Should You Quit Playing the Saxophone?
Many musicians, especially those learning to play the saxophone, face challenges as they seek to improve their skills. Overcoming barriers like plateaus, frustration, and even occasional regression can be daunting. This article explores the decision to continue practicing the saxophone or whether it might be time to consider quitting.
Understanding Your Journey
Playing the saxophone is a journey filled with ups and downs. Even If you've been playing for years and haven't seen significant improvement, it's essential to remain committed and patient. One of the joys of playing the sax is the pleasure derived from understanding harmony and improvisation. For jazz players, knowing chords and how to improvise in relation to those chords adds an exciting layer to your playing. This passion and self-expression can fuel your motivation during challenging times.
Practical Tips to Improve
Experiment with different techniques to enhance your playing experience. For instance, try bouncing your sound off a wall to get a richer sound in your ears. This technique, known as acoustic feedback, allows you to hear your overtones and can help you refine your tone. Another fun and motivating practice is to explore lighter music and genres. This can provide a refreshing break from the strenuous and technical aspects of your current repertoire.
If you're finding that you're hitting a plateau or even seeing a decline in your skill, it might be worth taking a step back. Don’t burn yourself out. Plan your practice sessions to include both challenging and less demanding pieces. Mixing your practice can prevent boredom and maintain your enthusiasm. Additionally, taking regular breaks from the saxophone, perhaps for a few days or even a week, can help you regain perspective and enthusiasm.
The Role of a Teacher
A qualified teacher can be a valuable resource. They can offer personalized guidance and help you identify areas where you need to focus. Teachers can also provide motivation and help you maintain a structured approach to improvement. If you're not seeing the progress you'd like, consider reaching out to a professional who can help you refine your technique and approach.
Ultimately, the decision to continue or quit comes down to your passion for the instrument. If you're still enjoying the process and finding joy in playing, keep blowing. As Michael Brecker once said, 'If you love to play, you have to play what you love.' Enjoying the music is a critical factor in your continued success and growth as a saxophonist.
Take a Break and Reevaluate
If you've been playing for a few years and are still working through these challenges, it's important to remember that it's perfectly normal to experience ups and downs. At 8 years old and beyond, you can probably play fairly well, but playing hard stuff can be challenging. Take some time off from that and play for fun. Find some music you love from free music sites or explore lighter genres that will remind you why you started playing in the first place. Rejoining your playing journey will be even more rewarding once you've taken some time to recharge.