Soprano Saxophone Tutorial

The soprano saxophone has the highest pitch among the most popular types of saxophones. A daily practice routine is necessary for learning to play the soprano saxophone. Practice should be uniform and deal with the fundamentals of playing. A practice routine should also be well rounded and rooted in technique, with short term weekly goals, as well as long term goals.

Things You'll Need

• soprano saxophone
• exercise book
• music stand

Instructions

1. Allow the reed of the soprano to vibrate freely. This requires good breathing technique and good embouchure. A soprano's sound, like all saxes, starts at the reed. A soprano sax's mouth piece is particularly small and should fit no less than half way into the mouth. The bottom lip should be pushed out and used as a platform with very little pressure being applied from the top and bottom. The corners of the mouth should be pulled in to prevent air from escaping.

2. Breath from the diaphragm and blow from the mouth in the shape of a column. Using the diaphragm instead of the stomach will keep the air pressure consistent. Use this exercise to see if you are using your diaphragm properly: place your hand flat on your stomach and breath. If the stomach goes up and down you are using your diaphragm properly.

3. Practice scales daily, as they are a primary part of music. There are twelve major and twelve minor scales. When learning to play, you should start with the major scales. Play them slowly and only increase tempo when you have performed them without a mistake. Play each scale two octaves using a metronome. Ninety beats per minute tempo is a good recommended starting tempo.

4. Develop a good sound from the start. Long tone exercises are a great place to start developing a good sound. It is an important part of learning to play. Long tone exercises help with both breath control and embouchure. A beginning long tone exercise starts by taking a deep a breath and playing middle C for as long as you can play it with a good tone. Sigurd M. Rasher has a good exercise book on tones, which will help enhance your range and fill out your tone.

Tips & Warnings

• Have patience when learning to play a new instrument. It takes time, determination, and consistency.

References

• "Top-Tones for the Saxophone" by Sigurd M. Rascher

Resources

• Free Download Books: Saxophone beginner exercises