How to: Learn the Saxophone

It Starts With the Instrument

At our first meeting I will evaluate your instrument and gear to be sure everything is working correctly.  I am qualified to adjust and repair your instrument if necessary.  Let's get it playing right!

An Ergonomic Approach to Posture

I use ergonomic concepts to align your posture, neck-strap, instrument and mouthpiece to optimize your success by being well balanced whether sitting or standing. This brings the hands in close for fast, easy response utilizing all fingering combinations and alternate keys.

Chris Rosenberg, OSAA State Solo Champion 2009-2011

Develop Your Sound

A great sound is a combination of 4 things - A well developed embouchure (facial muscles), a great mouthpiece, a quality ligature and the right reed.  Reed choice will change over time as the embouchure develops.  I have a technique that can change an embouchure (as seen below) in about a month.  Parents do not need to buy the most expensive reeds in the early stages.

Before: An undeveloped embouchure. #2 or #2.5 reeds are correct here. #3 or #3.5 Vandoren reeds will hinder progress until this embouchure strengthens.	After: A developing embouchure that is ready for a great tone, vibrato and flexible enough for classical & jazz styles. Reed choice will vary depending on mouthpiece type and specifications.

Interactive Computer Based Music Lessons

Practice - Play Well - Repeat

Regular practice is necessary. Students are expected to practice generally about 5 times per week for one-half to one hour or more depending on the student and goals.

Master the Fundamentals

Here is a question for you.  Are you a flat-and-sharp player or a key thinker? Right from the beginning we will use a key-based approach to learning and computer-based tools that will increase your thinking and playing skills - and it will be fun!

Mike's Students at the

OSAA State Solo Championship 2011

Josh Hettwer, 2nd place low saxophone West Salem HS	Chris Rosenberg, 1st place high sax 2009-11 South Salem HS	Alexander Erwig - Crescent Valley High School

Let's Get Serious

When we have the basics under control and are getting a good sound with good posture, technique and embouchure.  It's time to master those advanced skills to prepare for local, regional and state solo competitions.  Intermediate & Advanced students come to me every year because my students consistently take top honors all the way to the OSAA state level.  It takes serious commitment to be the best but I can help you achieve it.

Play the Saxophone After High School

Are you going to continue to play after you graduate?  If you aren't majoring in music, where are you going to play?  Community band?  Rock group?  Praise & Worship Music?  Weddings & banquets?  If so, you need additional skill sets that you generally won't explore at school.  You need to be able to improvise, and not just the blues scale. We will study improvisation in multiple styles and all keys to make you a true key thinker.

Play Lots of Music

We use a variety of materials in lessons including method books, duets, solo etude studies, audition materials, solo repertoire and computer-based practice. 

Getting Started

First, check the Lesson Schedule for availability of a time that fits your schedule.  Next, complete the Contact Form to send me your basic information.  Then, we will continue by email or phone to make arrangements.  At this time we will discuss any questions you may have. Once you have had a couple of lessons you may decide if you are ready to commit to a weekly schedule. 

Lesson Information and Rates

I provide a family-friendly environment for lessons. A parent is expected to stay during the lesson.  I do not allow students alone in my home with me. I have a studio/office where I teach my lessons. It is equipped with a reclining La-Z-Boy chair for mom or dad. I also have a waiting room equipped with chairs and TV. It is not unusual to have a parent with another child or two along. For many families and soccer moms the sax lesson is only one of many stops on the afternoon route. By joining us in some lessons, the parent will learn about the teaching process and my expectations and be better able to encourage and recognize progress. Our lessons are open-door and you should join us from time to time in the studio – just walk in and sit down. I want parents no further away than the waiting room. I will call on you often to observe or discuss what we’re doing.

Lesson Rates: My single lesson 1/2 hour rate is $23.00.  I offer a discount for regular attendance and on-time payment by the last day of the month.  The rate decreases for multiple lessons attended in a calendar month. Save up to $15 per month just for regular attendance and paying on time.  Discount rates are only available for my home-studio lessons. 

Lessons attended in a month	Lesson rate	Monthly Cost	You Save
5	$20	$100	$15
4	$20	$80	$12
3	$21	$63	$6
2	$22	$44	$2
1	$23	$23	$0