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The most commonly accepted posture when playing the tenor saxophone is by sitting with your back straight and slightly away from the back of the chair to avoid slouching backwards. The instrument should be held against the right side of your body. Do not hold the tenor saxophone between your legs. While some professional alto saxophonists prefer this method of holding the instrument, this is not the proper way to hold the tenor saxophone.
Ensure that the neck strap is in a position that does not require you to "reach" for the saxophone with your mouth. This is one of the most common mistakes that developing saxophonists make. If you must reach to place the mouthpiece in your mouth, undue pressure and tightness is apparent in the front of the neck. This can make proper breathing and tone difficult to master if allowed to continue. - Embouchure is the formation of the mouth around the mouthpiece. One of the most common problems with beginning saxophonists is "puffing cheeks." This problem results from poor development of cheek muscles and an improper approach to playing the instrument. To prevent this problem, play in front of a mirror regularly. If the cheeks begin to puff out, tighten them back and feel the sensation in your face. Your cheeks should be tight but not rigid. Continue practicing in the mirror until you feel like you can keep your cheeks from puffing.
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Another common problem among saxophonists (even advanced performers) is pressure and tightness in the hands as buttons are pressed. Most often, this is caused by bringing the fingers too far off of the buttons when those fingers are not in use. The amount of space then required to press the button is increased and the common tendency is to add pressure to cover the additional distance. Practice keeping your fingers close to the buttons to avoid this problem.
Many saxophonists find that the addition of piano to their musical studies can have marked effects on their approach to playing the saxophone. Players have often developed bad habits over a period of years and have learned how to play with them. However, learning a new instrument with proper technique can allow such technique to transfer to the player's primary instrument.
