Started lessons today

[drrodgers2002]

Alright after 15+ years away from lessons I started back today.

I found an instructor (through a recommendation here) that is a fantastic jazz player and has taught at the college level for more than a decade on applied sax and jazz theory. I told him my focus was jazz and improv. I wanted to get good at both.

Anyway...the funniest part of the 'get to know you' lesson was when we were going through a chord chart and he said for me to just play the roots. What registered was 'let me see what you can do here'. So I unashamedly started to try and work out a solo over the chords. He walked over to the cd player, pressed stop and said 'you are trying to play a great jazz solo but you CAN'T yet. Play the roots.'

I had to laugh out loud when I realized my improv ability was summed up in one quick little statement.

So anyway...I will be plodding along and am looking forward to the journey. :]

Jeff

[sskilton]

Hi Drrodgers2002, congratulations on taking up the gauntlet. I do not believe you will regret it.

'You are trying to play a great jazz solo but you CAN'T yet. Play the roots.'

Boy do I relate to that. I certainly put a smile on my face to see it summed up so easily.

Good luck with the lessons and keep us posted on your progress.


8)

[steve]

Reminds me of the "wax on, wax off" scene in the Karate Kid Movie. I guess your teacher wants the fundamentals first....sounds like you picked a winner. Best of luck.

[drrodgers2002]

Thanks for the nice thoughts.

Interesting how some significant practice just helps you at least feel better pretty quickly. The new warm-up excericise he has me doing is basically a 1-3-5-3-1 routine. Starting at middle b flat, to low b-flat, backup to high b-flat, and back to middle b-flat, chromatically. Doing major, minor and augmented triads.

I am increasing speed but the augmented triads I am struggling with still having to think too much. Anyone have any tips other than practice, practice, practice?

Thanks,
Jeff

[LarryG]

I started lessons today with Tim Price. I am so glad that I took this step, as he showed me something in the first lesson that will improve my sound greatly. He told me my embouchure was fine, (made me feel good), and gave me an assignment for next time!

I haven't taken a lesson in music for 35 years. I am sure that I will enjoy these lessons as an adult much better than the ones as a teen. My advice to anyone who is contemplating it, at least try it. You will definitely learn something worth your time and $$$.

[Hawk]

Guys,

As we all know, starting the first time can be tough. Making time and committing to starting over again can be even tougher. Congrats!!!

Keep on keepin' on.

Hawk 8-)

[fieldmarshall]

Hi, I'm new to SOTW, and to forums, so bear with me while I get the hang of things.

I'm not exactly a late bloomer, but have had a couple long layoffs. Work and geography and lack of living in a cultured climate combined with being more than a little "chicken" have kept me away from something I used to be "decent" at.

I read these posts and thought, gosh, what am I waiting for? I'm going to look for a sax teacher! The closest I could find on a quick search was about a 2 hr drive from here, and was charging about $100 for 2 one hour lessons per month. Is this a fair price?

Best of luck to all of you. You may have just inspired me to get my fanny in gear and play again.

Peace,
Curt

[Morry]

To quote another sax player - I feel your pain. To find a good improv teacher, I'm having to drive to Atlanta, about a 2-1/2 hour drive. Unfortunately, it's amazing the things that come up in work and personal life that keep you from making it to a lesson when it involves 5 hours of travel time. I'm going to keep trying to make it, but so far it's been very hit and miss.

BTW, I'm paying $80 for 2 one hour lessons per month.

[chapron]

After years of paying for the kids to take music lessons it is my turn. My last child left the nest and at 46 I have my first sax lesson on Monday. I am renting a Bundy II from the music store where I will take lessons.

For years I have enjoyed listening to soft jazz. This is all for me and my personal enjoyment. I hope to make many new friends along the journey.

CR