End of a chapter

My saxophone tutor, for the past 16 months, will now be parting ways as he begins a new challenge in his career as an adult. An excellent person that he is, though younger than me by 10 years, he's been kind to impart very useful knowledge to me over the past year. Here's hoping to a good success in all your endeavors, Brian.

And so begins a new chapter in my search for a tutor. Have a few contacts on hand, some of whom I've met, but still undecided on who to study under. I've few concerns when choosing a tutor; namely their experience, teaching ability, musical flexibility, lesson fees, location and even personality.

It isn't easy to locate good saxophonists in Kuala Lumpur. I bet there are countless guitarist, pianist, drummers, bassist but wind instrument are somewhat less popular.

Vibrato

Progressing steadily into my 1st year, I'm finding that in order to achieve some 'emotions' into any music played, I need to add motion or what musicians call VIBRATO.

Violinists/guitarist pluck back and forth their fingers on the strings, singers work with their abdomen (some with their throat), and saxophonist do it using their jaws.

Below is a vibrato lesson to demonstrate how beginners progress from 'wah-woo-wah-woo' to the emotions...

Tuition Fees

When I first started lessons at Yamaha (Subang Parade), little did I expect the fun and relaxation I get out of playing (or at least practicing) my saxophone. Month after month of playing, its already been 1 year on and am still enjoying much of it.

Of course in the beginning I had with me zero knowledge of anything. My tutor started me off with a beginners book, which I'll call Book 1. Thereafter, Book 2. And then (which is now) we're working on various pieces; from latin to jazz to pop to classical; none of which follow any book sequence.

Therein, lies the difference in fees. (money money money)

During Book 1 lessons, my fees were RM145.00.

Proceeding into Book 2, fees went up to RM165.00.

Completing Book 2, we're now in 'wide ocean', fees are RM178.00

(no more increase after this).

To achieve higher opportunity cost, I need to learn more in a shorter period of time, then play freelance and recoup my investments. Music is a fun hobby, albeit pricey if you're not working. Something to think about...

Meyer mouthpiece (part II)

Finally received the Meyer 5M mouthpiece (medium facing), ordered online from USA and hand carried back to KL by my best friend. Its made of ebonite (a hard rubber material) and (as I understand it) is hand finished in USA. Comes in a very simple white box, encasing within it a mouthpiece, ligature and cover.

After giving a quick rinse and drying, tried to fix on the reed with the provided ligature. Then proceeded with greasing the cork on the neck, and pushed the mouthpiece into the cork. STUCK! Couldn't go in on the first try, had to add more grease and gently twist it in. Didn't have this issue with my existing Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, which fitted easily without any hassle.

Alrights, and on to the first blow. QUACK! Literally my first try sounded like a duck. My guess is my embouchure and tongue needs some time to adjust... A few more blows and I'm back to normal. On this first day of practicing a new mouthpiece, I would say there isn't any major difference to the Yamaha 4C plastic unit. Probably the Meyer is a little easier to obtain the notes, and mellower in tone. Will test it a few more times to get a better understanding.

Trinity Guildhall

Before I began learning the saxophone (exactly 1 year ago), I had the intention of a curious cat. Very inquisitive and awed at the way this shiny, sexy instrument 'sings'. And so I took it upon myself to learn, within the best of my ability (and precious time), to play all the keys, read the notes and have sufficient understanding to make this thing work they way I want it to.

Now, I'm wondering if I should set another higher bar for me to achieve. Sort of like having a mission that needs to be achieved. What I have in mind is to take a music grade examination.

My tutor believes I can get through Grade 4 easily and Grade 5 normally. So he would recommend me going for a Grade 6 examination instead, just to make it more challenging. The time frame would be to register for an exam around 6 months down the road.

The problem is, I've got no prior musical examination nor experience before this. So I'll have my work cut out for me if I need to get up to shape of a Grade 6 level. This means reading up a lot of materials and knowing Grade 5 level and below.

2 highly recognised (I think) institution of musical examination are the ABRSM and TRINITY GUILDHALL. Here are links to the saxophone syllabus for these schools;

ABRSM : http://www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/gradedMusicExams/latestSyllabuses.html

TRINITY GUILDHALL : http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=1052

You can download the PDF files and understand more about their exam requirement, rules, marking, pieces, scope, etc in those pages. It makes quite an interesting read (for me at least) because it sounds more fun than a Form 5 examination and is an entirely new world to explore.

