Saxophone beginners I can't sing - will this hinder my ability as a sax player?

[Pete Effamy]

Plus one for no.

I’ve always rather loathed singing - as I don’t sound like Don Henley or George Michael, and it just doesn’t please me as an instrument. The clarinet, and later the sax became my instruments.
I think that being able to vocalise phrases is useful sometimes in a rehearsal or something, but no, singing was never attempted by my clarinet prof at college or my (pro player) teacher before him.

It’s not a necessity. If it helps you, that’s great. Yes, my voice would improve if I worked on it but I have no interest, I’d rather use that energy on more practice on my instrument.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I was and still am not a good singer. I was chucked out of the school choir for signing out of tune and off key.

It is useful though as one of the ways to improve your aural abilities.

 

[Pete Effamy]

It is useful though as one of the ways to improve your aural abilities.

Sat at a piano, does singing help the ability to hear? Maybe. I prefer the piano though. Sounds like we were both blessed with the same vocal qualities. Actually, having had to sing BV’s a fair few times; I’m good with pitching if I practice parts. Sight-singing - appalling. Sound is crap too. Still never really enjoyed it. I don’t have a good range and while not being a proper bass in terms of range I was invariably the lowest voice and this was always easier than having to learn an inner part.
Had to sing River Of Dreams with the band live on BBC Radio 2 - a Capella. Not particularly a lovely experience.

 

[Vlad]

Absolutely NO
Just play the saxophone forget about singing, leave that to those who enjoy it

 

[lydian]

No.

Thank you! I've been waiting 12 years for a definitive answer. Now I can stop paying for all those singing lessons and start taking sax lessons. I just kind of wish you had been around to tell me this 12 years ago.

 

[MikeMorrell]

FWIW, my Big Band's MD always (weekly!) recommends that our members:
- first just listen to the tunes/songs that we're working on; so that you get a sense of how it should sound;
- Sing some parts for some sections; just to get a good 'feel' for the melodic (or supporting) music
- Practice (at home) these melodic/supporting music lines on sax
- Bring these 'learnings' into rehearsals

I should add that our MD has a music degree and very many years of experience teaching and coaching both inviduals and bands. He also has a great sense of humour and he keeps every rehearsal 'light' and fun' to attend.

Personally, I've found time after time that 'singing' certain sections helps me play those sections more naturally, more fluidely and with more expression. Very different (and better) than just playing sheet music (as written).