Newbie intro and questions

[blueangel]

Hi all:
Lakita here, just got my hands on an alto sax. I've been wanting to learn to play for ages. I played trombone all through jr High and High school so I have some band experience. I also concentrated in music while in college---- taking a few theory classes --- though I don't remember a lot of it --- I am hoping it will come back once I get to that point.

The guy at the music shop sold me a box of #2 reeds and a lesson book with an easy to read fingering chart and play along CD. Right now I am only practicing for about 30 minutes a day --- just getting used to the instrument. Unfortunately, the instructor I hired can't see me until the first week in May. I don't want to practice bad habits --- but I also don't want to do anything.

From the book I've learned G, A, and B so far. My questions are:
1. I understand I am supposed to place my teeth on the top of the mouthpiece and my tongue against the reed. I seem to get a better sound if I fold my bottom lip...is that bad?

2. Also, I find myself blowing very hard (not puffing my cheeks though :D ) and by the time I am through 16 measures I am winded. Now I'm in decent shape so I gather I am not breathing right....any tips here?

3. And my lips start buzzing and vibrating after a while. Is this a sign that I am not positioning my lips correctly?

Thanks in advance for all your help!
Kita

[kcp]

Hello blueangel and welcome


...I seem to get a better sound if I fold my bottom lip...is that bad?
Yes, that's bad, and you might injure your lip that way too.

It spunds to me according to what you explain in questions 1, 2 and 3 that this is all related to a lack of endurance and wrong embouchure. But don't worry, that's normal since you are only starting out on saxophone. Strong embouchure muscles take time to developp. To acheive so it is really important that you learn how to adopt a good embouchure position. For this I suggest you to read Paul C's following articles:

Posture & Horn Position (http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/Beginner_Corner2.html)

Embouchure & Mouthpiece (http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/Beginner_Corner3.html)

More Embouchure questions (http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/Beginner_Corner4.html)

In there you will find everything that you need to know to get started on the right foot

Happy playing :D

[blueangel]

Sounds good thanks!
I'll definately look over those articles

I don't remember having to build up an endurance for trombone --- but the first time I picked one up was more than 10 years ago, and different muscles are probably being worked.

Kita