SAXOPHONE SPOT CHECK
By Clint Kubala
Palen Music Educational Representative
A solid beginner mouthpiece, such as a Yamaha 4C or 5C, Hite Premiere, Lomax Prelude, or Fobes Debut, can work wonders in opening up a student's sound. These options bridge the gap between the commonly closed-tip, stuffy beginner mouthpieces and the high-end, but financially taxing, workhorses like the Selmer C* (S80) and the Vandoren Optimum (AL3).Reeds
- Ensure your student’s reed strength matches the tip opening of their selected mouthpiece to facilitate ease of playing and quick response.
- Store reeds in a reed case that holds multiple reeds or use standard plastic cases to maintain quality.
- Clearly mark the back or end of the reed to ensure a consistent rotation.
LigatureFor younger students, consider a Rovner ligature for its durability.Other reliable options include a stock metal ligature, the inverted Bonade, the BG Tradition, or the Vandoren Optimum.Neck StrapA correctly fitted neck strap is essential for maintaining the proper angle of the instrument. Do not allow an incorrect fit to hinder your student’s playing.InstrumentEnsure the instrument is in good playing condition—this is crucial to a successful learning experience.
Quick Tests
Mouthpiece Test
Have students play on just the mouthpiece. The pitch should be:
- Concert A on alto
- Concert G on tenor
- Concert D on bari
Embouchure Control
Teach students to manipulate pitch to play small-range children’s songs, reinforcing control of air and embouchure without slackening the jaw or biting through the reed.
Octave Key Test
While playing a note like G or F#, press the octave key. The pitch should jump and return quickly. If it sticks or struggles, suggest adjusting their tongue position for a more consistent embouchure.
Tuning
Always have students tune to an F# using the octave key.
Music & Method Books
At this point, beginner saxophonists are progressing through method books, but it’s vital to keep them challenged with more complex rhythms and melodic material.
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Scales & Technique: Encourage scales at increased tempos and full-range playing.
- Push for accuracy: Set goals to play scales without mistakes.
- Gradually increase the metronome tempo by increments of four.
Method Books
- Beginner:
- Rubank Advanced Studies I and II
- Rousseau Saxophone Method
- Prescott Saxophone Method
- Advanced:
- Marcel Mule: 48 Études
- Top Tones for the Saxophone by Sigurd Rascher
- The Richtmeyer Method for Saxophone Mastery
- Deville Universal Method
- Voicing by Don Sinta
Solos
Explore solo books like the Rubank Book of Alto Saxophone Solos, which provide adjustable tempo accompaniments for personalized practice.
Encouraging Creativity
Students often discover “cool” things to play—like Careless Whisper, “the lick,” or experimenting with slap-tonguing, multiphonics, or altissimo. Instead of discouraging them:
- Compliment their effort and creativity.
- Suggest related resources, like YouTube solo transcriptions or Jamey Aebersold-style backing tracks.
- Challenge them to learn their favorite piece in all twelve keys.
- Let them teach you what they’ve learned—it can deepen their understanding and build confidence.
Final Thought
Fostering enthusiasm for the saxophone is key. By guiding students to channel their curiosity productively, those noisy beginners can transform into a remarkable studio of musicians!
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Clint Kubala
Palen Music Center
Educational Representative
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