1. How old do I have to be to start playing saxophone?
2. Which size saxophone should I start with?
3. I have small hands - can I still play saxophone?
4. How much do I have to spend to get a decent starter sax?
5. Will my sax need regular maintenance?
6. My sax isn't working correctly - how can I get it fixed?
7. What size reeds do I need?
8. My sax squeaks a lot when I blow - am I doing something wrong?
9. Where can I find lessons to get me started?
10. What can I do to upgrade my Sax?
11. How can I tell a good sax from a bad sax?
12. How long does a sax last my child?
13. What accessories do I need to get started?

1. How old do I have to be to start playing saxophone?
Generally if you are 10 years of age or older you will be big enough to start playing the Alto saxophone.   For younger students the Alto is definitely the best choice. Even though the Soprano sax is smaller it is much harder to play and requires more control in you mouth.  If you are big for your age then perhaps you could start a little younger but you need to be able to hold the weight of the saxophone and have enough puff to make a sound!  Some teachers recommend starting on recorder first to get the general idea of the fingering as the notes on the descant or soprano recorder are the same as low register of the saxophone.

2. Which size saxophone should I start with?
The Alto is generally the best size saxophone to start on for the beginner player. Even though the Soprano is a smaller instrument  it requires a lot more control and is tricky to make quick progress on for the beginner saxophone player.  The tenor is much heavier than the Alto so is more suitable to an adult or tall teenager to start on.  The great thing about saxophones though is that the fingering (or way you play the notes) is the same on all of them so once you get the hang of an Alto for example, it's relatively easy to then switch to a tenor, soprano or baritone.

3. I have small hands - can I still play the saxophone?
I have met fantastic players who have small hands - it really just comes down to getting used to the instrument. However, you may be better starting on the Alto first as the keys are closer together than on a Tenor.

4. How much do I have to spend to get a decent starter sax?
There is a wide range of starter saxophones on the market.  You can pay as little as £170 for a new student instrument up to more than £800 for some of the more established brands.   Although you can expect some difference in quality over this price range, many of the cheaper instruments will offer very good service for a beginner saxophone player at a more accessible price.   These days the difference in quality in this price range is minimal as most brands manufacture their instruments in this price range in China or Taiwan.   The other thing to consider is that as your playing develops you will probably want to progress on to a more advanced instrument or perhaps change from Alto to Tenor so it may be worth considering a starter sax as a first step on your musical journey.

5.  Will my sax need regular maintenance?
Every saxophone will need a "tune up" from time to time.  Saxophones have serviceable parts like pads and corks that with regular use will require adjustment and possible replacement.  If your saxophone begins to be hard to play, or some notes won't sound properly then you will probably need to get it serviced.  The good news is that getting your saxophone repaired is inexpensive (probably less than £40) and if you take good care of your instrument you may only need to do this once every year.

6. My sax isn't working correctly - how can I get it fixed?
There are many local instrument repairers in the UK.  Your local music shop can generally recommend a good repairer.  If you have taken good care of your instrument then most problems that occur are easily fixed and not very expensive. 

7.  What size reeds do I need?
Reeds come in a range of sizes starting at 1½ and going up in ½ steps to around 4.  The numbers indicate how thick the reeds are cut and so how hard they are to play.  As a beginner saxophone player you should start on a size 1½ reed and move up to a size 2 when you find blowing very easy. If you are practicing hard you will soon find that your sound is quite thin with a size 1½ reed - this is a good sign that it is time to move onto size 2.  As you develop as a player you will find the size that suits you best and is a good match for your mouthpiece.  Another thing to consider is that you will probably break a lot of reeds when you are just getting started - reeds are very fragile and do wear out so expect a good reed to only last around 1-2 weeks or less if you are playing regularly.  

8. My sax squeaks a lot when I blow - am I doing something wrong?
There could be a number of reasons for this. First start by checking your reed is on correctly, is wet and doesn't have any major chips or cracks in it.  Then be sure that when you play you have your bottom lip over your teeth (your bottom teeth should never touch the reed).  Also, try experimenting with using less mouthpiece when you play.  Sometimes too much mouthpiece can cause squeaks.  And finally, if all these don't fix the problem then there is a chance that your sax needs the care of a repairer!

