Adults Learning Saxophone: Concerns, Benefits & Opportunities!

[@Bobba7438]

I started playing the tenor sax in March of 2020. I had a teacher for a total of 4 lessons. Unfortunately he left for Brazil and COVID struck nearly at the same time. I had to learn pretty much on my own gleaning what I could from various online teachers. I can play a number of songs but have to read the notes. My reading ability is somewhat limited however. I just found a teacher after searching for a year. There simply were no teachers in my area. My new teacher was somewhat amazed at my tone and my ability to play. As much as I was able to teach myself, there is nothing quite like having someone right there beside you to observe mistakes, show you alternate fingerings, trouble with your emboucher, etc. The sax is not an easy instrument to play. But as you point out, you really need time to practice. I practice at least an hour every day. Often even more than that. My main point though, is that if you really want to do something and are willing to put in some time, you can do it at whatever age you are. I will never be a great sax player, nor is it likely that I will play in a band. However, I can play pretty well the songs I like and it brings me a lot of pleasure. I have found a teacher now and am positive he will be able to help me improve the quality and quantity of what I can do. I will be 83 years of age in July.

[@jaylilsiant2204]

Wow! That is amazing!! Im also glad i read your comment, you gave me hope in learning saxophone 😊

[@Bobba7438]

@@jaylilsiant2204 Thank you, Jay. I am so glad I was able to spur you on! That makes me very happy to be a positive influence! I wish you great success at whatever you decide to do. I am sure you will love the saxophone. It is a very expressive instrument and you can make your feelings come right out through the bell of that instrument. Go for it!!

[@portwill]

This is so inspiring, I wish you lots of joy with your instrument.

[@TheDarkGreenMarine]

Incredible!!! Bless you!!

[@Bobba7438]

@@TheDarkGreenMarine Thank you so much. Bless you too!

[@Yourbosskid]

I started at 28. 6 years ago this month. I’m enjoying playing bebop and house music gigs. I progressed way faster when I got a teacher (after 5 years). It’s great! Do it!

[@BoninBrighton]

Loved your video I’m learning Sax my first instrument ever aged 62! I’m also struggling with reading music and music theory.... people tend to explain it using Music Theory language which creates a barrier!

[@chuckvt5196]

I love your enthusiasm and I just subscribed. I just started with the saxophone at the young age of 70. I am luckier than some other folks learning later in life as when I was in school, I played clarinet for six years and baritone horn for 3 years in a school system that had an outstanding music program. It has been over 50 years, but I can still remember how to read music. Now I have to figure out the key fingerings, but I am working on it!

[@williepage4635]

I'm an adult beginner, with no musical experience what so ever. I like the sound of a saxophone when I hear it being played by different people, so I decided I wanna try it because I really like it, and I wanna buy one, and learn how to play it for my satisfaction. (HELP)

[@SaxTuition]

Hi Willie. You’re in the right place! I’m so happy to hear you’re keen on learning the Sax. I recommend starting here with Lesson 1: Beginner Saxophone Lesson #1 | SaxTuition Beginner Series Make sure to get in touch with any questions as you go along. Best of luck, Jeremy. 🎷

[@SaxTuition]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn7PlqKtnr-boZo

[@ChrisSmithSaxophone]

Hi Jeremy - great video - you really spoke to me! I started learning to play sax 3 years ago, aged 58, and I love it. A couple of things to add to your great content... I found it really useful finding a local teacher. He pointed me towards local jams, local community bands etc. Having that knowledge helped him decide that they were the right standard for me. One other benefit I found was a huge new circle of friends! People from the band, local jams that I go to etc. (If you can find a local blues jam, they are great for learning bandcraft, musicianship while just having a blow using the blues scale to start off, simple chord progressions etc.)

[@Maria-rw1dd]

I really like how optimistic you look at beginners!!! Thank you so much give me the energy and strength to go further with my saxophone lessons!🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@benalmandres8851]

Played the flute (intermediate player) during the early eighties, I can read music, just need to learn the finger chords, notes and play the scales. Looking forward to playing the saxophone @ 56 yrs..

[@drfiberglass]

It is paramount that you have a qualified teacher sitting next to you so he can pick out the small mistakes you will make. There is a lot going on when learning to play a new instrument.

