My previous posts on “Tips For Starting Out Playing The Saxophone” have included putting in a bit of groundwork in regards to finding the right model of saxophone and making sure you purchase an instrument that will deliver you a good, solid foundation as a beginner. Well, one more aspect which you shouldn’t overlook is the subject of being prepared and having the right learning materials or tutors in place.

Starting out with a consistent linear approach to learning will, believe you me, help you in so many ways, as finding the right learning materials or tutors isn’t always a straight forward thing. Firstly, regarding learning books/DVD’s, it’s important to get material that you understand, you find intuitive and and is the right medium for your own personal learning. Remember:

• Do you learn best from reading under your own steam?

• Do you learn best from being shown?

• Are you happy following diagrams?

• Would you prefer to hear audible examples?

• Do you want to be set goals/tasks from a “real life person” or are you happy setting your own?

• Would you require support and someone to “bounce off” when you’re struggling or would a book/DVD be fine?

• Are you happy learning on your own,? can you be productive?

These are all questions you should ask yourself so you’re prepared. You may want to start off with a book or DVD perhaps and then later on consider getting lessons from a saxophone teacher, it’s what works well for you. Of course, the price of saxophone books or DVD’s will probably be a much more viable financial option if you’re on a budget or don’t have the ability to attend regular lessons. There’s no real commitment other than your own personal drive to learn and you can basically refer to learning materials whenever you want. It is important however, to make time and commit yourself, to periods of learning, otherwise you’ll find it hard to progress…so bear this in mind if you go down the book/DVD route.

In respect of saxophone tutors/teachers, you, of course, want to find a teacher/tutor:

• that can give you regular lessons that fit in with your schedule

• Who’s prices fit your budget

• Are not too far away (remember travel costs)…only applicable if finances are tight

• Who you feel comfortable with

• Who will take your musical tastes on board and enable you to achieve and move in the direction you want to go (e.g, you want to learn jazz?…so a classical teacher may not be what you’re needing even though they can teach you theory/scales etc)

• Who can be adaptable and teach you in a way you want (e.g, not everyone wants to learn theory and take their grades)

One to one with a saxophone teacher/tutor can be a great way to begin your learning, simply because they can give you the knowledge, understanding and a lasting concept of good practices regarding playing the saxophone. The personal learning with someone who really knows their instrument will only benefit you, as you get instant feedback and advice…so you can be assured you’re doing things right. I personally found one to one lessons invaluable for so many reasons…things like: the dynamic nature of a lesson keeps you thinking, the interaction with another musician is very rewarding, the instant feedback on your abilities is invaluable, having a skilled saxophone player there to ask questions and ask advice is a great resource to you as a player…and you can get a real buzz from playing in front of another musician. It really is a personal decision and a matter of what’s going to work for you and what you can afford.

Another aspect of learning from a saxophone teacher/tutor can be, in some cases, in a group situation, depending on whether or not these kind of lessons are available to you. Instead of a one to one lesson at perhaps the teacher/tutors home, sometimes group lessons are held at music schools, which can accommodate a number of students at once. These are usually much more affordable and can be a great way to still get a dynamic learning environment at a price that suits.

Lastly, with the internet being so accessible to the majority of households, it’s worth considering remote/distance learning. This can, for example, take the form of video/audio conference calls with a saxophone teacher/tutor. Interaction and that dynamic nature of learning can still be achieved with this approach…and programs like
Skype
Enable you to get the real-time benefits from that “one to one” situation. Skype is free to use when calling PC to PC, so, this won’t be an issue regarding your budget, only the lesson itself will cost you…and this is something you would arrange with the saxophone teacher/tutor.

In summary, it’s not a major issue to have learning materials or a teacher/tutor in place, but “being prepared” will certainly save you a potential headache and give you a head-start when you get your saxophone. Whether it’s books, DVD’s, on line reference sites, video tutorials, a “one to one” with a saxophone teacher/tutor or a mixture of everything, it’s important to acknowledge the benefits of being prepared when starting out playing the saxophone. Remember:

• understanding basic concepts surrounding the sax like fingering, embouchure, breathing, position, cleaning, maintenance and practice routines can be learned to a certain degree even before you get your instrument.

• Arranging and booking lessons may have to be done in advance, as teachers/tutors may not be available…(try to book lessons to start as soon as possible after receiving your saxophone).

• There’s a huge amount of on-line information and videos to get you started on the sax…so why not check all of this out?

Take the time to “be prepared” and find out about the basics of playing the saxophone. A little knowledge goes a long way and a little preparation will really give you an advantage when you get “hands on” with your saxophone!

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