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Is it wise/doable to learn and practise both tenor and alto when you are a hobby musician? Both instruments have charm. I have most experience on alto.
No reason not to try both - just realize that you need to treat them each as a separate instrument, and find the reed/mouthpiece combination that suits each horn best for you.Is it wise/doable to learn and practise both tenor and alto when you are a hobby musician? Both instruments have charm. I have most experience on alto.
Learning and practicing are different, though related, things. Once you have achieved a decent playing foundation on both horns, then yes, it's certainly possible to divide your practice time so that you'll continue to enjoy both instruments, and to make progress on them. Many amateur musicians here play multiple instruments.Is it wise/doable to learn and practise both tenor and alto when you are a hobby musician? Both instruments have charm. I have most experience on alto.
Love the subliminal message (which disappeared in the quote) Dr G!!In time, you will likely favor one, and that's alright too. Tenor - It's all that matters.
+1 to LostConn.Is it wise/doable to learn and practise both tenor and alto when you are a hobby musician? Both instruments have charm. I have most experience on alto.
My sentiments exactly. That's the great thing about being a "hobbyist": you get to do whatever you want! But it's still good to have some overall goals in mind.It's your hobby, do what you want!
But the "wisdom" of it depends on your objectives and history - how does "doubling" fit in with what you want to achieve right now, given where you came from and are?
Thanks for the reply, Dr G. By saying "you need to treat them each as a separate instrument", do you mean that one should not play the alto the same "way" as the tenor? I.e. you need to find a voice on the tenor and voice on the alto, and since you play on two different types of saxes, they way you do it in each case is different? Afterwards you stay with the sax that best represents "your voice".No reason not to try both - just realize that you need to treat them each as a separate instrument, and find the reed/mouthpiece combination that suits each horn best for you.
In time, you will likely favor one, and that's alright too. Tenor - It's all that matters.
Listen to the sounds in your head that guide you to find the horn that best represents your voice. Enjoy the path.
Thanks for the reply, lesacks. Yes, it depends on my objectives and history. My primary goal is having fun, and my secondary goal is to join som band. I did not think of doubling my efforts on playing sax, rather playing one day alto and the other day tenor.It's your hobby, do what you want!
But the "wisdom" of it depends on your objectives and history - how does "doubling" fit in with what you want to achieve right now, given where you came from and are?
Yes, that is exactly what I was trying to say. Some people will try to match their sounds between alto and tenor. I enjoy playing various instruments for their differences - they often take me to different places (different colors of expression), if I let them.Thanks for the reply, Dr G. By saying "you need to treat them each as a separate instrument", do you mean that one should not play the alto the same "way" as the tenor? I.e. you need to find a voice on the tenor and voice on the alto, and since you play on two different types of saxes, they way you do it in each case is different? Afterwards you stay with the sax that best represents "your voice".
Thanks for the reply, LostConn. That sounds like very good advice. I did play sax for 10 years, but then I stopped playing for many years. Now I am playing again and regret that I stopped.Learning and practicing are different, though related, things. Once you have achieved a decent playing foundation on both horns, then yes, it's certainly possible to divide your practice time so that you'll continue to enjoy both instruments, and to make progress on them. Many amateur musicians here play multiple instruments.
As for "learning," if you are starting from scratch, then I recommend playing one horn exclusively for at least a year or so before starting on the second horn. (I'd actually suggest more than a year, but I recognize that adult beginners are often impatient.) I think it's better to develop one stable or semi-stable embouchure first, then adjust to a mouthpiece of a different size, than to be going back and forth between two different sizes as a novice.
Thanks for the reply, milandro. How did you do it? One day alto and then another tenor? Or did you double up the play-time?Despite the fact that some people make a point to advise against this I did it and don’t see any reason not to.
Exactly, and the one thing that always falls through the cracks is that often you learn more by switching than by sticking to one instrument, simply because you need to figure out alternative ways and then you realize that they also apply to your other horns. Even going between vintage and modern horns will give you that bonus.I would add soprano and baritone. Especially baritone.
I did exactly the same, and don't try to force things, just stick with what you feel like doing and eventually the other one will come knocking on your door and remind you that you neglected it. And then there are certain songs/tunes, that lend themselves to alto or tenor but will cause spasms in your fingers when you try the "wrong" horn. So, let music be your guide and eventually you will figure it all out without forcing yourself into frustration.Thanks for the reply, milandro. How did you do it? One day alto and then another tenor? Or did you double up the play-time?
Thanks for the reply, MLucky. Both goals listed are in fact my goals! Yes, I would likely progress faster when playing one horn, so that I may reach the band goal faster. Perhaps I must find out which goal is most important, or perhaps just play the tenor a little less than the alto.My sentiments exactly. That's the great thing about being a "hobbyist": you get to do whatever you want! But it's still good to have some overall goals in mind.
If your goal is just to play at home, for your own pleasure, then you might as well just pick up whatever horn you feel like playing that day.
If your goal involves eventually playing with others and performing a certain style, you might find that you would progress more quickly on one horn or the other.
Me, I'm a tenor player, a "serious amateur" but a hobbyist nonetheless, and I keep wanting to "double" on bari, because I love playing in big bands, and they all need baris. Wish they weren't so danged expensive ...