I wanted to start having some “Beginner’s Corner” posts and this seemed like the best place to start. I see and hear this question a lot whether it’s in online forums or in person. People want to learn to play the saxophone but they would like to just learn it on their own. The first thing I think about is the difference between possibility and probability. Yes, it is technically possible to teach yourself the saxophone but I really don’t think it’s probable to do so in the vast majority of cases. Here are a few reasons why.
I think it’s more likely someone could learn a keyboard, percussion, or string instrument on their own although I still believe it would be a tough road without a feedback system. The big issue for learning wind instruments is tone production. You have to consider all kinds of factors like embouchure, breath support, tonguing, and intonation and all of these are very different from anything people would normally have knowledge of unless they came from another wind instrument…in which case this could be a different conversation. Never mind the fact that all of those factors change rather dramatically depending on what notes you are playing and at what volume. I think new beginners could get a tone out of a saxophone but I really doubt they would ever have a chance of playing out with a group with any kind of competency. The fingerings and reading music are rather rudimentary by comparison and I do believe that anyone who is determined could learn these things easily.  On the other hand there are other considerations like choosing your first horn and mouthpiece, selecting reeds, or knowing when your it’s your equipment and not you.
I made brief mention of it above when I talked about a feedback system but I really believe that anyone who is serious about learning the saxophone or any wind instrument needs to have a good teacher or at least a mentor/guide. You need someone who can get you started with the basics, explain and simplify some of the more esoteric things, and listen critically to provide constructive feedback. You might be able to listen critically to yourself and you should probably know if you’re getting closer or farther to your target but there’s no way to know what to change with so many moving parts. I don’t think you have to sign up for years worth of lessons but I really think it would make sense to start with 4 or 5 to get yourself started and then maybe schedule a lesson every month or so as a check up on your progress. Of course, if you are expecting to get really good really fast then you will want to find a teacher that you click with and stick with them.
There are literally thousands of teachers out there and some even teach via Skype including some top pros like Bob Reynolds, Eric Alexander, or Tim Price. Ultimately, it’s up to you. I would never discourage anyone from trying something they think they will enjoy – in fact, I’m all for it. I just think that having a teacher/mentor will make the process faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
