The company I work for had a charity auction so I auctioned one hour of my time as a beginning to intermediate instructor. My emphasis was stated as evaluating equipment including mouthpiece selection, intro to music theory, learning to enjoy practicing, and finding a stellar instructor. The fellow who one the auction for my time has a 14 year daughter who currently plays clarinet and has received an alto saxophone sometime last year. The lesson will be held this coming Saturday.

I do not give professional lessons. Most of my students so far have been late bloomers returning to the saxophone. Four of my students have been relatives who were just starting out—all of who still play. I never give more than three lessons (usually less) before I recommend one of several instructors I have worked with based on their personality match, work ethic, and location.

So I thought my curriculum might benefit from a sanity check by my more knowledgeable musician instructors who frequent my web. Here is what I have drafted so far:

1. Talk about the kinds of saxes. Demonstrate some of the sopranino to bass saxes in the room.

2. Watch student install instrument. Check for functionality and leaks. Talk about protecting an instrument, why we don’t loan instruments to non-players, and sax stands (the good and bad of them).

3. Have student play the concert Bb scale if she is able to. Talk about the differences between the Bb clarinet and Eb sax. See if she can play thirds (G, B, A, C…) Present her with a copy of the circle of fifths and discuss why this could be important in the future.

4. Evaluate mouthpiece to ensure she at least has a adequate or better piece. Talk about reed selection, protection, and preservation. Talk about placing a reed and lig on an instrument.

5. Look at method books and make recommendations. Books by Teal, Klose, and Abersold will be briefly covered. If student can play Bb scale, work through some examples from each book.

6. Intonation, the fallacies and the facts.

7. The truth about rhythm.

8. Simple practice tips for the beginner.

9. Talk about instructors. The parents in this case work with me at Microsoft so they should be able to afford a decent instructor. They are also invited to sit in on this session. I emphasize getting an instructor that the student will appreciate and respect. Many of these music instructors will be remembered the rest of the student’s lives even if they do not become life long friends.

Okay team, what have I forgotten? Thank you for your time and consideration.