I'm still pondering...

Vandoren Java reeds

I've just started testing out the Vandored Java reed (#2 1/2) which I bought with the earlier Rico Hemke. It took me some time (a few days) to 'break in', or soften, the tip before I could really get it to produce a reasonable sound.

Normally new reeds need to be play tested a few times before they can be played at a comfortable range. Some advice I've heard to 'break in' the reeds was to place them in a bowl/cup of water for about 10-15 minutes, sufficient enough to soak water into its fibres.

The Vandoren Java I got is of a slightly higher strength (reeds of different brands have numbers to represent its strength, for various music styles and player's mouth setup) than the Rico Hemke. What this means is I need to place more control on my embouchure and attain a bigger push of air from my diaphragm to play a tune from low C to high C (2 octaves). I like the warm sound the Java provides, as opposed to Hemke's easy blowing but sharper notes. But may opt for a #2 strength for future testing.

Below is a comparison chart of reed strength from the more common brands available in the market.

And here are some good reading about reed strength;

http://www.saxplus.com/reed-strength-chart.html

http://tamingthesaxophone.com/saxophone-reeds.html

Meyer mouthpiece

The current mouthpiece I'm using, a Yamaha 4C, is regarded as one of the best pieces any eager student learning saxophone should start with. Reason being (despite its plastic made material) is that Yamaha has done a fine job mass producing to accurate consistencies an easy blowing mouthpiece at an affordable price (mine was rm100 because the old one broke).

Of course a plastic mouthpiece can only do so much, and in order to 'up the ante' on your practice, its recommended to change to an ebonite (a very hard rubber material. do a search on wikipedia) piece to give a warmer, fuller sound. Some research work is needed (and possibly play testing them yourselves, if possible) on the best choice you can afford. Normally this will be on forum feedbacks, product reviews, your choice of tip opening, facing size, baffle, etc.

Several named and established companies are Vandoren, Otto Link, Meyer, Jody Jazz, Morgan, Berg Larsen, and others, who make a wide range of pieces for you to go cuckoo over what's best for you. I was initially treading on a Vandoren V5 or a V16 (~USD100) range, but then found out a Meyer (~USD80) piece was better value for money. Although it does depend on what you're looking for in the type of sound you're after, as you progress in your practice and ability.

I've placed an order online at http://www.wwbw.com/ and will be waiting for the shipment to arrive (free postage since its hand carried by my good friend, otherwise postage will be another USD30).

Tipbook for Saxophone

Recently I chanced upon a really interesting read (about the saxophone instrument of course), whilst browsing around in Bentley Music (Kota Damansara). Its a vertical-shaped pocket book series titled "Tipbook", something like the "Dummies" range.

This company publishes information on everything about a particular musical instrument, suitable for beginners-with-questions to pros-with-experience. Retailing at RM40.00, I thought it was pretty reasonable, looking at the amount of information contained within it.

Do a search online for some of the reviews available, they're mostly quite positive to this book. And, I think there's a new revision with a newly designed cover. Though I still like the one I got (pic below).

Rico Hemke reeds

Past 3 months since my last posting, have been diligently practicing Book 2 pieces (and completing it after 6 months of work), and some additional materials by tutor. Nothing much to post during that period as they were mostly repetitious work.

This post is to mention that after a few months of playing, there's a motivation to improve on my standings in terms of skill and equipment. Since skill is a measure which takes time to achieve, equipment on the other hand is much easier to attain.

It's good to start with minor adjustment to the saxophone equipment list, such as

- upgrading reeds (different brand, stronger rating, file & cut styles),

- changing mouthpiece (material change to higher grade plastic, ebonite, steel),

- and the grandest of all; change your saxophone (of course this depends a lot on your budget).

All this fun in upgrading is most worthwhile if you keep in mind that most of the time, the skill and practice you put in makes the most difference to the sound. And not the best equipment you buy.

