teaching an adult beginner

[Mike W]

In the small town I live in, there are no sax teachers available for adult beginners. Therefore, when I was approached by an adult who wants to learn to play sax, I agreed to help him get started playing sax (for free since I am not a sax teacher). He bought a Yamaha alto (yas23) off of ebay (Before he talked to me, but in pretty nice condition though with leaks--it is in the local shop having the leaks fixed right now. I would have probably recommended a Yamaha (or Olds--good local dealer) anyway as the ones have have played have all played well). I am seeking advice on how to start lessons for someone who has never played sax and probably cannot read a note. Any and all advice will be appreciated. Thanks, Mike W

[Troy]

I'm not a teacher, but that's the beauty of the internet. I can offer opinions and you can use them or not. I'm a 39 year old who just started 2 years ago.

The Larry Teal book "Art of Saxophone Playing" is great and has a nice section addressed to teachers that would be a great help, I'd think. The book was recommended to me by many of the experienced folks on this site.

[Mike W]

Thanks Troy. I have a copy of that book and I will read through it again before the first lesson!!

[Helen]

I currently have a couple adult beginners. Because they don't play in school bands, and won't get experience playing with others for a bit, I started using a beginning sax book with a play along CD.

I know many teachers have given it up using the Rubank series, but I still use them and supplement the dry material with play along stuff.

I have also developed some beginners teaching materials that I'd be happy to share with you if you want. Send me an email at: borzoi "at" canada.com if you're interested.

[Mike W]

Helen, Thanks! I sent you an email.

[saxfella]

Mike - another thing that has helped me teach adults is to realise they come to playing an instrument with alot of previous listening experience and will probably know what styles of music they like AND // OR have a specific goal in mind.. Eg, I have a pupil who is heavily into hard bop, another who wants to just learn blues, another who plays in a latin band and wants to learn how to create horn parts and fills behind vocals.
Simon

[Mike W]

Simon, Thanks! This student likes rock so I anticipate once he learns the basics, some rock riffs will be in order.

[Gandalfe]

And check out our own Paul Coats' stuff at http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/index.html#BeginnerCorner.