Will Learning Woodwind Acoustics
Make Me a Better Player?
I was dismayed recently by the course a SOTW conversation took regarding the value of knowing how a saxophone worked acoustically, and I mean having a basic, functional understanding that doesn't require advanced mathematics. Could that knowledge help one make displayable progress as a performer on the instrument? Other than myself, the general consensus was, "No.".The reactions ranged from slight irritation to something just short of outrage, and all defensive, clearly the result of being embarassed for not knowing something, or in the extreme, not knowing something about that which one was professed (professor) to be an expert. They resorted to the typical, quoting the extreme out of context ("This differential formula won’t help me play.) and absurd exaggerations as arguments, in the tone of, “If what you are telling us were so important, we would be telling you about it.”.
I know better. So, will knowing basic, non-formula acoustics make one a better player? Well, yes, and no, or more acurately, no, and then yes.
Once you start to learn about it, it's just confusing. It gives you headaches and takes up your time. So no. That's not making you a better player.
Then you begin to understand it and start to apply it to dealing with your gear and evaluating your playing technique.. You are able to make mouthpieces, reeds, and horns work for you. You are able to cut through horn, mouthpiece, and accessory merchandising and tech service “hype” with a razor-sharp scalpel. You can evaluate teaching methods, vintage vs modern, horn finish, materials, etc., for what they are, uninfluenced by popular opinion.. This is very useful, but, no, still not making you a better player.
When your understanding is complete you forget about it, though knowing it and how to deal with your gear and the musician's reality, gives you a sense of completeness and security which sets your subconscious and conscious minds free to concentrate on actually making music at a completely new level. You still have to practice to get there, but you will get so much more out of having the horn in your face. That's a very, very big, "Yes. Knowing acoustics will make you a better, more complete player."
Coming Soon!
The Less Technical Side Of The Saxophone - Come In And Refresh Yourself
The Studio (Live Audio/Video) - The Practice Room (Lessons/Resources) - Forum - Guest Artist Profiles
Under Construction. Updated Daily!!