Playing any musical instrument is a complex physical process, although this factor is not the main one for a musician, it plays a huge role.
Can anyone learn to play a musical instrument? I think yes — but it all depends on the teacher. I often hear from parents of children who quit saxophone that things did not work out with the teacher and they could not play. After practicing even once with such a child, we find that they can blow into the instrument and it sounds beautiful! The most important thing is to find points of contact with the mouthpiece, reed, and the instrument itself.
A child is usually sent to a wind instrument because: 1) they like some wind instrument; 2) the boy will later need to serve in the army with his faithful instrument; 3) the child has asthma and the parents would like to strengthen their child’s health.
Among wind instruments, the saxophone has certain specifics — the instrument hangs on the neck or now on the shoulders, which can seriously injure the spine of a growing body. Be very careful when choosing a strap (the strap the instrument hangs on). It can both help and cause great harm. For children, a neck strap can be used only if a curved soprano saxophone hangs on it. Sometimes it is impossible to find a small neck strap for a child (8–9 years old) — you will have to shorten a regular one, so for such children I have specially shortened options. In all other cases, I advise using a strap that hangs on the shoulders — there are many different analogues.
Видите ли, стрэп, который вешается на шею дает огромную нагрузку, а шея является одной из самых сложных частей тела, а также влияет on the larynx. If you slightly raise your chin, you will automatically slightly clamp the larynx, which means that air will not pass as naturally as it should. Thus this option will lead us to slouching (I looked up the scientific term on the internet — kyphosis).
When choosing any strap, the teacher and student should watch the hands. If there is tension that will accumulate, it can lead to scoliosis: the left shoulder will most likely be raised and the right lowered. The muscles will be under different tension.
Slouching and scoliosis will prevent the lungs from expanding fully and evenly, which means that the airstream that hits the reed will not be centered but at an angle. As a result, the instrument will resonate incorrectly.
Now let’s consider what can actually help, so that a child can enjoy practicing the saxophone.
1) Physical activity — more various stretches rather than strength training. In my experience, yoga helps the most, but other exercises should not be neglected. I will write about the most effective exercises in another article.
2) Baths — it all began when my wife suggested that I take baths after work, and after some time I felt that my muscles were coming into excellent condition. By the way, ordinary salt is suitable for baths, not necessarily special bath salts. I think this method will also help you relax not only your muscles but also bring your inner world to calm.
3) An acupressure mat for the back — I have not tried this method yet, but I think I will get myself the invention soon and definitely test it.
4) Bathhouse/sauna — this point could be attributed to baths, but I singled it out. Taking a bath is easier because you do not need to leave home. Not everyone has a bathhouse, but all athletes go to a sauna, since the temperature difference helps you feel your body and muscles.
Подводим итоги!
Dear parents and musicians, play the saxophone! But be very careful with your body. It is very refined and nothing should be spoiled. Your own sensations are something you cannot do without when playing any musical instrument. In addition to the saxophone there are many things in life; do not focus narrowly, because only a harmoniously developed person can engage in music and, most importantly, interest other people with their playing.
I wish everyone success and good luck in the musical world!!!
