Beginner Alto Sax

Step 1

Open your Essential Elements book and read pages 2 and 3.

Step 2

While watching the following videos with a parent, try to complete each step with each video. Remember it is okay to pause the video while you try each step. Parents: You can help by watching to see if they are trying everything correctly and being careful during the assembly so that nothing gets bent or broken. The HARDEST part is getting the first sound, then making a 'good' sound, and then getting it to happen consistently.

Video #1: Opening the Case, Naming the Parts

Video #2: Introduction to Reeds

Video #3: How to Use Cork Grease

Video #4: How to Assemble the Mouthpiece, Reed, and Neck

3 - Sax Mouthpiece Placement.mp4

Video #5: Mouthpiece Placement

4 - Sax First MP Sounds.mp4

Video #6: First Sounds

Video #7: How to Put the Sax Together

Video #8: How to Hold the Saxophone (Playing Position)

Video #9: Review, Begin Playing Notes B, A, G and "Hot Cross Buns"

(click the bottom right corner for full screen)
Click here for a copy of "Hot Cross Buns" you can print

Video #10: A Little More Review and a Slightly Faster Version of "Hot Cross Buns"

(click the bottom right corner for full screen)
Click here for a copy of "Hot Cross Buns" you can print

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS BOOK

After you have completed all of the videos and can successfully play "Hot Cross Buns" with the last video, then you are ready to move on to the Essential Elements book and EEi website. Follow the steps below to get started.

Step 1:

If you have not done so already, head over to my EEI page with instructions for getting signed in to Essential Elements Interactive (EEi). EEi is an amazing resource that's included as part of the Essential Elements book, which you've already purchased - so there is NO additional cost. Once you've gotten signed into EEi, head back here for Step 2.

Step 2:

Open your Essential Elements book to pages 4 & 5 and try songs #1-10 on those pages. Use the features in the "Music Studio" section of EEi to hear a professional musician play them first. You can then also play along with various accompaniment backgrounds for each song. Have fun with it!