Learning an instrument

[rich p]

Actually being able to play some Miles Davis has put me off

 

[upsidedown]

One of my favourite songs when i was a kid was "The teams that meet in caffs" by Dexys, it's got a great sax solo in it that i always said i would learn. If i had the chance (ie money) now i would go for it.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I cantread a note...never stopped me..the web has hundreds of free tutorials..its so much easier these days...also jus tgo into any good music shop and you are sure to have access to local tutors if you feel you need them...although for my money you should be able to teach yourself off the net prety well.

 

[Auntie Helen]

Not being able to read music may not be a problem, depending on whether you have an ear for it (which you won't know till you try).

As others have said, the Sax is fairly easy in terms of fingering - it's logical. I found I got quite out of breath playing it, I also struggled to find useful music as all my flute music went too high for the sax.

The reason I sold my sax in the end is that the sort of music it's suitable for isn't the sort of music I was good at playing - I'm more of a Bach kind of person and you've got to have real emotion and soul for the sax. It looks cool though! (I had an Alto).

Re the wife and choral singing - I joined a choir just over a year ago, having never sung before, and I absolutely love it! In this case it helps that I can read music well, but I didn't realise how much attention would be paid to words and how you sing them and how you can highlight particular phrases as you sing them. There's some cracking music out here, too!

 

[theclaud]

I can't read music - is that a surmountable problem with a bit of effort?

It's one of those things that's much easier to learn when you're young . You could either try and pick it up, or not bother and play by ear, depending on what you want to do. I don't read to any useful standard - if you're interested in jazz (yeah, right) it helps to learn a bit about chords. But imitating and playing along with someone whose sound/style you like will get you a fair way.

 

[marinyork]

No it's not a problem not reading music as long as you can see the notes. Plenty of people manage.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Jus tlearn a few classic tunes and we'll go busking mate

 

[Fab Foodie]

I can't read music - is that a surmountable problem with a bit of effort?

Not at all. If it's an alto sax you'll only need to learn the treble clef anyhow, unlike say playing the Piano where you need to learn both.
You can learn to play by ear, it's a bit a bit like learning to speak a language without being able to read it and I would think it a bit limiting and slower progress.
Last lesson teach brought a book of 'Tunes from shows' for warming-up and sight reading practice and I could play most of them pretty easily, in fact once I'd got a few bars on some of the tracks I could almost play them by ear, but I'd needed the first few lines to get going. Also say the well known riff to 'Pick-up the pieces' is written more complexly than you 'think' it sounds.

I can just about play 'Take Five' and that would take me a long time to figure out by ear even though I have pretty good pitch.

Go the whole hogg, get lessons, learn to read music. It's like learning to ride a bike or learning to read, once learned it stays with you for a life-time.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

learning a new instrument is all about attitude..if you wan tto bad enough you can do it..I have never had a lesson in my life, I dont claim to be good, but I am better than many I know who took lessons and then dropped it..you only fail when you stop trying

 

[Fab Foodie]

learning a new instrument is all about attitude..if you wan tto bad enough you can do it..I have never had a lesson in my life, I dont claim to be good, but I am better than many I know who took lessons and then dropped it..you only fail when you stop trying

Absolutely, it takes will and determination, if you don't practice, you don't improve, and if you don't enjoy it, then you'll not practice...

Which reminds me...

 

[yoyo]

You are never too old and if you have an instrument it is a shame to see it go to waste. They are meant to be played. I learnt the basics of French horn and cello because the children went to university, took a break from music and left their instruments at home. I am currently learning the viola. The sax is an easy instrument and progress should be quick.

 

[Aperitif]

You have always blown your own trumpet rich, a slight adjustment should see you on the road...

Actually, I would quite like to get to grips with a guitar. Nothing special but it would need application as I am creative-handed and not conventional. I know there is a left-handed guitar site or two out there and it might be interesting.

You'll be calling your bike 'Ronnie' ere long! Good luck - and go for it!

 

[Campfire]

Just have a go. Mr Campfire would love to play the sax but can't afford one!

 

[Cranky]

The sax is renowned as an easy instrument to play, and it is.... out of tune and with a duff tone. It's no easier than any other instrument to play well.

Therefore, I'd recommend a good teacher who would set you off with the right advice on appropriate reeds and possibly mouthpiece (these are a minefield for the inexperienced), together with proper breathing and tone production from the start. Otherwise, you'll immediately assume bad habits which are very difficult to correct later.

You can learn to read music as you learn to play if you have a progressive tutor book (many now come with accompaniments on CD) and the right advice. Don't try to skip the music reading part as you'll hamper your potential very early on.

Give it a go but be patient!

 

[on the road]

Start with book 1