Gusev from Norfolk.

[Roy Gussman]

Hello Everybody,

I am from Norfolk and have been trying to play the Tenor Saxophone for the last couple of years, without much success. I am not sure wether it is my embroucher, my blowing, the mouth piece or the reed, but I am making some very peculer noises.
I have been to a saxophne teacher and when I am with him My playing is good (so he says) but when I get home it is back to normal, can hardly play a note that is in tune.
its not the sax I have had it checked.
Will someone please give me some asurance that it will get better.

Many thanks

Gusev

 

[Pete Thomas]

Will someone please give me some asurance that it will get better.

Yes, it will get better. Most people are worse in front of their teacher, so I think you are in with a chance.

 

[rudjarl]

Hi Gusev,
like Pete says, it will get better

If I understand you correctly, you have been tutoring yourself for a couple of years before just recently started with a teacher? If so, it might be that you have incorporated a few bad practises into your playing. When you are with your teacher he tell you how to do it. But at home you play like you always have. If so, then it's just a matter learning the basic techniques the right way. I could of cause (and as per usual) have gotten the situation completely wrong (again).

 

[TomMapfumo]

Hi there, Gusev!

When you start on your own it all depends on what you know.

1. Is the mouthpiece too big, too small or just right (tip opening)? larger can be harder for beginners.
2. Are your reeds too hard, too soft or just right. Much above 2 strength can be tough to start with and dry reeds are harder too.
3. Have you got a decent ligature - that holds the reed comfortably? If it is too tight it is harder to make a sound. Also you need to make sure that the reed is carefully placed at the end of the mouthpiece. If it is slightly overlapping it is harder to blow.
4. Do you take in a deep breath before you blow? A tenor takes a bit of puff.

All sorts of issues may contribute to your situation which can cause anxiety or uncertainty which will tend to cause tension in your playing. If you can share some of the above issues with us we could be of some genuine help as well as providing encouragement to you.

By the way, a warm welcome to the cafe!!!

Kind regards
Tom

 

[Andante cantabile]

The tenor is a great instrument. I am sure that you have made the right choice. With some good tutoring and a liberal amount of practice you will soon make fewer of the strange noises and more of the other ones.

 

[Sunray]

Gusev from Norfolk ...

Hello
Gusev from Norfolk ... *Sunray waves*


Welcome to the Cafe mate ...

I have just joined a week or so ago and like you I live in "good ole Norfolk" - King's Lynn area ...

I have an Alto at present and I will be getting a nice new Tenor shortly ...

Hang your head out of your window around 7 PM tomorrow and you are sure to hear the almighty squeaks that I am learning to make - All my neighbours are looking for somewhere else to live - lol ))

Keep at it mate - the guys here will offer you loads of good advice and help ...

 

[kevgermany]

Hi, keep on going. relaxing is one thing - when you tense up, it goes pear shaped.

 

[old git]

Welcome to the caff, Gusev.

Your problem is that you are your own harshest critic, probably too harsh. Do you want to play to symphonic standards or realise, like most of us, that is improbable and the most we will ever be is talented, again very unlikely in my case, amateurs. ;}

ENJOY!

 

[Phil Edwards]

Hi and welcome to the cafe,

regards, Phil

 

[Roy Gussman]

Hi Everybody its me gusev,
Thanks for all the advice, you have given me hope.
Just to answere one or two questions, I have a Elkhart Tenor Sax with a Otto Link mouthpiece with a Rovner ligature and playing with Rico Royal Reeds No 2. I love playing 20s,30s and 40s music maimly ballads.ie As Time Goes By, Georgia and many more oldies like that.
My Sax teacher who I have seen a number of times says I should concentrate on getting character into my playing.

So I shal keep on Trying.

gusev (another old Git).

 

[Justin Chune]

Hello Gusev, and a warm welcome.

Jim.

 

[Taz]

Welcome to the Cafe sax, Home for the Elderly (specialising in the bewildered). Retirement accommodation suitable for all loud squeakers and squawkers.
Stick at it, it'll come (said the nurse to the....)

 

[gladsaxisme]

Hi Gusev

Welcome to the cafe,there are lots of squarkers and squeekers here so your in good company
Just a thought,but when you practice at home is there anybody else in the house while you are practicing that can hear you or perhaps even listens to you,this alone could make you tense up and spoil your practice.I'm fortunate to have an empty house to practice in most of the time and know for a fact that I tense up when my wife comes home.(wonder why that is);}

Good luck I'm sure it will sort itself out in time just enjoy your time on the sax...john

 

[Taz]

I'm fortunate to have an empty house to practice in most of the time

He lives in a block of flats that was overpopulated until he started playing the sax!!! ))

and know for a fact that I tense up when my wife comes home.(wonder why that is);}

...john

Cos she's normally carrying a big stick!!! ))

 

[Roy Gussman]

Hi gladsaxisme,
Many thanks for all the replies and help I have received. An to answer your question yes the wife is at home and sits at the other end of the house when I am playng. Much to my surprise she enjoys listening to me. At least she recognises the tune I am playing.
It seems odd but since I posted my self on this site (even if I say so myself) I am playing a lot better and feel more relaxed. Is it because that now I know I am not the only one who makes funny noises now and a again.

Many thanks

gusev.

 

[visionari1]

Welcome to the forum Gusev,

Just keep going all will pass, sounds like their is nothing wrong with the gear, and your teacher should pick up any bad habits.
Proper, practise is the key, that and enjoyment.
Cheers
Jimu

 

[gladsaxisme]

He lives in a block of flats that was overpopulated until he started playing the sax!!! ))



Cos she's normally carrying a big stick!!! ))

your a cruel cruel man Taz but probably not as cruel as my missus how did you know about the stick

 

[thehunt]

Hi Gusev, the sax is a long journey. I don't think technically it is too hard to get around the instrument after a time but what really counts is the sound you produce. You say you like playing ballads, well they are IMHO harder than faster tracks as any inequalities of breath control really show up. Check out Pete's pages, practice long notes but really think about what you are doing and in time your sound will improve and with that your confidence.
If it is any consolation i too still get nervous in front of my teacher when i am doing scales. His famous words are " i suppose you are going to tell me when you did them at home they were perfect ? " Well yes!!! Just keep at it. Good luck.
Phil

Hi Everybody its me gusev,
Thanks for all the advice, you have given me hope.
Just to answere one or two questions, I have a Elkhart Tenor Sax with a Otto Link mouthpiece with a Rovner ligature and playing with Rico Royal Reeds No 2. I love playing 20s,30s and 40s music maimly ballads.ie As Time Goes By, Georgia and many more oldies like that.
My Sax teacher who I have seen a number of times says I should concentrate on getting character into my playing.

So I shal keep on Trying.

gusev (another old Git).

 

[Young Col]

Hi Gusev from yet another older. Bewildered, lost, life battered... but still fighting to play the sax.
Keep at it. It'll get better.
YC