[Mugger]

Hi,
I've learned (and I also teach it that way) that the "proper" position for the neck would be that if you lean forward with the sax neck and strap should be in line.
Holding the sax on the right side, would you also subscribe to this point of view playing while sitting?
Greetings and thanks

Mugger

 

[RootyTootoot]

I always teach that the hands should feel balanced and the mp should come to you. That's my general rule. Whether that is generally considered "correct" I really don't know. I don't see how the neck and strap could be in line if the player holds the sax down to the side.

 

[milandro]

I think that this is another variation on the theme of the prevention of any dampening of the saxophone's body vibration (I think given by the clothes in this case).

It is, I believe a false problem. Whatever is comfortable is " correct". There are no two people alike in terms of the way that they are built so how can one standardise the playing posture?

 

[Mugger]

Hi,
interesting thought, thank you.
But I don't think that what FEELS right IS always right (as F.M.Alexander would have said )
Greetings

 

[milandro]

it is if what comes out from the saxophone is good

the proof of any pudding is in the eating

 

[Smokey613]

When I was a firearms instructor, I never taught a "rigid" method of stance when shooting. I did observe the student for any glaring bad habits but instead gave them several methods they could try to determine the one that fit them the best. If they stood on their head and shot the center out then who cares. I was also annoyed at the instructors who forced "their" shooting stance/style onto a student as if all people had the exact same abilities. I would think the same principal would apply to teaching someone to play a musical instrument. There are some base guidelines, but if the end result is great then why fuss with the small stuff.

 

[RandyJ]

"I've learned (and I also teach it that way) that the "proper" position for the neck would be that if you lean forward with the sax neck and strap should be in line."


Learned from who? As already stated each individuals body mechanics will determine what's best and 'proper' for each player. The only extreme position of the neck that would be "wrong" is if it were turned so far to prevent the octave mechanism from articulating.

 

[milandro]

Another illustration of this is the playing position of Jimmy Giuffre , who had the neck of the saxophone purposely bent up in order to fit his clarinet embouchure.

You would think that this would have messed things completely up no?

It didn't

 

[Jazztenor87]

Another illustration of this is the playing position of Jimmy Giuffre , who had the neck of the saxophone purposely bent up in order to fit his clarinet embouchure.

Wow, I didn't know that!

 

[milandro]

that's what's fora are for :bluewink:

 

[Reedscraper]

All these variables are fine for better players out of school. Junior High and High School band directors insist it be done the textbook way or they are removed from band. The textbook way is a level head with the chin parallel to the floor. Tilting the had back or forward negatively impacts air flow and tone.

 

[milandro]

that's ideal for this.......... not necessarily for real music

 

[RootyTootoot]

All these variables are fine for better players out of school. Junior High and High School band directors insist it be done the textbook way or they are removed from band. The textbook way is a level head with the chin parallel to the floor. Tilting the had back or forward negatively impacts air flow and tone.

I'm sorry but if that is true that is a bit sad. "Chin parallel to the floor" would not be a comfortable nor a relaxed playing position for most people. IMHO.