My first lesson

[nick_cook]

I had my first lesson last night and like Chris I was really nervous and nothing went right at first. I was sweating like a pig, my fingers wouldn't work, at first no sound came out and then, when it did, it was a horrible squeaky, farty noise!!! But it was getting better by the end of the half hour!!

Like Chris, I was put right on a couple of points. I too, had too much mouthpiece in my mouth, and also I hadn't pushed the mouthpiece far enough onto the crook, causing flat notes.

I was given some homework to do, and when straight back home to practise some of it. I was soon able to get the two line tune sounding something like the demo on the CD!!! I've got a couple more tunes to work on tonight!!!

Next lesson, next Monday - I hope I've got those tunes sorted by then!!!

 

[scooch]

Hiya Nick,
I've got my first lesson tonight so I'm sure it will be along the same lines!
I was going for the Hanson SA-5 too, but changed my mind to the Tenor at the last moment.

What sort of tunes are you starting off with? And what kind of homework did ya get?
Good luck with the practice.!! Loud innit!!

 

[nick_cook]

Hi Scooch,

I'm working from 'The Absolute Beginners Alto Saxophone' book.

I've got some tunes involving notes B, A and G with slurs and ties to perfect before next week!!!!

Yes - it is loud. And my wife tells me so (but not the neighbours yet!!!!)

 

[saxplayer67]

Nick Cook wrote:
Yes - it is loud. And my wife tells me so (but not the neighbours yet!!!!)

Nick, in teaching sax, I have found adult males are the ones who make the loudest sound when starting out. Over time, you will learn to control this, with your diaphragm/air support, embouchure and so on. Your teacher will help you in this. Think 'softer', take a bit more bottom lip over the bottom teeth (but don't bite) to aid control and try not to let all your air out in one go. One breathes into a sax, rather than blowing.

 

[nick_cook]

Thanks for the tip SP67 - I'll try that tonight.

 

[bobk]

I'm sure you're right in general SP67, but my daughter Hannah (aged 10) is much louder than me!!!

Saxplayer67 wrote:

Nick Cook wrote:
Yes - it is loud. And my wife tells me so (but not the neighbours yet!!!!)

Nick, in teaching sax, I have found adult males are the ones who make the loudest sound when starting out. Over time, you will learn to control this, with your diaphragm/air support, embouchure and so on. Your teacher will help you in this. Think 'softer', take a bit more bottom lip over the bottom teeth (but don't bite) to aid control and try not to let all your air out in one go. One breathes into a sax, rather than blowing.

 

[saxplayer67]

bobk wrote:
I'm sure you're right in general SP67, but my daughter Hannah (aged 10) is much louder than me!!!

Maybe she's a Lisa Simpson wannabe! 😉