The saxophone is a special type of instrument invented by Adolphe Sax in 1840s. The woodwind cum brass sax ensemble has sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone in the family group.
The saxophone is a transposing instrument with many keys of different sizes, and used to play various melodies of music ranging from classical, blues, folk and jazz, to mention a few. The most commonest of them is the Alto saxophone, pitched in the key of Eb. For notes agreement, while the Alto saxophonist plays on C major scale, the pianist (concert instrument-piano) will play on Eb major. The difference between the notes is three semitones.
Playing the saxophone requires more of energy and dexterity. The fluidity of notes and the use dynamics are ornaments for robust sound and excellent performance.
You’ve got to develop a good breathing technique and using appropriate reed of convenient inch to produce a quality sound. You could be playing out of tune, if the mouthpiece is wrongly placed; the reed is faulty or any of the keys and strings are out of position.
It is advisable to tune your instrument with the aid of a well-tuned piano. Developing your aural skills and tone quality should be a continuous work.
It takes time for you to learn and master the art of playing the saxophone. One has to learn good skills from an experienced sax teacher with much knowledge in the areas of classical and contemporary-creative music, such as jazz.
Aside giving absolute time for music study, you have to learn improvisation method, playing through the chords, creating melodies, and instrumental obbligato.
Music pieces are written on the staff. Therefore, a knowledge of sight-reading and rudiments of music is necessary, to enable you perform loads of music written by professional players around the world.
Good books: hard copies and online publications from trusted authors are available online. The book, ‘A New Tune A Day’ could be a starting point for the sax beginner.
Since saxophone is a solo instrument, it has the power to impart a listener, engaging the audience with brilliance skills by accessing the lower and topmost altissimo notes, practically using the octave key.
To improve your Sax skills,
- Practice daily and sght read music pieces of different genres.
- Place your mouthpiece in the right position (embouchure), and use correct fingering on the keys.
- Gradual blowing of every note (short, long notes) and phrases to sound legato.
- Practice scales: major, minor, blues, pentatonic and the chromatic scale.
- Practice in bits, steadily with good tempo or timing, possibly to two octaves
- Hold you sax pretty well and in a good posture that is comfortable for performance.
- How do you sound? Record your sound to hear your tone, and learn at different stages if you are improving or not.
- Practicing with other superb musicians would be helpful in your musical development.
Like a lead guitarist fires brilliant riffs and running speed on his guitar, so, a saxophonist does translate a momentary situation into a reflective, vibrant and eclectic mood.
Listen to great saxophonist: Kenny G, Groover Washington, Charley Parker, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Manu Dibango, Kirk Whalum, Fela Kuti, Julius Ekemode, Justin Almario, Anjola Aboderin, Kunle Ajayi and many other great performers.
Enjoy playing the sax, and the beauty of the sound will never run you dry!
Saxophone Training
The saxophone produces a warm enveloping sound. Though the charisma of the skillful musician dictates a reflective and beautiful atmosphere.
Is it difficult to learn to play the saxophone? Yes and no. It depends on one’s interest, a good teacher, disciplined to follow instructions, and regular practice.
To start the training, you will need to acquire the instrument. For a beginner, you will need a saxophone in perfect technical condition. So, approach the choice responsibly. It is advisable to consult your sax teacher before buying the instrument.
There are different brands out there with less quality sound. If a professional will play tolerably on the sax with technical problems, the beginner may not be able to do it. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare a realistic budget to purchase quality sax.
Do not buy the saxophone yourself, find a teacher, and consult with him.
What we do at Tonality Music School
We conduct sax lessons individually and also in a group. We teach the students according to their aptitude. Even at the general sax lessons, we do attend to every student, taking him/her up the steps to playing and performing better and appropriately on the instrument.
Can you learn to play the saxophone yourself?
It is a two-way thing. If you study alone, you gain an average knowledge, however, you would be able to learn the sax so well with a virtuoso teacher.
Saxophone course overview
Includes a systematic guide to blowing the first sound on the sax, using the right reed, adjusting the strap, breathing technique, dynamics, notes reading, and lots more.
Saxophone course duration
The duration for the basic saxophone training class is 12 weeks/3 months. The first lesson here is the most important. It is the foundation on which musical successes will be built.
For someone who has a problem with playing the sax, it is necessary to address the issues which may have arisen from self-education for years, poor intonation, or any other factors. The excellent teaching we provide at Tonality music school would help you to correct the errors and lead you in the right direction.
Learn to play the saxophone from age 5 years
You can learn to play the sax from age 5 years, starting with a soprano sax. Children attend Tonality music school for excellent tutoring. Sax lessons are available for adults and those going into professional performance. People looking for tutors or private music teachers call us to book their study time. We have teachers who would make the music and sax learning comfortable for you.
We pay attention to details. Tonality music professionals teach and help our students to achieve their dreams and be successful in playing the saxophone.
Don’t be afraid to play! Music is not only for “the talented” any more, as many people used to believe. Those who regularly engage in music also have consistent musical growth and progress.
For the first 2-3 months, do 3-4 workouts a day lasting 15-20 minutes. It is adequate to study with the teacher twice a week, and do your daily sax exercises at home.
Learn sax music literacy at Tonality music?
Music literacy for playing the saxophone is absolutely important. We have additional classes of sight-reading and tonic solfa that would blend and improve your academic knowledge and creativity. Playing the tonic solfa improves musical hearing.
The sound of the saxophone is influenced, not only by the ability of the saxophonist and the quality of the saxophone, but also by other factors including, noisy hall, acoustics, sound reinforcement, increased salivation, etc. Having a standard sound in the head is not enough, moreover, the saxophonist should be able to adapt to environmental factors and, it requires skill to bring the sound to fruition.
Do not be afraid of difficulties. Saxophone as a hobby brings pleasure, and also the opportunity to perform at a programme, a party or among friends would be a pleasing and glorious moment for you.
Registering for a sax training at Tonality music school, Lagos would do you a lot of good. The proven sax course would lead you to the desired greatness.
Why not studying with us today and be on your way to becoming one of the great Sax legends?
TONALITY Music School.
For more information or bookings:
Call 08055972777; 07088240850
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