Can I Learn to Play the Saxophone from a Book?
Yes, but a teacher would be better. Which means if you want to increase the odds that you’ll actually learn the instrument, you should get a teacher.
Understanding the Process of Learning the Saxophone
Last week we discussed saxophone, and that was just the beginning. Clarinet is a single reed and is quite similar to the saxophone in the mouthpiece and fingering. While the middle register of the clarinet has some challenges, the experience of learning either instrument without an instructor is likely to be similar.
Challenges in Learning New Instruments Solo
However, when it comes to oboe, the experience is different. I learned to play the shawm, a "folk oboe," on my own, or at least a few scales and rudimentary playing techniques. This, however, was a formidable challenge due to the embouchure, which is difficult to figure out alone.
Indeed, yes, I can play a simple scale on a Venova, often referred to as a "Bamboo saxophone." It was only after reading a random comment on a saxophone forum that I realized you’re supposed to position your teeth on the mouthpiece, a technique I initially believed to be uncomfortable and even painful. Turns out it is correct, and some saxophonists use rubber bits to protect their front teeth.
Benefits of Using Books for Saxophone Learning
Books can be quite helpful for visual guidance. They often include photos showing how your mouth should look on the mouthpiece, how to hold the instrument, proper posture, particularly when sitting. I do recommend looking through YouTube too; there are some good tutorials there.
Limitations of Learning from Books
No, a book alone will not be enough. It can help you with note reading and some basic fingerings. However, it will not assist you with embouchure, getting over the "break," and many other intricate details that are crucial for playing the saxophone effectively.
Personal Experience and Expert Opinion
I reckon that a book can be useful, but dialing in your embouchure could be tricky without personal instruction. This would speed everything along and you might have more fun with a teacher's guidance. Moreover, a teacher can help you avoid picking up bad habits that could be hard to break later.
On my list of instruments that can be learned from a book to those that are hardest to learn without a human tutor, the saxophone falls somewhere in the middle. I know people who play single reed instruments much better than I do, and they would likely disagree. However, I find the embouchure for the saxophone to be simpler and more forgiving than that of a flute or a brass instrument.
While I picked up a couple of tricks on my own, it took weeks to master. Currently, I have control over my playing, and I am starting to work on my tone. Sadly, I can’t say the same for my flute playing and I’m really wishing I had a teacher who could help me identify what I’m doing wrong.
Supplementary Learning Resources
If you have to learn solo, be prepared that reading descriptions and looking at diagrams alone might be insufficient. You need videos to grasp some of the concepts, and you need to actually listen as well.
In Summary: While books and online resources can provide valuable information, the best way to learn the saxophone is with the guidance of a teacher. Proper technique, posture, and tone are crucial, and a teacher can help you avoid mistakes that can be hard to correct later on.
Tags: saxophone, solo learning, teacher guidance