SOLID FOUNDATION TEACHING METHODOLOGY
by Richard Avila | Saxophone Instructor
Whether the student is a beginner or a more advanced player, musical skills and technique must be built on a “solid foundation” to achieve musical mastery in every technical aspect and at every playing level.
A true beginner will first learn how to properly hold the instrument, how to breath from the diaphragm, develop good embouchure (correct mouth position to the mouthpiece and reed) and how to produce a good and controlled sound from the instrument. This will insure the beginning student will not become frustrated in the critical early stages of learning to play an instrument, especially while the student is still developing the belief that they can actually become a good musician.
Students who are at various other stages of playing ability are assessed as to what areas need correction and improvement to create that “solid foundation”. Each student will have their own lesson plan tailored to fit their needs and skill level.
Just as a house that is built on a “solid foundation” will not develop sagging floors and cracking walls, so the student’s playing technique will not develop poor tone production, erratic cadence and other technical problems with the careful and proper development of the skills of saxophone playing.
“Solid Foundation” teaching methodology is built on the following:
- Breathing development and technique
- Embouchure development
- Basic instrument playing knowledge
- Preparation and warm up for practice, lessons and performance
- Utilizing the most accepted and recommended musical study material
- Development of smooth and even meter with use of a metronome
- Progressive approach to increasing skill an musical ability
- Specific focus on mastering each students unique technical challenges
- Learning basic and relational music theory
- Periodic measurement of students progress
This “solid foundation” approach will facilitate much swifter development of the students playing ability as well as increasing their enjoyment and love for their instrument and of music in general.