saxophone lesson

2
I.
Approaching the Saxophone

1. The saxophone should hang on the neck strap to
   your right side, not in the middle.
2. Support the instrument with your right thumb,
   keeping it away from your body slightly. While
   sitting the saxophone should rest against the right
   leg, about half way between the knee and hip.
3. Keep your body position straight, head erect and
   always bring the mouthpiece to your lips With the
   neck strap is adjusted correctly, the mouthpiece
   should line up directly to the lips while sitting up
   straight.
4. Place the fingers “on the pearls” (white mother of
   pearl inlay on keys) at all times. Left hand on top,
   right hand on the bottom. The left thumb goes on
   the thumb rest under the octave key. The right
   thumb hooks under the Thumb hook.
5. Place the mouthpiece in the mouth and Anchor the
   weight of your head and teeth down onto the
   mouthpiece. The top teeth and bottom lip should be
   approximately 3/8 inch in from the tip of the reed.
   The top teeth and bottom lip should meet at arrows:
   Things to remember:
   A. Never remove the teeth or top lip from the
   mouthpiece.
   B. Drop the jaw to take a breath.
   C. The natural resting position for the tongue is on
   the reed (ready to be released).
   D. The natural position of the hand forms a “c”.
   E. Place tips of fingers in the center of the pearls.