How to get back???

[Jazzme]

I started playing the T. Sax in the 7th grade and played all the way until I left the at the time local college. I was pretty good...got into all state and played in the local Symphony and City swing band. I really enjoyed it. My Mom bought me a super action 80 for a Valentines gift when I was in the 10th grade, later also getting my a Yanigasawa "ELIMONA" soprano as a graduation gift. Now, 9 or so years later, I don't perform publically, pick up my horn once or twice...maybe 3 times a year, and dog gonnit...I WANT TO GET BACK INTO IT. I just can't seem to get started. I have been playing along with a minus one CD and look at the Sax Bible every now and then. What about lessons??? Is that the way to get going again. I loved playing, but now doubt my abilities, help. I know all the scales (mostly anyway) and technique, and I think my tone is still great, but I want to continue further. I want to be able to play out, but don't feel confident about even looking until I have some advice from a unbiased pro to tell me "what they think". Where to start? Any advice would be great!

[Morry]

A teacher is a great way to go, and forces a commitment on your end. After playing for 20+ years, I recently came back from a 7 year hiatus, myself. I started with a teacher (first private lessons of my life), but my on-call schedule at work forced me to have to cancel on him last minute a couple of times, so I stopped them. Wasn't fair to him, and was a waste of money for me when I had to miss.

I try to keep one of my horns out all the time now. At least if it is sitting there in front of me, I'm more likely to stop and play than I am if I have to set everyting up. I probably end up getting 2 or 3 good sessions a week in, and realize that I'll never have time for that "every day" playing that it takes to get to the next level.

I would love to do some public playing again, but if I only ever play in my house, I know I'll never stop again. When I think about how I would describe myself to someone new, one of the descriptions would be "sax player", and that's a part of my life that I don't ever want to ignore again.

So, get a teacher if you can. Definitely order some Aebersold play-a-longs, and take advantage of the guys here on the forum. I've leared a bunch from some of these cats.

[Gandalfe]

Consider joining a weekend band, with some like-minded folks. Or join a community band. You can find community bands near you at http://www.boerger.org/c-m/groups.shtml. I'm in a community band and I live for the chance to solo. Some community bands sponsor a dance band because that can bring in more money than the concert band, so check that out too.

Once you start playing with a group again, then most likely you will want to improve, and that will drive you to practice longer and maybe, just maybe, get a good instructor to work with.

Good luck to youse, and keep on playin'.