Taming The Saxophone Vol II - Improvisation for Beginners

[MellowD]

Dear Nice Mr Thomas

Do we really have to wait until NEXT Christmas for this to be released as suggested in an earlier posting?

I find I am still avoiding improvisation with a terrible fear it will cause serious damage to my sensitive self esteem. I feel sure that, under your instructional guidance in Vol II, I would be far more likely to attempt a venture into this arena otherwise being stuck in a straight laced and restricted genre for the remainder of my musical endeavours.

Being the proud owner of Vols I and II, and your Chords and Scales editions, it would be so nice to complete the set to work through 2013.

Since you have advertised it in the Christmas Message, what is the publication target?

Merry Christmas to You Pete (and to everyone else on the forum of course!)

Mel

 

[Profusia]

Mel, you remind me of a song by Olly Murs ;}

PS you have a volume II ???

 

[Profusia]

PPS A Taming the Saxophone on Improvisation would be great Pete!

 

[BigMartin]

I find I am still avoiding improvisation with a terrible fear it will cause serious damage to my sensitive self esteem.

You know the answer to that though, don't you? Just accept that when you first start improvising, most of what you play will sound a bit rubbish. Same for all of us. That's what practice is for. Your self-esteem should go up for having the courage to have a crack at it, no matter what your first attempts (or even your 100th) sound like.

I've heard it said that if you sound good when you're practising you're probably doing it wrong (ie practising the wrong things). It's something I take great comfort from.

 

[BUMNOTE]

You must be patient,patient,patient,nothing comes easy,well maybe to some...the books you mentioned must have plenty for you to work on and,as BigMartin says,you may sound rubbish to start but thats what you need do is STARRRRT and PRACTICE.Bumnote.

 

[MLoosemore]

Improvisation..... isn't that what I am doing at the point when I am not actually producing the notes that match what is on the score sheet??

... or is there supposed to be some sort of structure to the improv?

 

[sushidushi]

Improvisation..... isn't that what I am doing at the point when I am not actually producing the notes that match what is on the score sheet??

... or is there supposed to be some sort of structure to the improv?

I think we have a similar improvisation style 🙂

 

[BUMNOTE]

I think we have a similar improvisation style 🙂

And me the same!!🙂Bumnote.

 

[MartinL]

Try downloading Pete's "Smooth" collection for three tunes that you can practice improvising over on some easy scales. (Well for the Tenor, I haven't looked at the Eb version chords).

 

[saxyman]

Have you got a link to Petes "smooth" collection, I can't find it.
Thanks

 

[MartinL]

Have you got a link to Petes "smooth" collection, I can't find it.
Thanks

You'll find it by going to "taming the saxophone" from the link on the forum page then click on "CD's".. when you buy the CD (its a download) you get a PDF of the music, parts for all you can wish for. Have a look 🙂

 

[MellowD]

Mel, you remind me of a song by Olly Murs ;}

PS you have a volume II ???

Olly Murs? don't know his songs - so this one has gone riiiigggggghhhhhhht aways over my head ....... you'll just have to tell me?

No I don't have a volume II. Some weeks ago, Pete said he's hoping to release it NEXT Christmas!!!!

Mel

 

[kevgermany]

I think you should give Pete a bit of breathing space here. Writing a book takes a lot of time and effort - and these, like all the other goods for sale through the site, don't generate income for Pete, but generate income for charities. so Pete has to concentrate on paying work first and balance the charity work with his family and other commitments.

As it is, as a part timer he's produced great books, CDs, playalongs and mouthpieces. Not to mention this forum.

Not bad imho, even if I'm automatically biased by my involvement here.

 

[MellowD]

I think you should give Pete a bit of breathing space here. Writing a book takes a lot of time and effort - and these, like all the other goods for sale through the site, don't generate income for Pete, but generate income for charities. so Pete has to concentrate on paying work first and balance the charity work with his family and other commitments.

As it is, as a part timer he's produced great books, CDs, playalongs and mouthpieces. Not to mention this forum.

Not bad imho, even if I'm automatically biased by my involvement here.

Hi Kev ......... the power of the written word for being misunderstood when you're trying to be concise with humour!

Whilst I genuinely would wish to purchase the book, I'm also tongue in cheek about its timing yet serious about my fear of improv. So I'm grateful for all the responses I've had on the latter and will be more adventurous in my own little room. Having said that, Stax of Sax may well get me over that hurdle next week?!

I do completely understand the process of writing a book (personal experience as I'm in the process myself, and I socialise with several authors in their own right). In essence, I was unsure whether Pete's comment about next Christmas was a serious or a playful one (I've noticed he is good with humour) as I have no knowledge of whether it is already in progress; as yet unstarted; or many other varieties of stage of conception and production. So I'm quizzical for a taster knowledge.

Whilst I am endeavouring, in my unfamiliar way, to be encouraging/supportive/appreciative to Pete's efforts - perhaps you have been a little quick to misunderstand me and jump into protective mode? Can we share responsibility on this one?

I am really far more understanding of Pete's circumstances than you have perceived, particularly getting the balance between being charitable and paying the piper for our own day-to-day, having been self employed for over a decade, and supporting several charities locally and nationally with financial/fundraising and physical/media availability.

So Pete, please understand, no pressure was ever intended. Simply encouragement, enthusiasm for your work, and a query of whether you are truly aiming for next Christmas (or even beyond that).

I am aware that this is the second time I have been perceived to be too strong from your perspective, Kev. I will endeavour to watch my words with far more caution.

with humility

Mel

 

[Pete Thomas]

So Pete, please understand, no pressure was ever intended. Simply encouragement, enthusiasm for your work, and a query of whether you are truly aiming for next Christmas (or even beyond that).

Hi mel, no problem.

Yes I really really want it out before next Christmas, and ideally way before then.

The stumbling block is the difficulty of writing out music theory that is understandable for beginners and finding impro tunes that are interesting but also fit in with some simple rules.

 

[MLoosemore]

...interesting but also fit in with some simple rules.

It's official... I'm doing it all wrong. The illustrious Mr Thomas says there are rules ....... So that's my Christmas list for 2013 sorted.

 

[sushidushi]

It's official... I'm doing it all wrong. The illustrious Mr Thomas says there are rules ....... So that's my Christmas list for 2013 sorted.

Meanwhile, call it free style 🙂

 

[MartinL]

Hi Kev ......... the power of the written word for being misunderstood when you're trying to be concise with humour!

with humility

Mel

Hey Mel, you must remember that Kev lives in Germany, he's rusty on the English sense of humour LOL :-J

(Sorry Kev, couldn't resist)

 

[kevgermany]

Sad thing is it's true. 🙁

 

[sushidushi]

Sad thing is it's true. 🙁

I know the feeling. I have been in exile for close to eight years and feel out of touch with England and yet out of tune with Canada, where I reside.