them. Instead, just listen carefully to each note and try to keep it at a constant volume and pitch. The longer you can sustain it, the better. As you get better try varying the volume. Again, don’t play the notes; rather, control them.
Work on the Scales. Every saxophonist should learn how to master their scales. This is because practicing sax scales will help you get familiar with your instrument. On top of that, knowing your scales also lets you improvise when you are free-styling.
Relaxed Embouchure. Simply put, your embouchure is basically how your mouth is shaped when you play the saxophone. Though different saxophones have their own style of embouchure, it is important to note that your mouth should be relaxed as it is poised. Having a relaxed embouchure significantly prevents jaw fatigue. It also lets you reed vibrate more freely, helping you play in the lower registers of your sax. Do not worry if you are still getting squeaks and honks, In time, and through the help of your saxophone lessons from an experienced music instructor, you will eventually get your mouthpiece’s sweet spot.
Agile Hands. A stiff set of hands will get you nowhere when it comes to the saxophone. Not only will your muscles contract, you will also have a slower, sloppier time changing notes with the keys. This said, relax your hands like you would your embouchure. Try to keep your fingers poised without “digging” in to the keys. Instead, make it a habit to keep your fingers curled and have only your finger tips touch the keys.
Practice Often. As with any piece of musical instrument, the only way for you to get better with the sax is by practicing with it often. Preferably, you should practice every day.
Contact Kathryn Brickwell Music today at https://www.music-instruction.com and 800-285-5732 for more information on sax lessons and music instruction at https://www.music-instruction.com and 800-285-5732.