The first lesson

Today I had my first lesson learning how to play the saxophone. As far as I can see at the moment, there are two separate actions that have to be learnt: how to produce a tone in a constant manner, and how to finger the correct notes. The second action doesn't bother me too much: I've already picked up a certain amount of skill. But it's the actual mechanics of producing a constant tone that have me stymied. 

It may just be that the reed in the mouthpiece is too thick (2.5 mm) and that a thinner reed will be easier. But the actual form that my mouth has to take - the embouchure - seems unnatural at the moment. My upper teeth have to grip the mouthpiece but my lower lip - not the teeth - should be on the reed. Also, it seems that I shouldn't take the mouthpiece too far into my mouth. The high notes were more difficult than the lower notes, which according to my teacher, is unusual.

No doubt this will all become easier in the future. 

I asked (tongue in cheek) which sound is worse: someone learning to play the violin or someone learning to play the saxophone. He answered that the violin sounds worse but that the saxophone is louder! So it's six of one and six of the other.

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This day in blog history:

Blog #	Date	Title	Tags
622	02/09/2013	The Magic of Belle Isle	Films
1164	02/09/2018	Delphi community edition	Delphi
1335	02/09/2020	Wedding stairs	Personal, Kibbutz
1417	02/09/2021	Once again, John Martyn	John and Beverley Martin
1812	02/09/2024	Eight months of Temu	Temu
1987	02/09/2025	No luck with guitar strings	Guitars