[AuntSaxophone]

I know when I was a kid, and it still holds true now, especially when a major holiday is just around the corner, I would always end up figuring out how to play various songs on the Sax regardless of whether or not I had sheet music for it. (My mother never would buy me anything to help me learn the Sax, it was all me doing what I could...)

For instance, whenever I got into a christmasy mood, I'd be working on various Christmas music. I think I just about got Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Jingle Bells down as well as Silent Night. Other times I'd figure out how to play tunes from shows like the classic Sesame Street tune "Sunny Day" (I figured that one out on Bari first since I wasn't liking the sheet music from the teacher much, that would be one of my warm ups to get into the mood of playing each day)

Of course, after doing that my hands would be ready to play scales a bit, but I preferred to do my own little thing. I know everyone else in the band either didn't warm up any at all, or they'd just do long tones which I'd do a bit too, like the first few notes I would blow of the day, but then I would break out into a tune.

I was the same way when it came to when I was learning the Keyboard in fifth grade as well. Does anyone do the same? Oh yeah and I'll be getting my sax very soon. My Bro in Law is going to give me $750, and I plan to spend less than that on the actual sax, and use the remainder for Reeds, a good Neckstrap (As I already have neck problems so I'll have to get a superb one), some music books, a Tuner, Metronome, and maybe even a second mouthpiece.

 

[JonL]

Do yourself a huge favor and get a harness. I use a BG that was given to me by a MUCH better saxophone player than I. My spine is much happier, and I can breathe better, too. They look really dorky, and also take some time to get used to, but the last time I used a traditional neck strap I couldn't imagine how I managed to use one for as many years as I did.

Also, it sounds like you're giving yourself some great ear training. Keep it up.

 

[AuntSaxophone]

Do yourself a huge favor and get a harness. I use a BG that was given to me by a MUCH better saxophone player than I. My spine is much happier, and I can breathe better, too. They look really dorky, and also take some time to get used to, but the last time I used a traditional neck strap I couldn't imagine how I managed to use one for as many years as I did.

Also, it sounds like you're giving yourself some great ear training. Keep it up.

Yeah thanks, I might get a harness instead. It's cold up here in WA so I could easily wear a jacket over it... I suppose my way of practicing is good ear training. I just hope I have my sax before I go on my trip to California. I want to be able to work with my Nephew who just picked up Alto Sax last fall. He's always been musically inclined and all he has to practice with over the summer is his keyboard.