All posts by AbsolutelyInTuned

How To Buy An Alto Saxophone

Identifying and selecting a musical instrument according to performance and budget is not an easy process. It requires a lot of patience before you can select the best instrument.

Instruments that require air to blown through them in order to produce music are woodwind instruments. An alto saxophone is classified within this category as it produces musical notes when air is blown through a nozzle at the top when you press the saxophone keys on the body.

Buying a new alto saxophone requires a series of decisions before the official purchase. Buying them from a music store is much safer than buying from an online store. It is highly recommend going only to a shop with an excellent reputation with saxophonist or else you may acquire a saxophone that provides less value than desired.

On the other side, purchasing a saxophone from an online music stores is also recommended if they provide money back warranty options.

When buying an alto saxophone, you have two options too. You can buy either buy a used one or a new saxophone. Let us discuss about both the options now:

A used sax will cost around $400 to $600. As for the new ones, they can be bought for over $1,000, so the price difference is quite huge.

People who are fanatical saxophonists can spend hundreds of dollars upgrading their saxophone in Singapore. It may be challenging for a novice to purchase one from them as it is more difficult for you to invite your teacher or a local sax repair shop man to assist you during purchasing.

You are usually allowed to test it before purchasing and if you do not know how to play it, it prevents you from really identifying if it is suitable. Besides, a used saxophone might have initial engravings by the previous owner. And this prevents it from you personalizing it for your own preferences.   Look out   for wear and tear on these saxophones, if there is rust in the saxophone, do not purchase it.

A new sax comes with new functionalities, improved aesthetics, year long store warranty and support. It can be used comfortably for more than two years, and by that time, you will be able to find a new version, with improved functionalities. Normally, they range more than $1,000. As the piracy rate increases, make sure that you buy a sax from an authorized shop.

A lot of new Saxes have gold tone rods and keys. Or request for an official certification from the saxophone company. Alternatively, If you are learning from a saxophone teacher, make him accompany you during the purchase. Also make sure that the models and manufacturer are established brands in the market.

Selmer Bundy and Yamaha YAS-21 – YAS-23 are some of the best Saxophone brands available that are good for learning. Some other Alto Saxophones good for novices are Keilwerth, Mauriat, Yanagisawa, Cannonball, Baptist Hollywood Winds and LA Sax.

Saxophone Jazz Lessons

The saxophone is a conical shaped instrument made up of brass with a single mouthpiece. The saxophone is commonly used with popular music, big bands, and particularly jazz. Jazz is a kind of strong music with complex rhythms. It was first played at the beginning of the twentieth century by black musicians. Jazz musicians often add notes in unusual or unexpected places. Tunes are made up by them as they play.

Today various kinds of jazz music exist. Jazz began with three instruments namely a cornet, trumpet, and a violin. Jazz blends in it other forms of music also giving it an American music form. In jazz, musicians often give solo performance, the melody of which is prepared on the spot. The rhythm gets quite complex if more than one singer is singing jazz.

Some of the steps which need to be followed to play jazz using saxophone include:

• A person must know how to play a saxophone before beginning to play jazz. For this purpose you need not purchase a jazz mouthpiece, a selmer C S80 works great for jazz. Jazz music comes from the soul and not from the equipment, so don’t listen to those who force you to buy a mouthpiece to play jazz.
• It is not necessary for you to buy a mouthpiece but jazz reeds are highly recommended. Jazz music is produced through your creativity and not through the mouthpiece, so ignore the people who force you to use mouthpiece to play jazz.
• Jazz is a different form of music which is more unpredictable and comes out from the soul and so to play this kind of music one needs to change their mindset. Timing is important with jazz, so one needs to be patient while playing jazz.
• One needs to create their own sound using your creativity and imagination. All the seven modes should be learnt before starting to play jazz.
• One should listen to great jazz players as listening is very important for developing a jazz style. A person can join a jazz band which is the best way to get a hand on the instrument. You can take individual classes from some professionals which can help you learn some good points about jazz.
• Jazz music is made up of different scales and so practicing your scales is equally important. One needs to learn all his chords since they make the foundation of the music.

At the time of practicing the jazz music, one needs to keep with him a copy-pencil. It helps you to note down your mistakes and your experiences which can help you in your future practicing sessions. To learn proper jazz music, one needs to practice regularly and dedicatedly with the instrument which makes them to think more broadly about their chords.

