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Where words fail, music speaks. |
So you chose the alto sax ... now what?
Obtaining an instrument. You have THREE options:
1) You can rent a school instrument for a donation of $50 for maintenance and repair or 2) You can rent an instrument from a third party or 3) You can purchase an instrument. (Please seek a recommendation from Ms. B before purchasing.) |
What supplies do you need?
* Reeds * Swab * Neck Strap * Cork grease * Music Stand * Metronome/Metronome App. |
HERE'S SOME IMPORTANT STUFF:
saxophone EMBOUCHURE
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TOP TEETH are the anchor for the mouthpiece. Generally they go about a third of the way down the mouthpiece. Basically it is above the point where the reed just meets the rails. NOTE: Too much mouthpiece in the mouth will result in a spread out, bright tone prone to squeaks. Too little—taking just the very tip of the mouthpiece—will produce a stuffy, soft, uncontrolled sound.
LOWER TEETH should never touch anything! They should be as far away from the bottom of the mouthpiece as possible. In other words, the chin—or jaw—should be down. UPPER LIP forms a seal on the top portion of the mouthpiece. LOWER LIP is usually near the point where the reed meets the rails of the mouthpiece. The lip should never curl out, or “straight up” as some clarinetists do. It should be slightly curled over the bottom teeth. It basically forms a pillow for the reed to rest on. |
Withood embouchure, the airstream should be directed straight down the neck of the saxophone. Try not to send the air higher or lower than the neck.
Click here for more information on how to use the correct saxophone embouchure!
SAXOPHONE EMBOUCHURE NO NO'S
Saxophone 'no excuse' Posture
Good posture is critical to proper breathing, and allows for free technique.
FEET: They should be flat on the floor, and where they would be if the player were to stand up.
REAR END: Sit on the front half of the chair. Don’t sit too far forward or you will lose balance. If you choose to sit farther back, don’t put too much weight on the chair’s back.
BACK: The back should be straight, but relaxed. The weight of the saxophone is best supported by a straight back. Hunching forward only makes the horn seem heavier! Good breathing is easier by a straight back too.
SHOULDERS should be relaxed: Relaxed shoulders are easier to achieve when the back is in good position. This will also permit free breathing, and prevent soreness and fatigue.
HEAD: Should be straight as if there were no sax sticking in your face!
FEET: They should be flat on the floor, and where they would be if the player were to stand up.
REAR END: Sit on the front half of the chair. Don’t sit too far forward or you will lose balance. If you choose to sit farther back, don’t put too much weight on the chair’s back.
BACK: The back should be straight, but relaxed. The weight of the saxophone is best supported by a straight back. Hunching forward only makes the horn seem heavier! Good breathing is easier by a straight back too.
SHOULDERS should be relaxed: Relaxed shoulders are easier to achieve when the back is in good position. This will also permit free breathing, and prevent soreness and fatigue.
HEAD: Should be straight as if there were no sax sticking in your face!
Examples:
Click here for more information about posture.
Disclaimer: These videos have been borrowed from the 'Alto Saxophone' page. Because the Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bari are all very similar and a lot of saxophonists switch between instruments. In fact, the Alto and the Bari share fingerings!
Alto Sax lesson 1Opening the Case & Naming the Parts
ALTO SAX LESSON 4
How to Hold the Alto Sax
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Alto sax lesson 2How to Assemble Mouthpiece, Reed, and Neck
ALTO SAX LESSON 4
How to Use Cork Grease
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Alto Sax lesson 3How to Assemble the Alto Sax
ALTO SAX LESSON 6
My Note Doesn't Sound Right! (Or Isn't Working)
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