Hi everyone,

Here is the homework for this week. Great job in your first lessons! I look forward to working with you all!

Ruth-Ellen:

  • Start practice session with long tones using metronome at 70. The app I was talking about is called Pro-Metronome. Or, if you want to switch it up, try the octave slurs at the same metronome marking. Don’t forget to crescendo and decrescendo! Spend about 5-10 minutes on this.
  • Continue to work on the exercises we did today (G major scale and the other two songs) from your book. Isolate the parts that are challenging; play things a bar at a time, go in between two notes repeatedly, etc.
  • Remember what we talked about with regards to embouchure. Keep your teeth on the top of the mouthpiece and make sure your bottom lip isn’t curled too much. Think about hot air versus cold air. Also remember to practice in front of a mirror and make sure your fingers are in the right place.

Gabriel:

  • Start practice session with long tones using metronome at 70. Remember to crescendo and decrescendo throughout each note. Focus specifically on the lower register (F, E, Eb, D, etc.). Don’t be too scared to play loud, especially in the low register!!!
  • Work on major scales and arpeggios for the following keys; C, F, G, and Bb. Memorize the notes in each scale but also be able to read the music. Isolate any problem areas within the scales.
  • Look at the sheet I gave you with various exercises on it and play them with the metronome. If you are finding things too easy, increase the speed of the metronome.
  • The books I wanted to recommend are: 25 Daily Exercises for Saxophone – H. Klose, and Rubank Intermediate Method for Saxophone. You can probably find these at Long and McQuade or on Amazon. If you don’t end up getting the books, bring yours in for next week.

Ayan:

  • Make sure you have the strap at the right height! Experiment and find out what feels most comfortable for you. Next time I will suggest some more straps for you.
  • Work on memorizing the fingerings I showed you; use the fingering chart as much as you need. Try to remember the note names along with the fingerings. The best way to practice this is to play each note slowly and use lots of air. Isolate notes in twos (e.g. go between B and C several times until there isn’t as much of a blip in between the notes).
  • Make sure your jaw is nice and relaxed. Think of hot air and bringing the saxophone to your mouth without changing very much. Top teeth on the mouthpiece, bottom lip nice and relaxed.

 

It was so nice to meet everyone today! Good luck with the homework and I’ll see you guys next week. :)

Virginia