November Legend Alice says there’s no secret to her great progress on saxophone.
From the beginning of her saxophone journey, Alice has committed to daily sax practice. Alice, from Singapore, joined Sax School in December 2019. “I picked up a saxophone for the first time in January 2019,” says Alice. “I had no musical background, and I didn’t learn music at school.”
Alice started learning to read music at the same time. “I began learning the keys and scales on saxophone,” says Alice. “I’m still learning.”
Classical Influence
Classical pieces play a big part in Alice’s sax practice. “Every day I play the Classical Warm-Up and the Five Minute Warm-Up,” says Alice. Many of the videos which Alice has shared in our Facebook Community feature classical pieces. “I like their rhythms and their slow melodies,” explains Alice.
Alice’s love of classical saxophone music could be the secret to her great progress on saxophone. Practicing classical melodies is great for developing tone, as Alice demonstrates with her lovely tone and control.
Sax School Community
Alice has recorded some great duets with other Sax School members from around the world. “I’ve done several collaborations with Anne,” says Alice, “we had a great experience and good chemistry.”
Recently Alice collaborated with David which she found really rewarding. “It was mind-blowing!” says Alice, “David gave me lots of great advice and I’m really happy with that video.”
Our community is one of the best parts of learning saxophone with Sax School, for Alice. “I met a lot of new friends from other parts of the world and we share the same passion,” she says, “we encourage each other and share tips on how to improve. I really enjoy it.”
Sax Practice Habit
Alice approaches every new tune she learns as an opportunity to develop her sax practice. “I recently learned “Stand by Me” and with that piece I learned how to control the low notes,” says Alice. “I was very afraid of the low notes! But from that tune, I learned how to control my embouchure, and now I can play along with any song with low notes quite easily. ”
Saxophone Learning Goals
Alice would love to learn to play saxophone from memory, and to improvise, and would love to get some experience of performing – “maybe even busking, near the shopping mall!” she says.
Advice for new Sax School Members
For Alice, the key to making progress on saxophone is simple. “Another Sax School member asked me how I had improved my vibrato. But there’s no secret – it’s just working every day, doing the 5-minute Warm-Up with long tones,” says Alice.
Alice’s Top Tips
- Develop a daily sax practice habit
- Start with the basics and be consistent
- Use the warm-ups and long tone exercises
Finally, it’s all about enjoying playing for Alice. “Pick a tune you like and just play!” she says, “try to read the notes, and just play and share. It’s all part of the learning journey – and all of us in the community are learning.”
We couldn’t agree more Alice! Congratulations on being our November Legend.