Taking lessons just for fun!!!

[slitheringsax]

Anybody taking lessons just for fun? I mean, is anyone playing just to have a great hobby without any real interest in joining a band or anything else? I find myself in this category. I was in marching band back in high school, and picked up an alto sax after a 20 year year lay off. I absolutely love it. I played on my own for a few months, then decided to take lessons to improve myself. My music teacher looked a little surprised that I wanted to take lessons without having the disire to play in a band or something :shock: . But he's very good, and patient (the best quality in a teacher). He already has me on intermediate method. The best thing for me is not being under pressure to learn a particular piece of music, but just learning for fun 8-) .
SS

[gary]

slitheringsax, I personally really enjoy playing for others. It's an important part of what I do. Furthermore, I very likely would not play in any of the bands I do if I could not solo. That's likely the opposite of how you feel at the moment. Know what? So what. Doesn't matter one bit. Do it your way. I think it's neat that you've discovered a great hobby like playing the sax. Do it the way you want to and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. And don't be a stranger around here. :hello2:

[Kareeser]

I play the saxophone more for fun than for actually wanting to play sax for my future...

I did take Music all four years of high school, and joined Senior Band + Wind Ensemble, but I'm not thinking of doing music in university.

Now that I think about it, all the times I didn't consciously read about somehting (mouthpieces in particular) is possibly going to come around and bit me on my rear end 20 years from now when I do want to know something...

[sax_appeal]

I'm looking to have a career playing sax, but thats because I love playing it so much. I do play in several bands that I don't often get to solo in, but thats for the enjoyment of being part of a team, and being involved in a large band, which is just as important to me as being a soloist.

slitheringsax, don't rule out the possibility of being in a band. Why not go to a few rehearsals of the local community or beginner band, depending on your progress. You might discover that you enjoy playing in a band even more than you do on your own, and if not thats cool as well. Just give it a try.

[JMac]

Hey slitheringsax- Welcome back to the horn! I also recently returned to playing (last February) after a 21 year layoff. Initially it was just for me to have a hobby, but eventually I realized I missed the interaction with bandmembers as much as I had missed the music.

The great thing about playing 'nowadays' is the availability of all the play-along CD's / DVD's and band-in-a-box type gizmo's. So you can play just about any style or piece of music that floats your boat. The most important thing is to have fun doing it!

Speaking of fun- keep an eye on the 'Who we are & Get-togethers" area for postings about a MD area get together. It will probably be held one weekend in February at Loyola College in Baltimore. I went last year and it was a lot of fun. I wasn't going to go at first, because I couldn't even play a decent scale and had a 'lowly' student horn (it was only a couple of weeks after I picked it back up). I went anyway and couldn't have been made to feel more comfortable. It doesn't matter what your level of playing may be, or what your goals are, everyone just loves the sax and enjoys spending a little time with other like-minded folks.

Another neat thing is the sax-swapping! Bring your mouthpiece and you will get to play horns you've only read about but never dreamed of being able to play. Be forewarned, it may fuel GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). Here is a link to what everyone said about last years gathering - http://www.siteground.info/~saxont2/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=12751 .
and here is a link to a thread discussing this year's gathering - http://www.siteground.info/~saxont2/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=22847 .
I don't know what part of the old line state you live in, but a number of members are also meeting up around the time of the US Navy Sax Symposium (including Merlin- all the way from Toronto) http://www.siteground.info/~saxont2/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=21949 .

I hopd all of this isn't TMI (too much info), but personally I really enjoyed meeting the folks who post here in person. It was nice to put a face / name with a handle in addition to just meeting some really nice people.

Finally, as I said earlier I started with the same goal you have but wound up realizing I eventually wanted to play with other musician's too. If you eventually reach that point you may want to consider playing in a 'Jazz Band Master Class' that my instructor puts on (you don't have to be one of his students to join) http://www.jeffantoniuk.com/master%20class.htm .

Even though I didn't think I was ready yet, my instructor invited me to join the newest (and least experienced) group. I saw them do their first ever public performance and decided it would be a challenge, but I should take the leap. My first practice with them is next Saturday, Dec. 11th, and, although I'm nervous, I am excited as well.

In any event, welcome back, just enjoy playing, and hope we get to meet you at a gathering! - Jeff

[Gandalfe]

NOW I'm jealous. Seattle and the Northwest, when do we get together? :D

[JMac]

Hey Gandalfe- Isn't yours scheduled for the end of the rainy season? Sorry, that's just low and plain not funny. Just to let you know, we allow anyone to come to the get-together, from anywhere. I think it would be neat if you, Pete, Harri, and Kim (along with all other contributing editors / columnists/ moderators -past and present) could make it so we could let you know how much we appreciate your efforts.

