Product Description

Choosing your own style; the parts of the saxophone and assembly; holding the instrument and finger positions; playing the first notes; breathing and articulation; counting time; tuning, notes and scales; ligato; more notes; expression; more notes, theory, scales and arpeggio; playing the Blues - its all covered in this great DVD that will have you playing a saxophone like a professional in no-time.
Pete Thomas, an expert sax player, teaches you all the essentials in this great edition in the Music Makers series.
A special DVD feature is included allowing instant access to play along practice plus backing tracks.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12686 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-11-05
• Rating: Exempt
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 103 minutes

Special Features
English
Region 2
Instant Access To Every Step
Computer Graphic Aids

Synopsis
This instructional programme--introduced by Jools Holland and featuring saxophonist Pete Thomas--covers the basics of playing saxophone. The step-by-step guide makes learning the instrument engaging and entertaining with its play-along practice tracks.

Customer Reviews

Great DVD ... Tenor players beware !!
This is a great DVD if you're just starting out on the sax and are thinking 'How do I make a noise on this thing???' .... BUT BEWARE !!!! This tutorial is aimed at the ALTO saxophone player even though it DOES NOT state on the packaging or in the title (which was a real disappointment for me as I play tenor). On the plus side, the lessons learned in this DVD can be applied to the tenor but you won't be able to play along with the exercises and expect your tenor sax to sound the same as the sax that's being played on the DVD.
Saying that, this is a great video for the beginner and covers lots of basics like setting up the sax, playing your first note, finding the most common notes on the sax (not all notes are covered but most are) and scales.
There are also some backing tracks to play along with but again, don't try this on the tenor sax and expect to sound the same.
The guy teaching the sax, Peter Thomas, is a bit 'cardboard' in places (you know ... like the guy in the John Smiths beer advert), it almost looks like he's reading from the cue cards in places. However, he REALLY does know how to play the sax.
A really good DVD for beginners of the Saxophone. Enjoy !!!

A valuable resource
I do not agree with the other reviewer that Thomas is a cardboard figure. You have to note the genuine twinkle in his eye, and understand that they know this video dvd will be run over and over and should be produced so it can bear just that. The first lessons move you forward in a tempo to satisfy the impatient: you get started well. The whole DVD contains resources for years of practice. It leans toward the rock pop playing, but even the jazz minded will not find a better starter. Check this out before you buy lessons from a teacher. It will be a good idea to supplement with a book and cd like Fast Track Eb Saxophone. Get this dvd. You will not regret it.