Kaori Kobayashi

Came across a beautiful Japanese saxophonist by the name of Kaori Kobayashi.

Watch the video of her famous performance, a rendition of "Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You" after the photos.

Amazing...

Photo set

The above photo is the original box set (brown case, neck strap, cleaning swab, neck brush, polish cloth, lacquer polish, key oil).

Here are a few more close up of my alto unit, model AS-100 (serial 006760, made in Japan), bought in 1993. Also, the beginner's training book recommended as a Yamaha teaching material.

The 'steps'

So far, there were a few 'steps' I had to go through to properly understand and play the saxophone reasonable well.

1) Learn to understand and care for the instrument

2) Learn to make a proper embouchure, then practice proper blowing to produce a sound

3) Learn to read music notes, then know how to match the fingering to the notes

4) Learn to play a piece with tone/feel/mood/soul

As for the reed I'm using, it's a Rico Alto Saxophone #2.0. Soft reed, easy for beginners.

Depending on the practice frequency, when the tone/pitch goes way off then it's time to change them. Have not been able to find plastic reeds around KL area though. Would be interesting to test them out.

Practice

About a week has passed and I've done several practice sessions and realised an important aspect to practicing with proper concentration is

- to find a space in your house where you don't disturb the neighbours too much

- have a high & proper area to place your equipment (eg. laptop, metronome, training book, etc.) so you don't tilt your head too far forward

- have bright lighting and air-conditioning!!!

If there is time, I'll try to do at least 60 minutes daily.

If time is not available, at least 30 minutes on alternate days is a must.

Having a training book with CD (with sample tunes) helps very much so that I know what to expect in terms of timing and toning.

Also, as I don't have a physical metronome, bringing my laptop with an installed application can be useful. I'm using "Metronome 1.8.2" for Mac.

One of my biggest problem now is to get the proper embouchure fit and blowing technique right. I tend to bite into my bottom lip. Having more daily practice is very important to control the embouchure pressure and train more controlled breathing.

As a beginner, when a few days pass by you can easily forget some very simple and basic methods. So practice, practice and practice...

Research & training materials

[Text Book]

Recommended text from which Yamaha music school teaches their beginner students is from this book below,

Title > "A New Tune A Day : Alto Saxophone - Book 1 (CD)"

Weblink > http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/0159985/details.html

Overall, the book gives a brief but concise information about its tutorials, saxophone care, tips, etc. However, as each saxophone tutor will have their own materials to teach, should there be none recommended, you could try this 'Yamaha-recommended' book.

[Website]

Here are some of the website links which I've garnered basic information about a saxophone.

Yamaha Wind Instrument >

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/winds/

Saxontheweb Forum >

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Learning/index.html#BeginnerCorner

Pete Thomas >

http://www.petethomas.co.uk/learn-to-play-saxophone.html?submenuheader=3

[Local scenes]

Also, I've had the chance to watch some local Kuala Lumpur jazz scenes happenings from an interesting group called 'Adil Johan Quartet' or AJQ. Their website is at http://adiljohanquartet.blogspot.com/

1st lesson at sax

Registered and started my 1st day of saxophone lessons at Yamaha Subang Jaya today, 010909. This blog was created to serve as a guide to the knowledge, research and experiences I will learn throughout my saxophone experience.

As a start, I own a Yamaha Alto Saxophone, model AS100 (made in Japan), bought it from way back in 1993. Although it is a student-level alto saxophone, it is a well made instrument from Yamaha Japan. However, the modern day units, YAS-23, are now made in Indonesia.

Only used the alto saxophone for 6 months in '93, and have kept it in my cupboard for 16 years until I decided to pick it up and make something out of it.

There were numerous contacts I received on tutors through websites, forums and discussion boards, but finally decided to go with Yamaha because they were closer to my house. In terms of fees, they're reasonable. Not too pricey, not too low either. Although my only gripe is the half hour lessons go by very quickly. Other freelance tutors give 45min or 60min classes.