One should never take the jazz music lightly since mastering it requires a lot of practice. Regular practicing of jazz music helps to keep them in regular touch of the music which also helps them to improve their notes.

What To Expect In Beginner Saxophone Lessons?

The saxophone is a conical shaped instrument made up of brass with a single mouthpiece. The saxophone is made up of a thin metal conical tube of brass to form a bell like shape at the bottom. There are some 20 and 23 tone holes of different size along the tube.

These holes are then covered by keys which are further controlled by the buttons which are pressed by the users.  People think that it is an easy task to become a master of the saxophonist, but in reality a good amount of practice is required for that. A person who wants to start learning saxophone should be able to think broadly and should also have innovative ideas.

Beginners need to follow some special steps before they start learning the saxophone. While playing the saxophone, the mouthpiece should not be taken completely into the mouth. While playing the saxophone the lower lip should get support from lower teeth which in turn make direct contact with the reed.

Upper teeth should create a very light pressure while it is being rested on the mouthpiece. The upper lip should also be closed completely in order to make it air tight. There are three things which make the sound of the saxophone better which include- air pressure that depends on the diaphragm, vibration of the reed that depends upon the contact made between the lip and the reed, and most importantly the tongue position within the mouth.

One key element for efficient and successful practicing for a beginner is the concentration. To master the saxophone it is important to have a control on your mind. Some short sessions should be held in which you can focus on what you just sang rather than one long session in which you will never be able to concentrate while you are practicing. By following these rules, you take less amount of time. To become a master of the saxophone, one should practice for at least an hour regularly, while to become a professional more amount of time is spent on the practice. You can practice it all day long, but it is helpful till the time you are able to concentrate.

Your practice sessions should always be divided in such a way that you don’t feel boredom. You can divide your practice sessions according to your availability. Long tones are the hardest ones to concentrate upon.  If you can focus on this tone while you practice, then you can definitely become the next superstar. You should always bring a pencil to the rehearsal, and use it to remind yourself of your problems and their solutions.

One should close his eyes and then practice as this is an effective technique to increase the concentration power. Don’t forget to practice just because you don’t have the time. People do not usually remember about their past. So it becomes necessary for you to note down your weak points while you practice. It will help you to keep in direct touch with your music.

How To Play A Saxophone

Saxophone was invented in the year 1846 by Antoine Joseph Sax, a Belgian by birth, in Paris, France.

It remained virtually dormant for the half century after the invention when Ferdinad A. Buescher perfected it for making it one of the lead instruments which brought the Jazz revolution in the Music world.

Mastering With Saxophone:

Many people believe that it easy to become a complete saxophonist, but in reality a considerable amount of practice is required to develop a good tone and fluent technique.

While playing a saxophone, the mouthpiece should not be taken more than halfway into the player’s mouth. During this the lower lip gets support from lower teeth which in turn makes contact with the reed. Very light pressure should be made from the upper teeth which rest on the mouthpiece.

In order to make it air-tight, upper lip should be completely closed. There are three things which make the sound of the saxophone better which include- air pressure which depends on the diaphragm, vibration of the reed which depends upon the contact made between the lip and the reed, and most importantly the tongue position within the mouth. This provides focus to the player while he plays the instrument.

One key element for efficient and successful practicing is the concentration. To master the saxophone it is important to be able to focus your mind. Some short sessions should be held in which you can focus on, think about what your tongue and fingers are doing is much better than one long session in which you will never be able to concentrate while you are practicing.

In this way you end up learning more in less amount of time. If you are serious to learn playing the saxophone, then you should practice for at least one hour daily while to become a professional 2-3 hours per day is what you will have to spend on your practice.

As learning any musical instrument is an art requiring considerable practice and focus, the dedication to learn must remain vibrant even when it seems to be monotonous and boring.

Most of the students of Saxophone start with an objective of playing it like the pro but the initial learning lessons can be really tough and challenging to any novice. You can practice it all day long, but it helpful till the time you are able to concentrate.

While practicing you should not play the same kind of tone all the time, instead your practice sessions should be divided in such a way that you don’t feel boredom.

You can divide your practice sessions into three main areas which include- tone, technical facility and music. Since tone activity include long notes, it makes it the hardest tone to concentrate on. If you can focus on this tone and don’t let your mind wander here and there, then you can get the most out of it.