[@tremot7143]

This IS the video for me! I learned to play alt sax when I was about 12, but lost interest because of the rigorous teaching at the music conservatory. I'm in the market for a tenor now, and will surely seek out some 1-on-1 lesson after practising with online material. Better not to start lessons from scratch I think.

[@vaznoiaz1154]

You're a great teacher, I learned a lot from the videos

[@mosesayompe5810]

I will love to play a saxophone, I also love the way you teach, for I assimilate faster.

[@SaxTuition]

Thanks Moses!

[@TownHouseFilms]

You just summed me up perfectly. Very thoughtful and intelligent piece. I will enrol.

[@prakashv8824]

Thank you, good information

[@dzunku1]

I was born in a poor family. I loved saxophone sound but it's been a far dream to own and play it. I was retired 14 years ago and have time and money now. Then I found your video showing that it should't be expensive to start playing it. I have never played any instrument except making simple cords on a guitar. My concern now is if I could make enough progress and start to enjoy playing any melody before I die😅. I am 74 years old.

[@justinhamilton8795]

You can do It! Go for it, comments like urs are inspiring

[@KlymatixTV]

Just found your channel. I was a trumpet player in the US Army band a long time ago. I used to piddle around on the saxophone given our ability to have all instruments available back then. Anyways fast forward 20 years I just bought a Soprano Sax and it arrived today. I am going to watch as many of your videos as I can handle watching. Thanks for all the tips!!! So far its day one and im thru 2 major scales and half ass D rated rendition of a kenny G song...LOL

[@SaxTuition]

Haha - thanks for your comment! "...As I can handle watching" really cracked me up 🤣 Massive respect to you for being in the US Army band, particularly as a trumpet player - what a gig! Hopefully this video helps make the transition to soprano a little easier, although I'm sure you don't need much prompting about intonation... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX_GpKimoc2jsKM All the best!

[@KlymatixTV]

@@SaxTuition thanks for the reply, i only meant my own lack of attention would keep me from watching them all LOL. over a week now and im up to quite a bit of things. Chromatic and scales and intonation is what im working on now. Practicing 40 hours a day now...Cheers

[@NomadJournalistNews]

I liked your presentation of the material! It was a nice tactic to focus on benefits before solutions ;)

[@alexhamilton4084]

I started to learn saxophone in 2009. I had been playing tin whistles for a while so I found the basic fingering very easy. The thing I struggled with was breathing technique. I would end up gasping for breath. I had a gorgeous tenor sax which I sold because I lost my job and needed money. Now I’m retired and only getting state pension I can’t afford another sax at the moment. Do you have or can you do a video on breathing technique? Just in case I manage to afford a sax sometime.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey Alex! Thanks for sharing your story. Absolutely, I'll certainly do a video on breathing technique, great idea. I'll add it to the list 👍

[@MrAlbythere]

Albert. I am a 69 years old man that loves sailing. It has always been my dream to play Kenny G style music while at anchor in the middle of nowhere. I also sail single handed so not bothered how bad it sounds. My question is about the care of a sax on a boat where high levels of humidity are always present. I am a total novice but have unlimited time to practice with only my dog to complain. Storage is always a problem so a Soprano sax is preferential. I Have watched the tutorials and am confident of creating a noise but with only seagulls and Dolphins to complain, I won't be put off. Any advice on where to start would be great. I will be happy to go through the complete course. Do I buy a cheapish Sax or a decent second hand one. There are a few for sale local to me offered for sale. 1. Trevor James Soprano and 2. Yamaha 475 Soprano both described as new condition. Can anyone advise?

[@mohdshidi8090]

Thankyou... I intrested to play sax.

[@xthatghomiex2939]

Would you have any suggestions for people who are already college-level musicians wanting to learn?

[@Lutemann]

I took up the saxophone at age 60. I have played other musical instruments, but the sax was the first instrument I have played that needed so much attention to mechanical issues. When something went wrong I couldn't figure out whether the problem was me, a reed issue, a regulation issue or a pad issue or a combination of two or more of these. I have a leak light, but rarely is a leak problem exposed with this light. It is also difficult to find a good technician to work on your instrument unless you live in a large metropolitan area. It has not been a great experience. On the other hand my good friend who plays the trumpet never has a problem with his instrument. He plays $100 trumpet most of the time because he says his good trumpet doesn't sound much different, whereas I play $2,400 sax because I have to. Sorry to sound so depressing.

