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rowuk · 10-08-2006, 07:03 AM

I find beginning students need success stories to keep them motivated. I try and get them playing tunes (without sheet music) that they relate to. It can be rock, pop, jazz, classical, hip-hop or whatever - just something THEY like-from the radio, ring tone from the cell-phone if it is long enough, etc.. The key they play it in is unimportant, although I have experienced kids 6 months into the horn playing E major because the pop tune is in concert D. It is a new tune per week in addition to the exercises. If they don't have a new tune, they can take an old one in another key. They play it and then we work it out so it sounds good. They then have something to play to their friends and family!
You being primarily a sax player, I do have one appeal: make sure that you pay special attention to your own (the kids are watching you!) and the kids embouchure. I have had to patch quite a few in my 30 years of teaching and bad habits are very difficult to correct after a couple of years. If you have a kid with a special problem that you haven't seen before, get help from a colleague. A relaxed approach to playing is critical for future success. You are probably doing this anyway, but I thought that I would mention it.

10-08-2006, 07:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 4,640	I find beginning students need success stories to keep them motivated. I try and get them playing tunes (without sheet music) that they relate to. It can be rock, pop, jazz, classical, hip-hop or whatever - just something THEY like-from the radio, ring tone from the cell-phone if it is long enough, etc.. The key they play it in is unimportant, although I have experienced kids 6 months into the horn playing E major because the pop tune is in concert D. It is a new tune per week in addition to the exercises. If they don't have a new tune, they can take an old one in another key. They play it and then we work it out so it sounds good. They then have something to play to their friends and family! You being primarily a sax player, I do have one appeal: make sure that you pay special attention to your own (the kids are watching you!) and the kids embouchure. I have had to patch quite a few in my 30 years of teaching and bad habits are very difficult to correct after a couple of years. If you have a kid with a special problem that you haven't seen before, get help from a colleague. A relaxed approach to playing is critical for future success. You are probably doing this anyway, but I thought that I would mention it. __________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. Last edited by rowuk; 10-10-2006 at 07:18 AM.