I went and bought a piece of Rico Hemke reed (RM10/pc) and Vandoren Java (RM19/pc) from Bentley Music at Kota Damansara (located opposite Ikea). Tried the Hemke 2.5 rating reed and surprisingly it was easy to blow on the first try. Giving a steady bright sound. Its supposed to be a 'jazz' series range. Probably not too skilled to pull off the 'jazz' motion yet.

Normally the normal Rico reeds I buy (RM5/pc) needs to 'warm up' a few rounds before the sound steadies. This Hemke reed has a better quality cane and is french filed.

Have not tried the Vandoren piece yet. Will update on next posting.

Saxophone Pub @ Bangkok

A while back I was in Bangkok for a short break. Before the trip I was curious about the jazz scene there and was recommended to visit "Saxophone Pub". It is easily accessible from Bangkok's main Sukhumvit area. You can either go by BTS (30min) or taxi (10min) to the Victory Monument along Phayathai Road .

Their 'popular' saxophonist is Mr Koh Saxman (endorser of P.Mauriat saxophones) who performs every Monday midnight. Here are some photos when I was there. After the photos are few of his performances on youtube.com.

[entrance]

[dim, small, nostalgic setup]

[memorabilia hangups]

[the stage]

[mr koh saxman]

2 months on and halfway through Book 2

Been on a lapse period from posting here for 2 months since January. Book 2's journey is already past the halfway mark, making its way into the 3rd quarter. Slowly but surely. It's actually a more engaging book for beginners because the variation in pieces and style.

As always, I need to practice practice practice. Otherwise a few days of not doing so will leave my embouchure weaker, incurring the numbness effect after doing a few scales. Occasionally looking at videos from youtube.com helps keep the inspiration and curiosity up.

A New Tune A Day - Book 2

Started on "Book 2 : A New Tune A Day".

When I began Book 1, I flipped through the pages up until the end to get a glimpse of what to expect. I thought to myself, "This is soooo hard". Surprisingly, after 4 months of work it wasn't so hard after all.

But then looking at Book 2, I'm thinking to myself "This is sooo hard"...

Saxophone MIDI Controllers

Below are some of the more popular 'synthesised' or 'electric' versions of a saxophone.

Since there are electric guitars, electric violin, electric piano, I'd suppose an electric saxophone shouldn't cause too much concern.

Yamaha WX5

Akai EWI USB

Akai EWI 4000s

Broken mouthpiece

I was tightening the ligature (circular piece that holds the reed onto the mouthpiece) to start my eagerly-awaited Book 2 practice session; venturing into semi-quavers; when my unfortunate fingers slipped and dropped the mouthpiece onto the floor. It made a small chip on the corner edge, enough to decommission my piece into the bin.

Checked with my tutor whether it was necessary to try another brand/type, but he recommended to maintain use of a Yamaha alto saxophone 4C. It'll cost me RM100 to replace.

Here are the 'casualty' photos;

T-Square

The video above is a performance by Mr Takeshi Ito (of T-Square group) doing a heart-felt rendition of 'Forgotten Saga' piece. When I first heard this, it was truly an amazingly written piece and perfectly performed. And because it was in a grainy, nostalgic, monochrome (meaning black & white) video, the only 'colours' heard were his music.

"T-Square" is a 30 year old band (since 1978!!!) from Japan, comprising talented musicians in drums, piano, guitar and saxophone. Though their group has had changes in its members (and group name) over the past few decades, they've still remained popular till today. Read about it from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Square_(band)

Now I've to go find their album.

New reeds

When old reeds has served its purpose and begin to sound squeaky (for me it'll be in 1-2 months, depending on frequency of practice), I reach for a new one. This is for me to find out if I sound bad, or perhaps its just the reeds need replacing. Playing with bad reeds is demotivating as you'll doubt your ability.

However, new reeds need to be 'broken into' first before they sound well. Because they're new, its structure is still a little 'stiff', so to warm them up I do a few long notes then a few staccato. Probably best to leave it soaking in a spoon (I use a chinese soup spoon) a little longer than usual.

Currently am using a basic Rico #2. Will upgrade to a better range/brand a little further on. So far #2 hardness still works ok for me.

I do have a Rico Plasticover #2 to alternately play it once a while. Although, they're more suited for outdoor/band use because of their 'louder' nature.