9. Where can I find lessons to get me started?
There are some excellent instructional DVDs that can give you pointers to get started but perhaps the best thing is to combine this with some lessons from an experienced teacher to get the fundamental skills right. When learning an instrument it is really important to get the basic skills right at the start to give you the best chance of having success later on.

10. What can I do to upgrade my Sax?
One of the best upgrades to consider with a beginner saxophone is changing the mouthpiece.  The mouthpiece is the first place the sound is created on the saxophone and it's quality can make a massive difference not only to the sound you create but how easy your sax is to play.  Most saxes (even some intermediate or advanced saxes) come shipped with a basic mouthpiece. While this is ok to get you started, you will probably find upgrading it will make a big difference to the quality of your sound and how your sax feels when playing.  There are loads of mouthpieces on the market.  For a beginner saxophone player you might consider either a Yamaha 4C (about £30) or a Selmer C* (about £80).  Both of these are made of plastic / bakealite and are widely considered as excellent mouthpieces.  As your playing develops you should experiment with other brands and sizes to create your own sound.  In general mouthpieces made or plastic or bakealite (black ones) are good for a more controlled, classical smooth sound, whereas metal mouthpieces (either gold or silver / chrome) will give you a much brighter and louder sound.  Do some Google-ing to discover what mouthpiece your favourite player uses!

11. How can I tell a good sax from a bad sax?
This is a very good question. It can be hard to know what to look for if you are new to saxophone.  Bad examples of lower priced instruments generally suffer from poor build quality (as you might expect).  Have a close look at the saxophone for faults in the lacquer / plating, also look for bent or crooked keys and obviously any dents or signs of abuse.  A new sax should always be checked and "set up" before delivery to you. If you are having trouble playing a new sax don't hesitate to take it back and get an experienced repairer to check it.  By and large most problems on saxophones can be easily remedied by a good repairer.  To make things more complicated, price isn't always a good indicator of quality either.  These days there are some excellent lower priced saxes for the beginner saxophone player and some over priced instruments with issues so always look for some reviews from friends or on the internet if you are unsure.

12.  How long will a saxophone last my child?
A decent instrument that is well cared for and regularly maintained should last for several years.  Many students progress right through their grades on a decent student instrument some progressing to university level. Eventually as your playing develops and budget allows you may choose to upgrade to a professional instrument and when you  reach this point you will be better able to decide what is the right instrument for you.

13.  What accessories do I need to get started learning?
Most saxophones will come with all you need to start playing.  You will need to buy more reeds though when starting out as they are easy to break. Each reed may only last a week or so with regular playing.  Size 1½ is good to start with.  A music stand is always useful and makes it easier to have a good posture while practicing. There are also some excellent "Learn to play" books available from music stores that would complement the instructional videos on this site.

Selmer makes many saxophones and their line once included the legendary Mark VI. Their recent models have returned to design ideas that the Mark VI had.

Company: Selmer

Founding Date: Early 1900s

History:

Selmer was founded in the early 1900s by Henri and Alexandre Selmer. In its early days, they focused on clarinets, as both of its founders were clarinet players. Although Henri and Alexandre began by building reeds and mouthpieces for clarinets, the company would eventually grow to include a wide range of woodwind instruments, including the saxophone.

Selmer's most successful saxophone, the Mark VI was introduced in 1954. The saxophone was made in France, and originally imported to the United States in parts to avoid import tariffs. The Mark VI was produced up until the end of 1973 when it was replaced by the Mark VII- supposed to be an "improvement" but not so much in reality. Selmer's newest professional horns, the Reference 54 and the Reference 36, were introduced in 2005. These models are based on 1954's Mark VI model and 1936's Balanced Action model.

Who Plays the Brand:

Selmer is one of the big four saxophone manufacturers and has a large stable of artists who prefer the brand. A short list of these artist includes Phil Woods, Paul Desmond, Bob Berg, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, John Coltrane, and Lee Konitz. Owing to the popularity and reputation of the Mark VI horn, this list is only a snippet of the large body of artists that proudly use a Selmer for their performances.

