embouchure / lip endurance

[blueangel]

Is there something I can be doing to strengthen my embouchure? I haven't even been playing for a week so I am sure some of it will come with time --- but anything I try to play past 12 bars, it seems my lips get lazy and the muscles relax, and depending on which ways it goes I either blow sqeaks or air.

Kita

[Lyle]

Patience and Practice. Blow till you can't, then rest and blow some more.

Advice from someone who has been a beginner all his life. :)

[Mr. Blue Note]

Patience Grasshopper! When you can walk the path without tearing the rice paper and grab the pebbles from my hand, then your embouchure will be ready. Until then practice. Kissing helps.

[Reedit!]

There was a Beginners sax Video out by a Top uk player named John Harle which had some excercises i believe. (humourous too)

I'm sure if you punch... sax embouche exercises........into a search engine it will come up with something on this for you. (if you dont want to spend on a video) Good luck.

[Gandalfe]

I surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet, but start with long notes. Play a note for as long as you can sustain sufficient air to produce a good note. Work on intonation and quality of sound. This is the fast road to good sound and chops.

[Keith Ridenhour]

There is also a Larry Teal exercise that works the face muscles. You make an exaggerated ooh with your mouth forming an O then do an EEEEE with your mouth which pulls back the facial muscles. Do it slow for 20 to 50 times. It'll build the muscles. K

[Lyle]

I am not qualified to contradicte anyone but I will do it anyway. I think those faciel exercises are a waste of time. Who am I to contradicte Larry Teal? Just another guy blowing on the Sax.
It seems, if one practices, and practices; I mean, for hours everyday, which is what it takes to be as good as one would want, the chops will get plenty of exercise.

How can I be a stronger weight lifter?
Lift weights.
How can I be a stronger runner?
Run.
:)

[MS]

THe Teal exercises can be practiced
1) while driving
2) while watching TV
3) while posting on the internet, etc.
4) while traveling by plane to do a clinic and can't get near a saxophone.

The exercises are not intended to REPLACE practice on the saxophone, but to be an aid for defining and exercising face muscles.

You might try them before deciding that they are a waste of time.

[Jeff Foster]

Practice, practice, practice. That's all there is to it.

[Lyle]

MS

I did try the exercises while looking at my ugly mug in a mirror. :) I stopped and grabbed my Sax. I did not mean to say the exercise has no value. If someone can not practice as much as needed, as you say, on a plane, while driving, during a job interview, etc.
They will probably get good at doing the exercise. Perhaps there is an audience for that somewhere. No one has implied that the exercise can replace practice.

How about six guy/gals on a stage doing the exercise to a standing ovation.

[blueangel]

Hey guys -- thanks for all the replies --- been away from the boards for a while. I've been practicing and my embrochure is getting better, I am able to play stronger, longer notes --- a decent scale and a good 8 bars before I get -- shall we say--- squeaky :oops:

I'll try the Teal excercises this week and see if it expedites my muscle buildup --- at least I can do those when I can't practice (and no one is looking :D )

Thanks again!
Kita