Anybody here play sax?

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School ended today, and I decided to borrow an alto saxophone from the
music department and learn to play it over the summer. I normally play
trombone so this is quite different for me. I think I'm doing alright
so far (it's only been one day, after all :P) but, seeing as this is my
first time playing a reed instrument, I can use all the help I can get.
So, anybody have any general tips for a newbie? One thing I've noticed
is that, after extended playing, the inside of my bottom lip hurts
where my teeth have been pressing on it - is this normal, or is it due
to bad embouchure on my part (and if so, what can I do to fix it)? And
are there any specific excercises/songs/whatever you'd recommend I work
on to get familiar with the instrument? Any help and suggestions will
be greatly appreciated .

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Ty1020 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: April 24 2005 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 721	Topic: Anybody here play sax? Posted: June 20 2006 at 21:40
	School ended today, and I decided to borrow an alto saxophone from the music department and learn to play it over the summer. I normally play trombone so this is quite different for me. I think I'm doing alright so far (it's only been one day, after all :P) but, seeing as this is my first time playing a reed instrument, I can use all the help I can get. So, anybody have any general tips for a newbie? One thing I've noticed is that, after extended playing, the inside of my bottom lip hurts where my teeth have been pressing on it - is this normal, or is it due to bad embouchure on my part (and if so, what can I do to fix it)? And are there any specific excercises/songs/whatever you'd recommend I work on to get familiar with the instrument? Any help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated .


Arsillus Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: March 26 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 7374	Posted: June 20 2006 at 22:22
	Yes! I started on the alto but switched to the tenor not long after. You might want to have someone experienced show you a correct embouchure, but it is pretty normal for your mouth to hurt if you are just starting. At least it did for me! Make sure not to clamp down too hard. Keep the air in by keeping the corners of your mouth tought. As for beginner stuff, I used a myraid of books (and a great teacher), but I can't remember my favorite off the top of my head. Let me look around and I'll find it. Good luck. It's the coolest.

Kid-A Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: October 02 2005 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 613	Posted: June 21 2006 at 06:50
	Get lessons, thats the best advice for sax.