So you want to learn the saxophone? That's great news! But before you rush out and buy one, you should consider these points. Saxophones are one of the more expensive instruments in the woodwind family. So it's important to go with a model that you can develop your skills on at a enjoyable speed.
As a rule, one can find 4 industry-standard types of saxophone. They are soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. You'll find soprano is in the key of Bb. It also has the highest range out of the saxophone family. Next is the alto sax, which is half an octave lower. This means that it is in the key of Eb. The tenor sax is also in the key of B flat, but at a full octave below the soprano saxophone. You will notice that it is considerably larger in size than the soprano. Finally, the baritone sax is one octave lower than alto sax and for that reason also in the key of Eb.
If you are a school pupil you might find that your teacher suggests learning the clarinet first. There is an opinion out there that the skills required for clarinet provide a good foundation for the saxophone. However, the clarinet is undoubtedly harder to play. This is why many actually prefer to start on the saxophone. The embouchure for the sax is definitely less difficult compared to both the flute and clarinet. This refers to the way we shape our mouth to the instrument. In addition, the actual pressing of the keys is also easier on a saxophone. All of this means that it doesn't take as long for a student to get a good sound of out their sax. This in itself can be a great motivational force to keep practising.
So which of the four main saxes do you want to learn? Of course it comes down to personal preference. You might prefer the deeper sounds of the tenor and baritone. Or perhaps the soprano sounds more pleasing to you. However, the alto saxophone is generally thought to be the best sax for a beginner. This is because it is the happy-medium in terms of pitch. This means that the way you breath to produce the notes will be less demanding compared to other types of saxophone. The keys are also physically smaller on an alto sax and so small hands find it comfortable to hold and play. There's no problem getting hold of sheet music for the alto either. It is the most commonly used of all the saxophones in classical music which means there is loads of sheet music readily available.
When you've actually decided on the type of saxophone you want, don't let the price tag make the final decision for you. Yes, they are expensive instruments but that doesn't mean that spending more money will get you a sax that is right for you. It is important that you choose a model that you click with. If you don't love your saxophone then you're hardly likely to keep practising on it. Remember that music store staff are there to advise you, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Make sure you also ask your music teacher if they have any recommendations for you. Sometimes you can even find music shops that offer try before you buy schemes. Whatever you decide on, keep up the practice and have fun!
As a rule, one can find 4 industry-standard types of saxophone. They are soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. You'll find soprano is in the key of Bb. It also has the highest range out of the saxophone family. Next is the alto sax, which is half an octave lower. This means that it is in the key of Eb. The tenor sax is also in the key of B flat, but at a full octave below the soprano saxophone. You will notice that it is considerably larger in size than the soprano. Finally, the baritone sax is one octave lower than alto sax and for that reason also in the key of Eb.
If you are a school pupil you might find that your teacher suggests learning the clarinet first. There is an opinion out there that the skills required for clarinet provide a good foundation for the saxophone. However, the clarinet is undoubtedly harder to play. This is why many actually prefer to start on the saxophone. The embouchure for the sax is definitely less difficult compared to both the flute and clarinet. This refers to the way we shape our mouth to the instrument. In addition, the actual pressing of the keys is also easier on a saxophone. All of this means that it doesn't take as long for a student to get a good sound of out their sax. This in itself can be a great motivational force to keep practising.
So which of the four main saxes do you want to learn? Of course it comes down to personal preference. You might prefer the deeper sounds of the tenor and baritone. Or perhaps the soprano sounds more pleasing to you. However, the alto saxophone is generally thought to be the best sax for a beginner. This is because it is the happy-medium in terms of pitch. This means that the way you breath to produce the notes will be less demanding compared to other types of saxophone. The keys are also physically smaller on an alto sax and so small hands find it comfortable to hold and play. There's no problem getting hold of sheet music for the alto either. It is the most commonly used of all the saxophones in classical music which means there is loads of sheet music readily available.
When you've actually decided on the type of saxophone you want, don't let the price tag make the final decision for you. Yes, they are expensive instruments but that doesn't mean that spending more money will get you a sax that is right for you. It is important that you choose a model that you click with. If you don't love your saxophone then you're hardly likely to keep practising on it. Remember that music store staff are there to advise you, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Make sure you also ask your music teacher if they have any recommendations for you. Sometimes you can even find music shops that offer try before you buy schemes. Whatever you decide on, keep up the practice and have fun!
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