What They Are Known For:

Although the Selmer name has produced successful models for as long as they have been producing saxophones, the Mark VI is not only the first model players think of when they think 'Selmer', it's the first model many players think of when they think 'saxophone'. The horn is truly legendary among jazz musicians, and is played by some of the best in the business.

Perhaps because the Mark VI set such a high standard, Selmer took a wrong turn with the introduction of the Mark VII which most saxophone players agree was a step backwards. The Reference 54 and Reference 36, however, are gaining a very decent reputation.

Interesting Stories About Them:

A recent reviewer at Musicians Friend had very kinds words to say about the new Reference model saxophones and how favorably they compare to the horns they seek to recreate:

"Playing the Reference 54 tenor was an illuminating experience. I knew at once I had an extraordinary instrument in my hands. It had the richness of tone, the warmth, and the punch and projection I loved in my Mark VI, but was a little brighter.

finally put down the Reference 54 and picked up the Reference 36. It had the same ergonomic key feel as the 54 but its own tonal coloring. It is based on the Balanced Action model Selmer introduced in 1936 and has that instrument's rich open sound. Like the 54, it is an extraordinary instrument. If I had to choose between the two, I'd have a hard time making up my mind."

Price Ranges:

Sopranos range from 5 for a student model to ,499 for a professional model.

Altos range from ,602 for a student model to ,229 for a professional model.

Tenors range from ,160 for a student model to ,199 for a professional model.

Baritones range from ,479 to .329 for a professional model.

(Prices current in June 2009)

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Review - Legacy AS1000 Intermediate Alto Saxophone with Case, Accessories and Selmer Paris S80 C* Mouthpiece

• Superior Quality Intermediate Alto Saxophone in Clear Lacquer
• Manufactured in one of the world's best factories. Great intonation, quality and superior tone.
• Includes Pro Style Case, Mouthpiece, neckstrap, cap ligature, and Selmer Cleaning and Care Kit
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If you recognize your music talent you are well on the path of learning to play a musical instrument. The next step is to find out the musical instrument of choice. Most popular musical instruments are guitar, piano, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and percussion instruments like drums, xylophone, vibraphone etc. Certain amateur musical instruments can be made at home using vessels etc. Here is a simple musical instrument which can be easily made using 18 china bowls. The bowls should be of different sizes. Pour water in the bowls and arrange the bowls according to the size. If you strike the rim of the bowls using a spoon you can hear a particular frequency. With a little musical talent any body can arrange the bowls in the melodic order and make music by striking the bowls.

Learning to play piano is ideal for people having less time to learn. The basic lessons are easy and with a couple of such lessons you can enjoy your own music at home even before becoming an expert. But the disadvantage is that the piano is costly and takes much space to occupy. You can go for an electronic keyboard which is less costly.

Guitar is a stringed instrument and is slightly difficult in the beginning because you will not be able to make good quality sound in the initial stages. But with slight hard work you can strum away within a year.
Violin is another stringed instrument. You have to approach violin very seriously because it takes a lifetime to master.Until you are a good player you will not be able to play solo or get along with an orchestra. Even you cannot practice at home without giving discomfort to the neighbor unless you are an expert. Flute is a wind instrument. It is made on a piece of bamboo with a closed end.There holes at different lengths. Sounds are made by closing and opening the holes using fingertips. the most difficult part of learning is the making of sound by blowing on one of the holes. When you are able to produce fairly good sound the rest will be easy. Recorder coexists with flute in the same class. The blowing is easier with the presence of mouthpiece. More serious learners can go for clarinet or even saxophone which calls for more dedication and practice. Other members of the wind category are brass instruments like trumpet, trombone, horn etc. These are better suited for people interested in making music a profession.

