Very new here!!

[SaxInTheHarbor]

hi
i just became a member moments ago :) Found this web site and am loving it!!
i just turned 30 and have always wanted to play the sax and it wasn't until this year that i got the chance. my brother in law lent me his. i have been playing since the beginning of november. i dont really have much music experience in my past but i do love to listen to all kinds and i really enjoy trying to play the sax!!

i take lessons every week and my teacher is really nice but she teaches only kids and i have been using a band method book. my question for everyone is this: is there a better way for an adult to learn this instrument. i have seen other books online but i am afraid that my are too advanced for me but i am willing to try anything really.

thanks for listening :D

[Hurling Frootmig]

Play as much as you can and be open to learning from your teacher or other players.

Enjoy.

[Jon B. Bop]

I started as an adult a couple of years ago. My advice is to not try to progress too quickly. Being an adult does not exempt you from having to do the rudimentary work necessary to develope a strong foundation on which the rest of your playing will depend.

Having said that, you should feel comfortable that your teacher is qualified to teach you, that is, that she/he is a good teacher, relates well to you and your specific needs etc.

There are many method books out there, but I believe strongly that working closely with a quality teacher is the best and most expedient way to learn to play.

Good luck, and enjoy the process!

[saxamaphonegirl]

play lots of long tones.

for sheet muisc you can go to:

http://www.jwpepper.com

they have levels marked on all the music they carry. they can also suggest something for your level of playing. your teacher should be able to suggest some type of book or sheet music you might like.

[o2wail]

I might suggest that you pickup a copy of Aebersold's volume one. I covers quite a bit of theory and practice scales which will only pay-off in the long haul. Also, don't forget to have fun!!

[PeterT]

Hi SITH. Had to jump in with my two cents. I'm 63, played the sax for one semester in college, played trumpet from 6th grade thru college and for many years after just for myself for the fun of it. College was in 1965, then one day last Dec 2002 I was in eBay and all of a sudden found myself the owner of a tenor sax. It was hard for a while but it came back fast, not that I knew that much or was very good before. But I was a fair player, was able to hold up my end in the college jazz band which isnt much to brag about. Anyway, first book I bought was Everybody's Favorite Saxophone Method by Arnie Berle, a good practical and progressive approach. At about the same time I picked up Technique of the Saxophone - Scale Studies by Berkelee Press - Vol 1. Scale study is a MUST. The best books I have found that really helped me are the playalongs with cd. My favorites right now are 'Jazz Ballads Vol 4 by Hal Leonard, my all time favorite 'Amazing Phrasing' by Hal Leonard, also a fun book called 'Progressive Rock Saxophone Method by Peter Gelling. A lot of books with cd dont work too well for a beginner. Make sure they have the melody on one track as well as the rhythm & accompaniment section. I found playing along with the cd's really helped me. And seeing as how I'm living in a 5th wheel trailer with my wife, I learned early on how to play softly. I improved so much in the past year that I took part in a stage production in the orchestra and had a ball playing with some pretty good musicians. I was also asked to play a special music number at a friends baptism. That was an experience. They told me it would be just a small group of friends and church members. I got there late, walked in the room and there must have been 75 people there. No warmup, just get the sax out , wet the reed and start playing. I managed to get through it ok but that wasnt the way I would have preferred it. Oh man, I think I went way past my two cents worth. Anyhow, good to have you on board, this is a great place to learn or just pass the time reading really interesting stories. I first got on when I spied the Northern Calif Bloomers. There are 4 of us that get together every few months at somebody's home and enjoy the day just blowing and having fun. We're all around the Sacramento area. Where are you?

[keithm]

I learnt 30 odd years ago with a teacher and the 'old tune a day for tenor saxophone' i seem to remember it was a good start but do not know if it is still available, however ask your teacher what she recommends, my old teacher told me to find a book of Glen Millar tunes ! :lol:
Enjoy !
Keith