BWI is a fairly cheap airport to fly into with service from at least 2 low cost carriers (Southwest and AirTran), and there are plenty of reasonable hotels in the area. I'd offer to put someone up in my spare room, but it is being converted into a baby's room at the moment.

Of course, if you're worried about bringing your horns on the plane, you're certainly welcome to ship them to my address in advance.... :wink: .

You Seattle area folks should work on setting one of these up, it is great fun, and maybe you could convince Sarge to bring along some of his stock in trade!! Or maybe the guy you know who deals in all the nice stuff on e-bay, who is it -chuck8133 or sax5thavenue, could bring along some of those priceless gems!

[Crumit]

Hi, Slithering. In the throes of early midlife crisis, I bought an alto sax a year and a half ago and started playing. I had never even held one before, but I thought it would be a fun thing to learn. I played on my own for a year and then started lessons, which have helped a lot. I have no immediate plans to play with a band, because right now I enjoy playing on my own and working on pokey stuff that I like but very few others would. (Ethelbert Nevin, anyone?) That way there's no pressure, and no scheduling headaches, and no clash of egos. It's just a great hobby for me--nonstop soloing down in the basement. Enjoy!

[otomah]

Slithering

Three years ago at the age of 45 I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to learn how to play the sax. I took a few lessons here and there - learned a lot from this website and joined the community band to improve my skills. I got to the point that I played first part in the band. I played solos in church and always hated that because my nerves were out of control. I finally got sick of it all - the community band, the church - everything. I decided no more playing for anyone else, just myself. I play less often - but I play what I want. I don't progress, but for the time being, it works for me.

Do what you want -
otomah

[rini]

Oh well, when I proofread my text I realised 'Oh no, I was writing a story of my life'.
Kinda off topic and boring, really.
:)

rini

[slitheringsax]

Thanks for all the replies.
Hey JMac, I think I will look into the Maryland get together. I live outside of Annapolis, so Baltimore isn't far (except during rush hour) :roll:
I bought a Yamaha YAS-575 Allegro to begin this renewed interest in sax. I haven't been disappointed. It's a great intermediate horn, complete with a G-1 neck, a Selmer C** mouthpiece and a Legere synthetic 2.5 reed. My teacher and I have worked this out as a great setup for me. I look forward to the search for a pro horn some day, as my skills increase 8-) . I certainly don' t rule out the possibility of some day joining a local band, but I am also new to this area in MD, so don't have any contacts yet. Thanks.
SS

[JMac]

Sounds like a really good set-up to start on! It's great that you're working with a teacher, too. When you feel ready, I imagine he or she can put you in touch with some local contacts to jam with.

My teacher is 'all the way down' in Annapolis, but he's more than worth the 90 mile round trip for lessons, etc. Tomorrow (Dec. 11th) is my first Jazz Band Master Class practice, and it will be the first time in over 22 years that I've played with a band. I'm a bit nervous but looking forward to it at the same time.

We'll be practicing at a cafe / restaurant called 49 West (located at 49 West Street in Annapolis - a couple of doors down from The Ram's Head) from 11 am - 1 pm. One of his other classes will also have a 2 hour practice this Saturday. The practices are held in the back room while the cafe is open, so anyone who stops in for lunch can wander back and enjoy (hopefully) the music. Feel free to swing by and introduce yourself if you have the time or inclination. If you're overwhelmed getting ready for the holidays like many of us and can't make it this weekend - the practices are held every week. There are 4 bands in total, and 2 of them have 2-hour practices each week (each band plays every other week). Even if you just want to anonymously stop by and listen it will give you an idea of what other students are working on. You'll probably also find out that you're a lot better than you give yourself credit for! The food is good, great coffee, and it is a destination place for desserts. Could be a great place to meet some people in your new area - Annapolis seems like a really nice place to live.

Take care, and keep on honking! - Jeff

[Helen]

NOW I'm jealous. Seattle and the Northwest, when do we get together? :D

Cast your net a bit wider, and include the Lower Mainland of BC as well for a get together. I recently returned "home" after a 9 year stint in the Maritimes, so it would be nice to meet some more of the Wet Coasters. :wink:

[bass]

Getting back to the original question: "Anybody taking lessons just for fun? I mean, is anyone playing just to have a great hobby without any real interest in joining a band or anything else?"

I'm definitely taking lessons for fun. I have neither the time, talent or ambition to become a professional--or even serious amateur--at age 52. I like to practice every day (for 45-60 minutes), but something in me resists taking it too seriously--obsessing over the many nuances of playing. I love jazz and want to improvise on standards and ballads, but the road to improv seems very long and very difficult.

I always thought that playing the sax could be a casual affiar--like playing electric guitar in a garage band or fiddle in a celtic band. You learn some chords and have fun playing tunes. But the sax does require more commitment. There's no easy way to sound half-way decent--no matter what style one plays.

