Hey everyone, here is the homework for this week. I am really looking forward to a new year of lessons with you all!

Helen:

  • http://guybbrownmusic.weebly.com/uploads/2/6/2/1/26218452/saxophone_fingering_chart.jpg Here is a link to a saxophone fingering chart. Check it out, and try to familiarize yourself with the fingerings/names of notes we worked on.
  • The name of the metronome app I use is “Pro Metronome”. I want you to go through the fingerings we worked on, with the metronome on 60, and hold each note out for 4-8 beats. Try to get a nice, even sound – and watch out for the tuning (flat, sharp).
  • Experiment with your embouchure (mouth positioning). Try lowering your jaw and relaxing your bottom lip – don’t tuck it in too far/tighten up too much. Remember not to play out of the side of your mouth!!
  • For this week, just focus on getting comfortable with the sax – holding it, embouchure, putting it together, learning the fingerings/note names.

Thomas:

  • If you guys get a chance, it would be great if you could visit Long & McQuade to pick up a few items. Thomas needs a new neck strap (preferably one that is cushioned in the back), the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone book, and there are a few small issues with his saxophone that need to be addressed (the cork on the neck might need to be shaved down).
  • Thomas should be working on his chromatic scale. He should practice this with the metronome at 60, holding each note for four beats and taking a break in between each one.
  • We’re working on our C major scale as well. The same thing goes with the metronome (60, 4 beats per note). He needs to relax his jaw, and think of blowing HOT air like we talked about, especially for the lower notes.

Audrey:

  • Keep working on your fingerings. Try playing each note with the metronome at 60, and hold them out for 4-8 beats (ideally, as long as possible).
  • Watch out for your hand positioning – try not to have your fingers laying flat on the keys. They should be slightly curved, as if you’re holding onto a glass. Make sure your fingers are falling right on the pearls of the keys.
  • Work on your C major scale, starting on your low C. See if you can work your way up to F or G with the octave key on.
  • Stop by Long & McQuade if you can, and pick up Rubank Elementary Method for Sax and definitely a new neckstrap!!

Aubrey:

  • Focus on your sound this week – start off your practice session with long tones. Begin each note as quietly as possible, slowly crescendo to the loudest point, then decrescendo into nothing. If you are doing this with the metronome, try playing each note for at least 16 beats (8 crescendo, 8 decrescendo).
  • Another great warm-up is the tonguing exercise we have worked on. Take one note, (or two), start off with half notes, then quarters, then eighths. Aim for even tonguing on every note.
  • Keep working on your C, F, G, D and Bb major scales and arpeggios. Start thinking about working up the tempo with C, F, and G. Try to get a bit more comfortable with the altissimo fingerings in D major. Practice switching between high D and C#.
  • Keep working through Everything Happens to Me. Start thinking about ways you could personalize the song (eg. notes you could change, how you could alter certain rhythms). Try out different note/rhythmic substitutions. Working with the different rhythms and notes I wrote in would be a good starting point.