The saxophone provides a wonderfully rich, warm sound to many genres of music from jazz, classical, and rock. It was made popular in the USA in the late 1800s and early 1900s when it was used in vaudeville performances and jazz music that developed in New Orleans. Surprisingly, this popular instrument comes in many different…
The saxophone reed often seems like an unimportant part of the instrument. While the reed seems small and minor, it is the most important part when it comes to making the noise that you need out of the instrument. Choosing the right reed will make learning this instrument a little easier. The saxophone reed is…
Learning when a saxophone reed needs to be changed can take time. Even long-term players may occasionally struggle with a reed sounding off or introducing challenges into play. Still, learning the signs of when to change a reed can result in better performances most of the time. Each reed will last a different amount of…
Source The saxophone is a tricky instrument with many nuances. But what can bewilder a novice or even an experienced musician is how to take care of your beloved instrument. Cleaning a saxophone can be a tedious task, and changing pads can get tricky and expensive. A saxophone that is not being cared about can…
When playing the saxophone, the ability to control your breathing is crucial to your ability to play well and correctly. Knowing when and how to breathe will be the only way to play the notes correctly and on time without getting out of rhythm. The best way to learn how to breathe correctly while playing…
If you like music and are thinking about learning to play an instrument, you may be wondering why saxophones are so expensive. Saxophones are an excellent instrument for people to learn how to play, but the price at first can seem like an obstacle that may be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Saxophones are expensive…
The saxophone is an aesthetically and objectively beautiful instrument that produces even more beautiful music. From soft jazz to upbeat rock, it’s been featured and applied across music genres. Since it looks so complex, it’s no wonder that many choosing their first instrument ask, “is playing the saxophone difficult?” The saxophone itself is a relatively…
Playing your saxophone is fun and relaxing, but keeping it clean is a priority. The steps for cleaning your saxophone at home are simple with the proper tools and equipment. You would start with cleaning the neck and mouthpiece, move on to the pads, then clean the body of the instrument, and then the octave…
Saxophones produce a uniquely lovely sound that most people can recognize within a few notes. However, they also tend to produce squeaks, especially when played by inexperienced players. A saxophone could be squeaking for several reasons, from improper mouthpiece positioning to an incorrect embouchure. However, most squeaking issues stem from a problem with the reed….
Like other wind instruments, the saxophone is played by creating air and covering and uncovering holes in the instrument’s body to control the flow of air. The buttons which cover these holes are known as keys. Saxophones can have a range of 20 to 23 keys. The number of keys depends on the model of…
Playing an instrument can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, and one of the perfect instruments for beginners is the alto saxophone. The alto sax is a staple in jazz clubs and ska-bands, and it is one of those instruments that is respected and revered by audiences. However, choosing an alto saxophone for a beginner…
Children are never too young to become interested in music and playing instruments, but some instruments work best for older students—are saxophones one of them? When is a good age to start learning the saxophone? Saxophones are a larger, weightier instrument making it a better fit for children at least seven but ideally nine to…
As a saxophone player, you have more than likely realized the loudness of your instrument. Due to its high volume, you may struggle to find places to practice it without bothering the people around you. Especially if you live in an apartment, how do you play the saxophone quietly to ensure that you do not…
Most new saxophonists experience this problem. Even many experienced saxophonists get this too. Too much spit when playing the saxophone and the rough, raspy sound it makes from the horn. Almost all saxophone players wonder how to stop spitting as much when playing the saxophone. But why does this happen? Excess saliva is a normal…
The saxophone is one of the most popular instruments for beginning musicians. The sound is smooth and rich, naturally drawing anyone to want to replicate it their favorite melody. Yet, before you start playing complex tunes, you’ll need to learn your way around the saxophone first. The best way to do that is with a…