You should always try to play these long notes in the starting since in the starting your mind is fresh and you are also able to concentrate well. If you make a mistake when practicing, it is important for you to know the reason behind that mistake. Once you know what is going wrong with the tone then you can easily overcome that.

Always try to set a limit of your practice session and then try to stay in those limits. You should always bring a pencil to rehearsal, and use it to remind yourself of your problems and their solutions.

Try concentrating with your eyes closed as this helps you concentrate more. Don’t forget to practice just because you don’t have the time. People often forget past memories. So it is essential for you to make notes while you practice. They will always keep you in direct touch of the music and also help in making you a master of this activity.

Buying A Saxophone In Singapore?

The saxophone is a sophisticated instrument that requires a few measures to consider before choosing or purchasing this type of instrument. Saxophones come in different varieties and a hundred types to choose from. Some tips below are given and you might consider these factors or methods to help you choose the proper type of saxophone:

1. Know the kinds of Saxophones.

Before you go buy a musical instrument like the saxophone, you must first know what the kinds of these instruments are. Take a look at the brands of the saxophone and have a background research about the performance of the instrument that specific brand offers. Also try asking sax players if the brands they use are durable and has a great sound quality.

2. Know the parts of the Saxophone.

Before you purchase a certain brand of a saxophone, you should take a look at the parts of this instrument and examine each for any damage or inconvenience of its parts. If you are familiar with the parts of the saxophone you will easily be able to inspect and to see any deformities that the instrument may have. The parts of the saxophone are essential to how the saxophone will sound when you play it so take a great deal in looking how well the saxophone you choose is made.

3. Price check.

When you buy a saxophone choose the best but the cheapest. Go around town and try a look at different stores that sell this kind of instrument. If you have chosen the brand of saxophone you want to buy, go canvas at different sellers so you will buy the cheapest one of the kind of saxophone you choose. A saxophone is not a cheap instrument that you can purchase like a candy so you don’t want to waste money buying the worst kind of saxophone.

4. Used versus a brand new Saxophone.

It is always advisable to purchase a brand new saxophone rather than taking the risk of buying a used one. You are more guaranteed that when you purchase a brand new sax, you are assured of the cleanliness, the durability, and the performance of the instrument but it will definitely cost you more. When the fund is not enough you might consider purchasing a used sax.

Since it is a used instrument you must carefully take a look at all the aspects that might become a factor to your un-satisfaction in purchasing the instrument. First of all, make sure to try playing the instrument if everything works. As soon as all these mini steps are done you may now decide to buy the instrument or not.

5. Bring a Friend or Teacher who plays a saxophone.

When you go purchase a saxophone, try to bring someone who knows who to play it because for sure, he knows something important about the instrument. Ask him some tips and factors to consider before you would purchase the instrument. It is very helpful to have someone share your ideas and thoughts about the instrument.

Why Hire A Saxophone Teacher In Singapore?

What’s the most important aspect to consider in finding the best saxophone teacher in Singapore that suits your learning needs? It’s finding the one who has love over music and can share that passion with you. Someone who knows the latest trend in saxophone industry and can teach you in an exciting and enjoyable manner.

Here are some reasons why you should hire a saxophone teacher in Singapore:

• Selecting a good quality instrument.

Many low quality instruments are being manufactured today. A student with an inferior quality saxophone is a disadvantage. Even it is not required for the student to have the best quality instrument as with the professional; still a student’s instrument must have a good intonation together with a well constructed and a good mechanically adjusted saxophone. Since only few amateurs are able to appraise an instrument, the teacher is highly recommended to do the selection of the saxophone to be used by the student.

• Selecting a good quality mouthpiece.

Selecting the proper mouthpiece to be used by the student is also important. Even the best quality saxophone will be difficult to play if combined with an ill-suited mouthpiece. A good saxophone teacher in Singapore should know how to properly select the best mouthpiece that suits the student’s saxophone.

• Learning of Saxophone Vibrato. Saxophone teachers can teach the students to become a sensitive musician. Sensitively in music means the ability to differentiate the quality of sound produced by the saxophone. One requirement of being a saxophonist is the knowledge about modulating vibrato. This vibrato greatly affects the pitch.
• The proper use of the tongue in playing the saxophone. There are several tonguing methods used in playing saxophone. Tonguing should be taught at earlier lessons in playing saxophone; however it should after having mastered the skills in embouchure and breathing habits. One of the tongues functions is to stop the reed’s vibration and not to block the air supply.

