Lessons?

[songofthewolf]

Hi. I was wondering if you're just starting out with the sax and with music in general, is it necessary to get lessons? I really want to learn to play well and so far I think I am making decent progress by practicing everyday and talking to some of my friends that are musicians when I get hung up. What do you think? Thanks so much for your help!

[MS]

You can learn much from friends if they're good players or the personality to explain things they've learned in an organized way.

Your progress will be quicker with private lessons from a GOOD teacher. Most experienced teachers have a basic routine of exercises, etudes and studies thet can keep you busy for 4 to 8 years, plus experience with various mouthpieces, reeds, and a knowledge of other problems that crop up from time to time. Weekly evaluations and assignments will help get the most out of your practice efforts. Will probably help keep you motivated if you have to show results of your practice week by week.

If you're an organized analytical diciplined person, you may do well on your own. :D

[songofthewolf]

Thanks a lot MS. I will definately give some more thought to this and see how things go! I'm really excited about learning sax.

[Helen]

I'd always advocate for a teacher, if a person can afford to take lessons.

There are so many things that you can do wrong without even knowing it. A good teacher will help you avoid common pitfalls from the start. I have students who have been playing for a while, and then come and see me. I find we spend much time "unlearning" bad habits which could have been avoided had they had someone show them the correct way to do things at the start.

[songofthewolf]

Wow. I had never even thought of that. A very salient piece of advice, Helen. I'll be certain to keep it in mind. Thanks so much. Speaking of "affording lessons", how much does one typically pay for sax lessons?

[Helen]

Speaking of "affording lessons", how much does one typically pay for sax lessons?

This will vary greatly depending on where you live, and who you take lessons from. In my area, the rate for all types of music lessons is $30/hr. or $15 for a 1/2.

Check out this thread for other prices:

http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=4660