I want to learn how to play the sax but im afraid my stamina might be a little low. So how much "blowing power" into the instrument will i need. Its an alto sax.
30 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer. OK. Here's what you need to know:
#1 - Sound is vibrating air. So the way you use your air is very important when playing any wind instrument!
#2 - How to breathe. Lay on your back and place a book on your stomach. You should see the book rise naturally without trying to raise it! When you take in a breath take in all the air you can. Because there is normally so much air around, people aren't used to taking in all the air they can... they don't need to. Practice taking large, comfortable breaths with an open throat, making sure your stomach is coming out. If your stomach is coming in, you're restricting your lung capacity. Take in your breathe first with your stomach and then your chest.
NOTE:
Actually you never want to control your diaphragm. It's actually impossible. The Diaphragm is an involuntary muscle!
#3 - How you use your air:
It's not just about how much, it's about how your air is used. Here's what you need.
- Consistency of Speed. Your air needs to maintain a consistent speed while playing. If your air slows down, you'll go flat.
- Amount. More air gives you a louder volume, less air a softer volume. NOTE* you need fast air to play soft! Most people say speed up your air to play loud and slow air for fast... this is FALSE!
#4 - Understanding/Comprehension of technique. Think of your air like a sink faucet. Turn on the faucet and the water comes out at a steady speed, no matter how much or how little water you're using. Your air should be the same way. Ideally, you have an unlimited air source (obviously impossible, so get as much as you can) and you maintain a steady speed while playing, adding more air when you need to crescendo (louden) and decrescendo (soften).
**As far as Stamina... the Sax will strengthen your lungs! I've had some students with Asthma and playing the instrument has only helped them to use their inhalers less!
To think that you don't need a lot of air to play any wind instrument is false with the possible exception of the Oboe (their so much pressure you need to blow out air before you play). Air is the fuel of your sound, to say you don't need a lot is like saying it's smart to fill your car up ever 2 miles with 1/2 gallon of gas. Not very much, it's all a matter of controlling your diaphragm.
This is the basic in all methods of learning how to play saxophone. what the other guy said. You don't need alot becuase saxophones just involve how you put your lips around and how much you control your diaphram. You want to be able to project the sound. It is a building process. You could put a piece of paper in front of your mouth and see how long you can maintain a steady stream of air coming out but please don't be discouraged. | 