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Review - Legacy AS2000SS Professional Sterling Silver Plated Fully Engraved Alto Saxophone with Case, Accessories and Selmer Mouthpiece, The Instrument Store Starter Kit

• Superior Quality Professional Alto Saxophone in Sterling Silver Plating with Full Engraving on the Entire Instrument
• Manufactured in one of the world's best factories. Great intonation, quality and superior tone.
• Includes Pro Style Case, Mouthpiece, neckstrap, cap ligature, and Selmer Cleaning and Care Kit
• Includes Selmer USA Mouthpiece, Instrument Store Starter Kit (Music Stand, Sax Stand, Cleaning Kit)

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Review - Buffet Crampon Student Eb Alto Sax Mouthpiece Kit with Ligature and Cap

• Eb Alto Sax Mouthpiece Kit
• Good Plastic Student Mouthpiece
• With Cap and Quality Ligature

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One of the most popular percussion instruments in the rich musical culture of South Asia is the tabla drums. It originated as far as 300 years ago. Its name came from the Arabic word tabla meaning drum. It is said to be a mixture of characteristics of pre-existing drums such as dholak, naqqara, and pakhawa but its exact history is still unclear. This instrument is commonly used in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The modern version of the instrument is composed of a pair of drums. The dayan, which means right in India, is the smaller, wooden drum played with the right hand while the bayan, which is translated as left, is the larger drum with a metal body and played with the left hand.

One of the main differences of both drums is the size but their parts are mostly the same. The head of the drums, called the puri, is made up of goat hide. An extra ring of hide is laid over the head as well as on the bottom of the drums. These rings hold the lacings, or tasma, on the side of the drums, which in turn control the tension and pitch of the drums through a number of wooden cylindrical blocks called ghatta. These are placed between the body and the lacings. There is a black circle in the middle of the drum heads called syahi made up of gum, soot and iron fillings. The syahi is located in the center of the head, but in bayan, it is a little bit off to the side.

The defining sound of the tabla is its bell-like timbre made possible by the syahi. The dayan is tuned to the tonic note of the vocalist or the instruments accompanying it. It has the higher pitch between the two. The low end of the instrument is produced by the larger bayan. It is interesting to note that the tune of the bass is not confined to a single note but can cover a whole scale based on the position and pressure of the left wrist on the syahi. One can also do sliding notes on the bass because of the ease in controlling the tune.

Learning how to play the tabla can be challenging to some since the principles are a little different from the Western styles of music. The beats are conceptualized through mnemonic syllables called bol. To be able to play well, one has to understand how the basic Indian rhythm is conceptualized.

Tabla drums can cover both melodic and rhythmic concepts in the Indian system. However, as in most percussion instruments, it is in the rhythm that it is mostly focused on. Just as the Western style has the beat, measure and cycle, so does the Indian style. The only main difference is that the latter focuses more on the cycle unlike the former which focuses on the measure and the beat. Timekeeping when playing the tabla is based on claps and waves. These claps and waves basically describe the measure of Indian music. It is important in the conceptualization and execution of the whole song as the other instruments also follow this rhythm as a guide. Thus the player can play in different syllables as long as the cycle remains constant.

The sound and feel of the tabla is rich and exotic. As an instrument, it can stand on its own when played just right but will also do very well when combined with vocals and other instruments. It may not be easy to learn but with time and dedication plus a good understanding of Indian musical concepts, one is bound to produce beautiful music through this instrument.

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Review - Legacy AS1000 Intermediate Alto Saxophone with Case, Accessories and Selmer Mouthpiece, The Instrument Store Starter Kit

• Superior Quality Intermediate Alto Saxophone in Clear Lacquer
• Manufactured in one of the world's best factories. Great intonation, quality and superior tone.
• Includes Pro Style Case, Mouthpiece, neckstrap, cap ligature, and Selmer Cleaning and Care Kit
• Includes Selmer USA Mouthpiece, Instrument Store Starter Kit (Music Stand, Sax Stand, Cleaning Kit)

For More Information :

Without a steady flow of great songwriting topics, it is very difficult to consistently write solid songs. But where do these ideas come from? And more importantly, how can you find them in order to have a virtually unlimited supply of things to write about? Those questions can be a big obstacle for any creative effort, so it helps to know exactly where to look for the kind of inspiration that motivates you.

