SENIORSAXLADY
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Sunday, June 28, 2020

Hi everyone...Yep, I'm frustrated with re-learning to play Willow, my soprano sax. Things went better the other day, but tonight I felt like I went backwards. Squeaking again and playing up an octave without using the octave key. It all has to do with where and how I place my mouth on the mouthpiece. I know most of you will not understand that since you do not play a woodwind instrument..but just know I am frustrated. Re-learning is not fun at the moment..but I know some day it will be..just not right now. Someday Willow and I will look at one another and smile with right notes coming out. That's just not happening at the moment. I'm going to give it a rest for a few days and stick with my alto, Allyson. emoticon

Everything else is good. I'm still reading my John Grisham book and still coloring. Arjay and Max are fine..All is well otherwise. emoticon
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Member Comments About This Blog Post
  • 1CRAZYDOG
    Hope today is a better day for you.
    208 days ago
  • AMUSICALLIFE
    PS. You could need a harder reed as your embouchure is getting stronger and maybe go up to the 3 from the 2 1/2 you are using. Are you using Vandoren (sp?) reeds?
    If you could just get 1 or 2 of the 3s and not a whole box , it would be good to try that.

    When I tried playing the clarinet, I needed harder reeds as I would squeak all the time on soft ones because my mouth is super strong. Might be an idea...?

    PPS. OPINION I am not a doctor but I think flute and sax are wonderful for people with COPD because it helps you breath deeply and blow out slowly. :-)
    208 days ago

    Comment edited on: 6/29/2020 11:49:15 AM
  • AMUSICALLIFE
    The soprano sax is A LOT like the oboe (what I play) It is more sensitive than the alto. Oboist seem very frustrated most of the time :-) Some tips from an oboist is that in playing it, you cannot move your mouth around like on the tenor or alto sax. Remember to keep your chin flat and your corners of your mouth tight. That keeps your embouchure stable.
    Maybe you are "munching" and moving your embouchure around. Keep your embouchure stable.

    I have to tell you that when you practice more, which you are doing, you become aware of your "faults" and you are growing as a musician and becoming better. Be patient with yourself. You are going up the next level of your playing. That is fantastic that you are frustrated. It means that you are demanding more of yourself musically. Your concept of the music is better and now bringing your physical playing up to that level. Be patient and keep practicing.

    208 days ago
  • MUSICMOMOF2
    I know that it's tricky. I play clarinet so I'm right there with you. It is definitely all in positioning since the alto mouthpiece comes into your mouth more perpendicular. Just keep adjusting and you will get it back. The soprano angle is a lot like the clarinet. Hang in there!
    208 days ago
  • RASPBERRY56
    emoticon You got this! emoticon
    208 days ago
  • VALLEYGIRLSPAGE
    After a few days rest you'll be playing great. Have a beautiful Spark filled week emoticon
    208 days ago
  • MADEINBRITAIN
    Keep on keeping on hun emoticon
    208 days ago
  • NEW-CAZ
    It's just a bad day Elayne.......put it behind you hun.
    stay safe and keep well hun, have a GREAT week emoticon
    208 days ago
  • 1ZIPPYC
    Some days you have to give it a rest, try again later.
    Glad all is well otherwise. Have a good night. emoticon
    208 days ago
  • KOALA_BEAR
    Hang in there!
    208 days ago
  • VHAYES04
    WTG
    208 days ago
  • JPPERSELL
    You are an amazing saxophonist! Have you played Willow during your living room concerts? Don't give up! You've got this!
    208 days ago
  • LINDA7677
    Try to relax your emboucher a bit. You may be biting down too much on the mouthpiece and not realizing it. I play Bb clarinet and can play alto sax.
    208 days ago
  • TERMITEMOM
    How long has it been since you played Willow?
    208 days ago

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