weekly

or for 4 classes

Saxophone for the Total Beginner: Learn the Basics

Completed by 2 learners

Ages 11-15

Live Group Course

This class is designed specifically for students brand new to the saxophone. The course covers the essential basics of learning the saxophone so that your child can be ready to join school band with confidence.

Rachel Hardman

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(46 reviews)

Popular

Live video meetings

1x per week, 4 weeks

2-9 learners per class

30 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

4 live meetings

2 in-class hours

Homework

1 hour per week. It is expected that students do personal practice on the saxophone between the classes to master the skills being taught. This is the best way for success in a short amount of time on the instrument.

Progress Report

included

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8

Beginner Level

This course is specifically designed for the total beginner to the saxophone. 

During the 4 session course, students will learn all the essential skills needed to join school band in the new school year and have a confident and successful start.

We will cover the basics of assembling the saxophone and playing the instrument correctly.  We will cover how to assemble the reed onto the mouthpiece and how to make a great sound.

We will cover the basic notes of the saxophone and those that band students learn in the first term of band classes.  We will learn how the notes are drawn on the stave, how this relates to the instrument and then play some simple pieces that allows the student to master these basic skills.

Lessons will be fun and fast paced with an expectation that students do personal practice outside of the classroom to experiment and master the skills taught in class.

The lessons will be practical and the goal is for students to play the instruments for the majority of the lesson time.  Notes and work booklets will be provided as appropriate.

Students must have access to an alto or tenor saxophone and have good reeds prior to enrolling for the class.  I am happy to give parents guidance on what instruments and reeds to buy if needed.

You will need to ensure that the audio is set to "Audio for Musicians on" in the audio settings of zoom for each class for the best audio for class.

Learning Goals

How to assemble the instrument safely and to place the reed in a good playing position.

How to play the first 5 notes on the saxophone - B, A, G, C, F.

Syllabus

4 Lessons

over 4 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Introduction to the Saxophone

 How to assemble the saxophone safely.  
Good practice and care for your instrument.  
How to hold the instrument, add the reed and make your first sound!  Learn your first few notes!

30 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Making a sound and first notes.

 How to hold the saxophone correctly and the importance of the reed.  
Good finger / hand placement for the left hand.
Using the strap correctly
Learning how to play the first 3 notes on the saxophone - BAG.  Learning to play simple pieces using those notes.

30 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

How to use the reed correctly for making a good sound

 Learning to tongue the notes correctly using the DAH sound.
Learning C and F.  
Reading notes and playing simple music.

30 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Reading and playing beginner songs for the saxophone

 Playing songs with the first 5 notes on the saxophone.  
How to read beat values and notes.
How to reduce squeaking on the saxophone and other helpful tips.

30 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Pre-Requisites

Students must have access to an alto or tenor saxophone at home for the classes and to practice on. They should also have suitable reeds - ideally 2.0 or 2.5 Vandoren or Rico to make a great sound.

Supply List

Alto or Tenor saxophone
Reeds
Good audio settings on zoom.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Rachel Hardman

Joined February, 2023

5.0

46reviews

Popular

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Non-US Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts

2 Degrees

Master's Degree in Education from Open University, UK

Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Salford, UK

I have 25 years of middle and high school music classroom teaching and have taught in schools internationally.  I have a degree in music and a masters in education.  I have run many successful school bands and helped hundreds of young musicians start their musical careers.