The truth about song ideas is that they are everywhere. In fact, it would be easier to list the places they do not come from instead of all of the areas that they do come from. Being receptive to them is the key to finding them. This means paying attention to the things that happen to you each day and the experiences that you have. Conversations, people, and events can all lead to the foundation for your next song.

One of the things that many songwriters find helpful is to document the random thoughts they have throughout the day. Some writers will carry a book or notepad with them while others prefer a small mini-recorder. They will write down or sing whatever catches their attention, including parts of new melodies, choruses, or verses. In addition, you might think of a really clever phrase or title. You never know where you will be when the spark for a new song will pop into your head, so be ready for it.

Besides outside influences, your own personal feelings often make the best songs because they are real and you have an emotional investment with them. Developing a sincere emotion in a creative way can lead to music that automatically connects with an audience. Basically, if something is important to you, it is much more likely that you will put your heart into it, and that is the essential ingredient to an amazing song.

Love is a subject that has been written about more than any other theme in the history of music. What makes it so universal and widely fascinating? Just about everyone can relate to it on some level. No matter what their current position is, most people have been in love before, or they would like to be in love someday. The countless ways to express all of the different feelings surrounding love make it even better for writing. Loss, gain, hopes, and dreams all factor into relationships, and when people hear songs about them, it takes them back to a memory; it becomes personal.

Another factor to consider is the reason why you are writing a particular song. If it is because you are building a music career, the topics you choose will reflect that. Even when writing songs just for yourself, select things that interest you. Use your collection of notes or recordings as a reference to avoid writer's block and brainstorm your thoughts as well. The greatest ideas are inside of you and all around you. Let inspiration be your guide and you will never go wrong.

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Review - Selmer Paris Soloist Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

• An ideal mouthpiece for the classical player
• Produces an amazingly full and sweet tone

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A professional mouthpiece will improve your sound more than any other part of your saxophone. I recommend that be the first piece of equipment that you buy to upgrade your sound. Mouthpieces will come in two types- Jazz and Classical. For general playing you will want a good classical mouthpiece. These will be plastic looking. They are called hard rubber. There are three excellent mouthpieces I recommend that are reasonably priced. The Rousseau 4R is about and is fantastic. The 4R refers to the tip size. The Selmer S80 C* is another great mouthpiece. It will cost about 0 or so. The Rousseau New Classic plays like a S80 with a little different sound. It costs about .00. I recommend these mouthpieces for all of the saxophones.

Jazz mouthpieces are a little more complicated. If you play Alto, most people will go for a hard rubber mouthpiece as opposed to the metal, which tends to be a little bright for the alto. If you are going to play a lot of rock music, you may want that bright sound. My favorite mouthpiece for the alto for general jazz playing is the Meyer 6M. This is a classic that has been around for a long time. I would probably start here before anything else for alto.

Tenor and Baritone saxophones generally prefer a metal mouthpiece. For tenor I really like the Otto Link 7 or 6. This has a good sound and is pretty popular. I won't talk about soprano or Baritone here; most people start on alto or tenor.

Before you pay the big bucks for a mouthpiece, you should always try it out first. If you bought 10 of the same exact brand, and tried them all, you'd find that they all play different. Always try out first and pick the one that works best for you. Later on you may want to buy a hand made mouthpiece and enjoy the wonderful sound that comes from that. Be prepared to pay the big bucks for one of these!!

You will probably need a different size of reed on your jazz mouthpiece then you use on your classical. Most people use a little softer size on the jazz. Also, if you find the mouthpiece feeling funny on your teeth, you can buy a tooth patch to put on the mouthpiece. This will feel comfortable on your front teeth, and protect the mouthpiece.

If you are just beginning on the saxophone, you really should stick with the classical piece. After you are more advanced, you'll probably want the jazz piece for those styles. If you are not interested in popular styles of music, you won't need the jazz piece. There really is a difference between the two types, and if you plan on playing all styles, you will definitely need both types of mouthpieces.