That said, I think the effort to learn the sax needs (for me) the payoff of playing with others. I just can't see spending all this time and effort just to keep playing in my bedroom with a backing CD. If one does develop a decent tone and technique--why keep it from others?

I belong to a group of beginning jazz players. We meet once or twice a month to practice some tunes. It's fun--but intimidating--to try to improvise. I sound pathetic, but I figure it's got to help me to learn. I don't worry too much about whether I'll ever have the chops to perform in public (although I'd like to). The important thing is to play with live musicians with whom one can communicate musically--and improve through the experience.

Anyway, whether one plays duets or plays with a large community band, isn't group playing what it's all about?

My 2 cents. Bass

[jimsuderman]

I'm a late bloomer, (47), who is just starting my sax experience. I have been reading everything I can while I wait for my sax to arrive. My son has a college freind who gave me a good deal on his student sax that he had sitting around. It should arrive tonight! I too am only learning to play for my own enjoyment. I have always enjoyed listening to sax players but was reluctent to think about playing myself because it was so late in the 'game'. I played the trumpet back in junoir high school but was never very good (due to lack of motivation), so I'm expecting it to take me awhile before I can even claim to being about to play. I appreciate all the information and encouragement that is available from these discusion groups.

[danny_w]

I am almost 52 and just started on the alto about 6 weeks ago, and am definitely just taking lessons for fun of it. I played trombone in school way back when, but was never very good at it because I never practiced. I really wanted to play the sax back then, but my band director said I couldn't until I got braces. Oh well...

So I decided to give the sax a try mainly for the personal enjoyment that I could get from learning, and to prove to myself that I could learn something new. I don't kid myself into thinking I'll ever be a great saxophonist, but I am still serious about practicing and improving; after all, I'm the one paying the bills nowadays! It would be great to someday be good enough to play in a local swing or jazz band, or even the church orchestra, but that is not what is important to me at the moment.

[wainsworth]

I have been playing alto sax for just over one year after playing clarinet for about ten years. I have gone the route of playing in concert bands but find that it is not always the fun that one thinks it is going to be. For one thing, in a concet band of say, forty five members, there are always players with superior ability playing with less ambitious people. Eventually the better players influence the committee to practice more difficult pieces and the lesser players get stressed out. I [being one of the old starters] also resent playing stuff like obscure tone poems that are not particularly pleasant to listen to [matter of opinion of course]. So, being seventy-two, and knowing I am not going to be all that great, I play by myself or with BIAB. I enjoy practicing and find playing my saxophone fun and I am struggling to learn to play by ear. I'd rather be playing something like "Satin Doll" with feeling and listening to my tone than struggling to play a Chinese rowing tune or something similar with a concert band. But I would still join a concert band if I could find one that played jazz standards or show tune medleys or arrangements. That to me would be a kind of paradise, but I know it isn't going to happen.

[mrschewy]

:D Hi! I too am a player for fun! i am 36, been having lessons about 6 months and started just to learn a new skill and cos i like the sound of the sax. I have a lesson every week, learn the techniques and go away and learn the pieces. Now that I am more confident and can play and read a good range of notes, I am beginning to be able to play the stuff I know and like, and let me tell you, the first time I played a piece of music by myself, without having been shown first by my teacher, I felt sooo good (probably sounded rubbish, but that's not the point!) So yes, some of us are in it just for fun, and wow, isn't it the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!! Keep on blowing and most of all, enjoy!

[cleger]

I've just recently begun my sax journey and am taking lessons from an excellent instructor. I am doing this entirely for my own enjoyment and am trying not to get too far ahead of myself by planning for where I'm going to take this. If I get good enough to play with others and I feel I want to and have the time I will, if not, it won't be a disappointment.

[Old Charlie]

I'm getting into this for the fun of it. I played clarinet for a few years in Junior High School but dropped it because my heart wasn't in it. This time I'm playing what I always wanted to play and enjoying every minute of it, squeeks, squawks and all.

I've had a couple of friends tell me they'd love to have me play in their weekly groups sessions, but I'm not ready yet. Maybe next year.

I take my first lesson Saturday and I'm looking forward to overcoming my major weaknesses (everything) quickly.

[fballatore]

I take my first lesson Saturday and I'm looking forward to overcoming my major weaknesses (everything) quickly.

Charlie -

Glad to see that you found an instructor! I took a trial lesson with a second instructor, and we hit it off right away! It's great to have a couple to choose from. Good luck!

Frank

[rcwjd]

Hello All

For those just getting into this for fun and who want to test the water occasionally to see what others might offer as suggestions, join us over on the Post a Member Recording thread. A group of us have posted clips of our playing for group comment for almost a couple of years now. THe comments sometimes are even useful. :lol: Just get one of those free web sites, post your clip, and tell us where it is. Warning - it can be addictive. :wink: