Reed Warbler
Member
- 613
Neck pain is a common complaint amongst sax players. Mine was alleviated by two things: a lighter sax and a shoulder sling but there's more to it than just changing tackle.
Years ago I did a course in Alexander Technique that was extremely helpful. I was in my 40s yet I grew 1/2", much to my surprise; I was already 6' 2". I also learned how to use my body in a way that reduced back pain and increased mobility. AT is a kind of postural system now taught at some music colleges. Try Googling it.
Recently I wrote to my old AT teacher, Colin Tully, who is also a saxophonist of many years experience, asking for advice specific to playing. Here's some of his reply:"It's all down to awareness and self study. I would suggest that when you're putting the sax on your sling try to be conscious of the weight you are bearing. Since some of the weight is bearing down on the neck you have to gently energise your neck to oppose the weight by sending a direction for your neck to go back and up. Without this thought sax players necks tend to sag forward, increasing the curve of the cervical spine, leading to disc compression and nerve squashing etc.
All sax players will have their own unique 'use' so I can't guarantee that this advice will help. Have a look in the mirror when you are playing...even better if you can bring in a second mirror and watch yourself in profile.
Then there is the conundrum; the more you get lost in the music the less awareness you will have of your physical self. The answer is to establish better habits which will serve you well even when you're thinking of other things.....like what notes to play next!"
His next response was to a remark I made about faster fingering:"Regarding finger speed keep on asking the hands and arms to release any excess tension as this would definitely slow things down. Hold the sax with minimum effort......with the thought of the neck going back and up".
Good advice indeed. I hope this helps anyone suffering for their music. A course in Alexander Technique could be invaluable.
Years ago I did a course in Alexander Technique that was extremely helpful. I was in my 40s yet I grew 1/2", much to my surprise; I was already 6' 2". I also learned how to use my body in a way that reduced back pain and increased mobility. AT is a kind of postural system now taught at some music colleges. Try Googling it.
Recently I wrote to my old AT teacher, Colin Tully, who is also a saxophonist of many years experience, asking for advice specific to playing. Here's some of his reply:"It's all down to awareness and self study. I would suggest that when you're putting the sax on your sling try to be conscious of the weight you are bearing. Since some of the weight is bearing down on the neck you have to gently energise your neck to oppose the weight by sending a direction for your neck to go back and up. Without this thought sax players necks tend to sag forward, increasing the curve of the cervical spine, leading to disc compression and nerve squashing etc.
All sax players will have their own unique 'use' so I can't guarantee that this advice will help. Have a look in the mirror when you are playing...even better if you can bring in a second mirror and watch yourself in profile.
Then there is the conundrum; the more you get lost in the music the less awareness you will have of your physical self. The answer is to establish better habits which will serve you well even when you're thinking of other things.....like what notes to play next!"
His next response was to a remark I made about faster fingering:"Regarding finger speed keep on asking the hands and arms to release any excess tension as this would definitely slow things down. Hold the sax with minimum effort......with the thought of the neck going back and up".
Good advice indeed. I hope this helps anyone suffering for their music. A course in Alexander Technique could be invaluable.