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.
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.
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!
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.
Learning to tongue the notes correctly using the DAH sound.
Learning C and F.
Reading notes and playing simple music.
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.
Alto or Tenor saxophone Reeds Good audio settings on zoom.
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.
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