Saxophone For Dummies
Author(s): Denis Gäbel (Author), Michael Villmow (Author)
- Publisher: For Dummies
- Publication Date: November 22, 2011
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 384 pages
- ISBN-10: 111808487X
- ISBN-13: 9781118084878
Book Description
Saxophone For Dummies offers the ideal introduction to this popular and versatile instrument, whether you lack any musical experience or are picking up the sax again after a hiatus. Covering both the alto and tenor sax, this friendly guide explains how to get a good sound, how to read music, and how to play songs in a variety of styles, including classical, pop, and jazz, all accompanied by the audio samples on the enclosed CD. With tips on how to buy or rent the best saxophone, and information on how to care for the instrument, Saxophone For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to playing this popular woodwind alone or in a group setting.
- Includes tips on buying or renting a new or used saxophone
- Audio samples of classical, pop, and jazz music are available on the bonus CD
- Advice on cleaning and maintaining a saxophone
If you’re picking up a saxophone for the first time or are looking to brush up on your skills, Saxophone For Dummies gives you everything you need to appreciate, understand, and excel at playing this popular instrument.
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Want to play the saxophone? No problem! This hands-on guide teaches you all the techniques you need to play this popular instrument. You’ll begin by learning how to properly hold a saxophone then move on to getting a consistent sound, reading music, and playing songs in a variety of styles, including blues, funk, pop, and jazz. No matter what kind of sax you want to play — soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone — this book has you covered.
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Get to know the essentials — learn to read music notation, and investigate the foundations to successful saxophone playing, including good posture and relaxed breathing
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Stay in practice — establish a rewarding practice routine with a helpful warm-up and fun and challenging exercises that will keep you improving
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Polish your skills and sound — develop a full range of notes, from the lowest lows to the highest highs, and fine-tune your sound with articulation and vibrato
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Build a repertoire — play a wide range of catchy songs, from low-down blues to cool jazz to sizzling rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues
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Care for your instrument — get to know how to maintain your sax, and equip yourself with all the gear you need, including different reeds, neck straps, and cases
Audio CD-ROM
Listen to and play along with musical examples in the book
Please see the CD appendix for details.
Open the book and find:
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Tips on buying a new or used saxophone
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Suggestions for selecting the right mouthpiece, reed, and ligature
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Warm-ups, scales, and studies to develop your skills
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Fingering charts
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Step-by-step instructions for mastering a song
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How to improvise your own melodies
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Latin and Caribbean music for an international flair
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Ten essential sax recordings you must hear
Learn to:
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Choose the best saxophone for you: soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone
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Perform a variety of musical styles
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Clean and care for your saxophone
Play along with audio samples on the CD-ROM
About the Author
Michael Villmowteaches at the Rhein Music School in Cologne, Germany, and is also a seasoned performer, bandleader, and composer.
