Where to go from here.

Tenor Sax · Jul 14, 2008

Having completed my third book on basics with as many tutors. I intend to stick with my current tutor in the hope of tutor - pupil recognition and progress.

I feel I need to expand on "Progress Remark ". If I measure my knowledge on Classical training I probably fall between Grade 4 & 5.

My tutor has recommended we either continue on a similar theme, as an Example:- "play as you learn", "Abracadabra" Style books. Or I choose another path.

I express my interest in pushing forward to expand my knowledge of Jazz. Despite his Jazz background he remarked "learning Scales and arpeggio progressions' may be a waste of the time in a lesson as this could be learnt at home in my own time". I don't disagree with his way of thinking.

So it was left with me to choose my next direction. Any thoughts or experiences as to what will be worth tutor input. :S

griff136 · Jul 14, 2008

I know your tutor is right - do your scales and arps at hom ein your own time - your tutor is right when he says its a waste of time in your lesson - although once you are up to speed with your scales and arps you could suggest to yout tutor that to keep on top of them you do 10 mins as a warm up in your lesson - concentrating on the more difficult ones.

In order to progress you need to have your scales and arpeggios off to a tee.

I found this out very quickly when I started having jazz lessons.

no use learning chords, modes etc if your not up to speed with your scales.

stick at it and the quicker you learn them the easier everything will become.

Col · Jul 14, 2008

I went through at least 4 different tutors in the first years, 2 were great the others didn't help much.

Then I tried a couple of week schools, the Stables is great as is Jamey Abersol in Richmond.

Finally I've settled on scales at home with Abersol play alongs (and others) as I reckon nothing teaches you better than playing.

I've recently been to jam session in my local pub - only sax player amongst 20+ guitarists - a really quick way to learn as they all play in E and other nsaty concert keys. Helps develop your ear and confidence. And it's cheaper than lessons.

Smiffy · Jul 14, 2008

While I'm no expert, I'm behind you on grades

My next step would be to continue with the "play as you learn" but try to find others to play with

I have been offered a place with a local Big Band in Bromley but I need to get up to a grade 5 and get my sight reading a lot better just to practise with them

TomMapfumo · Jul 15, 2008

Hi there!

If you are around Grade 4/5 have you done any grades yet, and if not, why not? (friendly question!)
It would place you at Intermediate level - 2 books in the Creative Saxophone Series would be useful:-

1. "Improvisation"
2. "Workbook"
Both of which is designed for people at your level - choosing some areas/tunes to work on for each would be good.

Or getting the ABRSM Grade 4/5 Real Book and CD's and learning some of the tunes may be fun, whether or not you do any actual exams. This all assumes that you are not primarily classically minded, which may be an inaccurate assumption on my part.

All can be found at "Jazzwise" online. At least with some decent CD input it will also encourage you in playing with other musicians, maybe as a precursor to stepping into the big outside world! When I am doing such pieces with my tutor we often take it in turns with parts of solos, and sometimes duet, which is fun. We also improvise together on certain scales etc. etc. (you can gather that I have a decent tutor - we have been together for 18 months, so far.

Let us know what you decide to do.
Kind regards
Tom

Tenor Sax · Jul 15, 2008

Thank you for your input Griff, Col, Smiffy and Tom, all have valid points.

Its was knowing how to explain what I was hopping to achieve, its nicely started the ball rolling so if I may pick out a few points.

I haven't taken the exams but work with my tutor from the Syllabus as a guide.

My sight reading is such I do play with the "Lichfield City Band" However the Music is normally marching band style. :x :x

I do need to firmly fix the scales in my grey matter but have worked through all Major and Minor including arpeggios.

My home playing goes from the "take-the lead" books and backing tracks for Jazz, Swing, Musicals, and on and on.. with a very large Net. Along with Salsa and Reggae. A current favourite is "Swing when your winning" ( I thinks that's what its called ) Its by Robbie Williams.

So there you have it.

My tutor is an Excellent Player and did, until retirement, play in the Shirley Bassey Band. I'm not sure he knows where to go with me so I need to decide and offer some suggestions to him.

:S :S

Smiffy · Jul 15, 2008

I think it would be better if you gave me tips, I'm way behind you

Oh and can you get me Shirley phone number PLEASE!

:whistle:

Tenor Sax · Jul 17, 2008

Smiffy wrote:
I think it would be better if you gave me tips, I'm way behind you

Oh and can you get me Shirley phone number PLEASE!

:whistle:

My playing I'm very happy with, its my understanding and creativity I need to work on.

Smiffy · Jul 17, 2008

I would guess it's what sound you want to follow

A pandora's box without doubt, Is she the right girlfriend/wife ...or boyfriend :S

You will have to just go with your feeling and pick one, you can always dump it later if it's not working out, no one can be sure of what lays ahead

Tenor Sax · Jul 18, 2008

Wise words young Smithy, the force is strong with you.

Smiffy · Jul 18, 2008

Nah, I was just lost as to giving you direction

* see what I did there* 😉

Kinda · Jul 18, 2008

Hi Chris

Sorry for being late to the debate. My question would be to ask where do you want to get to, play in a band, quartet or orchestra.

Then I would seek to get help from my tutor with regard to the above, music genre etc.

I'm a bit behind you but I have recently joined a music centre that as well as lessons, has a beginners jazz band, orchestra and sax quartet.

I find playing with the bands etc is far more difficult than playing on your own and I think pushes you at home in your practising.

So for me ask yourself where you want to get to and then join a group, band or orchestra that plays want you want and have more than one band, orchestra or quartet to seek out as much practising as possible.

Kinda