Teaching Tenor with Alto?

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Question:

I'm trying to help a clarinet player learn tenor sax because she would love to learn it for the sake of learning a new instrument and it's keyed in the same key as clarinet I guess!. I have an alto sax for her to use and take home to help with her fingerings and at least let her have one so it's readily available to her, but there is a tenor sax at my school that she could use, but not be able to take home!. I'm not sure if I should let her start out on alto and then switch her over to tenor, or just teach her tenor during my time with her and let her just play with the alto during her own time, or any other plan you may come up with that I may not be thinking of right now!. We'll probably be having 45 minute to about an hour lesson once or twice a week if you need to know!. She's very set on playing tenor sax, so I'm going to adjust with her!. Any help would be greatly appreciated!. Thank you!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I would have her learn on alto as she can actually practice with that which is the most beneficial part that she needs right now!. I've tried teaching a student who didn't have any access to an instrument for practice time!. The progress they made was equal to the time they spent in lessons, which means no real progress!. Unfortunately, even once your student gets good on the alto and is starting on tenor, there isn't an ability to practice anymore!. I would really push them to go rent a tenor so they can actually practice as that is what is most needed!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If she wants to do tenor, have her do tenor!. There is no point in learning on the alto and then moving up to the tenor!. She knows how to control her air stream so there won't be a problem there!.Www@QuestionHome@Com