[@SaxTuition]

Hey there! I’m so sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced with the sax 👎 dealing with instrument issues is the worst! I totally understand why that would put you off. You definitely shouldn’t need to play a $2400 saxophone though, there are still some really great options around $500 (2nd hand Yamaha, or a brand new Jean Paul AS-400). Can I ask what kind of sax you’re playing right now? And how have you been learning the saxophone - through a teacher, a course, or teaching yourself with free content?

[@Lutemann]

@@SaxTuition I've had a few teachers, but none of them had the wisdom that I need. Could be my fault as well. Things are much better now. The tone is almost there, and the sax issues are gone for right now.

[@jimtheyid]

I'm 42,No musical knowledge whatsoever but Bought my sax a year ago, Have lessons and can play. But I'm finding getting even better really hard. Speed and sound needs to be better

[@SaxTuition]

Hey James, what sort of things are you practicing?

[@alicescott2939]

Is this also good for the soprano saxophone

[@jeremybubblegum6600]

Any suggestions on a type of saxophone for a beginner adult?

[@guadgonzalez9754]

Can I put it on multiple devices?

[@pangterence9796]

Hi, I would to pick up playing a sax. Can u suggest which model of the sax to start off for beginner?

[@49rockon27]

Am adult. Not music trained. Can one play the saxophone by ear? I'm self taught on the guitar and play by ear (not too well). My brain is not wired to read music notes (sigh).

[@SaxTuition]

Hey there! I’ve just launched a Learn Music Theory mini-course which breaks down all the basics of reading music. It’s split into 3 10 minute videos and you can check out the first one here, I think it will really help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGTKZo2Qdp5gepI

[@lorrainesaide8389]

Hi Jeremy, thanks for doing your videos. I want to purchase an alto sax via Amazon, when you've got a moment could you kindly suggest an ideal sax for adult beginners under $500. Many thanks I look forward to signing up with your learners course. Cheers, Lorraine

[@SaxTuition]

Hi Lorraine, thanks for the comment! I know it's slightly above $500USD ($599) but I can highly recommend the Jean Paul AS-400: amzn.to/3vAce8L You can check out my review of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKiTn6CBh9Rlg5o Hope that helps you! - Jeremy

[@Salesman]

I like the trumpet but I've heard that it is by far one of the hardest instruments to learn as an adult. Some trumpeters advised for me to get a saxophone because the sound is close but it's easier to learn in adulthood. Is this true? Would you suggest sax over trumpet for adult beginners?

[@SaxTuition]

I would, but my trumpet teacher friends would probably kill me! 😅 The thing about the trumpet is that you need to maintain the strength in your lip muscles once you start playing, otherwise your tone and range really suffers. This is true to a certain extent on the saxophone too, but it's less demanding than the trumpet as we use a reed to create a buzz instead of our lips. So whilst it's probably not any harder in a technical sense, it will be a little more demanding on your time to keep your chops in shape, which as an adult can be difficult if you're dealing with other commitments (like work, kids, etc!)

[@sanjanaphilips9277]

@@SaxTuition k

[@robaivideoz]

Wich beter, soprano or alto to start for adult beginer?

[@portwill]

They say alto and tenor are the ones to start with

[@loxleym]

Hi, have you ever come across Apollo saxophones and if so are they decent?

[@SaxTuition]

Hi Lox, sorry I haven’t! Seems like there are new brands popping up every day…

[@NyashaKeys]

You sound Aussie are u Astralian , am in Australia atm ... wanna pick up Sax

[@jeanpaulmoreau9598]

i have an iMac, will it work with apple computers?

[@SaxTuition]

Yes it will! I have a Mac too 😊

[@anquaviousshahab1678]

great

[@someonesomewhere1100]

1:05 I thought those were his top teeth 😂 so little

[@Madridme3]

Too bad about the silly stock photos. Why do so many put these stupid things in?

[@RebelScumJack]

Thank you for sharing your insight, Godspeed and God bless!