Playing the saxophone First year on tenor sax

[Verenice]

Hello there, this year I play tenor saxophone for my high school band, I originally played clarinet. There's only one other person in my section and he's already perfect on it as he used to play alto. I have been in and out of tenor for the past 2 years and I was wondering how I can get better? My director says I have pretty good tone but I really want to improve 😀

 

[skeller047]

Hello there, this year I play tenor saxophone for my high school band, I originally played clarinet. There's only one other person in my section and he's already perfect on it as he used to play alto. I have been in and out of tenor for the past 2 years and I was wondering how I can get better? My director says I have pretty good tone but I really want to improve 😀

Forget everything you learned on clarinet about your embouchure. Saxophone embouchure is very different. You still need strength, but it has to be loose and controlled. Firm muscles but very low pressure on the reed.

Remember everything you learned on clarinet about breath support. Solid support and control of your air is everything.

3rd tip - practice your technical exercises slowly and with a metronome. Your aim should be relaxed precision. Like everything good in the world, music takes time to become proficient. Be patient.

 

[Tuppertn]

They made my daughter play clarinet before she was allowed to play saxophone. This is a a terrible disservice to future sax players.

@skeller047 is 100% correct about the embouchure. Pay particular attention to the angle the mouthpiece enters your mouth. The saxophone mouthpiece enters the mouth at a much straighter (more horizontal) angle than a clarinet. You can typically spot the clarinet player on saxophone because they tend to hold the horn at a crazy backward angle to get the mouthpiece pointed up toward the palate. Don't do that. Also the corners of the mouth tend to be more relaxed for saxophone. Picture saying "eh" instead of "oo". The lower lip does not need to roll back over the bottom teeth.

Oh, and don't bite the mouthpiece.