Meaning, as the tonguing is made by the student he must at the same time continually supply air through the saxophone. As the student learns, the more efficient tonguing methods he will discover.

Also, tonguing exercises done slowly is an effective way of learning how to coordinate the tongue with the fingers while playing the saxophone. This technique is especially effective to beginners who experience great challenge in doing so.

• Preparation and placement of the reed.

A reed when properly set, last as twice as long compared to a poorly designed set up. There are several ways of setting up the reed ranging from just using a piece of glass to a time consuming setup but more successful method of using a silicon carbide paper. And the good thing is, there’s always a teacher to guide the student expertly.

• Proper breathing.

Everything taught to the student regarding tone production is useless unless correct breathing is learned. To properly play the saxophone at its fullest, the student must be taught the technique on creating the largest possible air intake in which the lungs may expand.

• Fingering made easy.

The fingering of the saxophone is not that complex. Saxophone instructors in Singapore encouraged students to experiment and look for the best fingering technique that will suit to specific problems in timbre, dynamics or intonation.

Introduction To Saxophone Lessons Singapore

Saxophone lessons in Singapore have many different variations depending on the saxophone lessons provider. I’ve gathered the primary and important saxophone lessons in Singapore which I categorized into two major divisions: the beginner saxophone and the advanced saxophone lessons in Singapore. I have summarized it into sub-categories which can be easily understood.

BEGINNER SAXOPHONE LESSONS IN SINGAPORE

• Learning the proper form of mouth when playing the saxophone.

– Embouchure is the term defined as the way how the mouth is formed around the mouthpiece of the saxophone. Beginner saxophone lessons teach a properly designed embouchure that will give the efficient sound production with a minimum blowing effort.

• Proper Breathing

– Diaphragm is a big, flat muscle located under the lungs. Its primary role is to pump air in and out of the lungs. Basically, the diaphragm is the powerhouse of breathing. Knowing how to effectively use one’s diaphragm is one of the basics to play saxophone really well.

• Posture

– For a beginner, mastering the proper posture while playing saxophone is essential, yet very crucial to learn. Breathing is related to good posture as well as everything you do while playing the saxophone. Learning the proper posture is really relevant to becoming a successful musician, and you can learn this in attending saxophone lessons.

• Practice Techniques

– Crucial points to a proper practice in playing saxophone. It will come in handy and a must have knowledge as you progress in mastering how to play the saxophone.

ADVANCED SAXOPHONE LESSONS IN SINGAPORE

• Flutter tongue and growling

– It is an advanced exercise to further increase the productivity of your diaphragm. Growling is done without the instrument, where the aim is to produce a gargling sound or clearing the throat, similar to the “Darth Vader” sound effects. It is necessary to do this lesson accurately, using the diaphragm to support the airstream. Proper way of doing this lesson will be taught by the saxophone teacher.

• Patterns and Phrasing

– Learning the patterns and phrasing in music is like learning the alphabet when we are a child. Hearing it, and then reciting it after is the best practice to master different patterns and phasing of various saxophone tunes and notes.

• Chords and Scales

– One can memorize chords and scales by simply performing and practicing on various exercises. But as simple as it may seem, the fact is it’s not that simple. Examples of the chords and scales that should be practiced and mastered are the major, dominant 7, minor, etc.

• Tone Production

– A warm up lesson should be first considered in a proper tone production. This lesson concentrates on three physical aspects on playing saxophone: the mouth, tongue, and the fingers. And then moving up to the higher part of the lesson is the production of the right pitch and the right sound produced from blowing the saxophone.

• Long Tones

– It is essential to learning how to play the saxophone. Playing and practicing long tones help to develop an overall good tone as well as embouchure development and breathe control.

• Finger Calisthenics

Practice, practice, and more practice. Only thru practicing, and no other way one can achieve proper finger calisthenics in playing the saxophone. Our finger muscles are sometimes hard to control especially those that we don’t use much.

Putting the fingers in a relaxed mode is one tip of achieving the proper positioning of the fingers on the saxophone.