We’re going to take a quick break from 18 Tips for a Better Tone this week, but we’ll get back to it in our next blog post. Right now, I have a question for you.
Have you ever picked up your saxophone and tried playing with the piano?
Then, you try to play with the piano using their music- it doesn’t sound quite right, does it? That’s because the saxophone and piano are in 2 different keys. If you want to play off the piano part, and play in the same key, you need to transpose the saxophone part. Don’t worry, I’ll take you through the process step by step.
Let’s get started by clicking the video below. This is pretty fun too!
Is this a topic you want to know about? Let us know what you think. Keep up the practicing!
Comments 6
Hi I don’t have a sax at the moment but I’m looking at buying a P. Mauriat PMXT-66R tenor vintage matte laquacer and then I will join your program is this a good choice could I get your advice I am a learner but I have had saxophones in the past but I thought I would buy a professional model to keep forever cheer Adam
Author
Hi Adam, Thanks for your response. You can find my recommendations for saxophones here: http://www.learnsaxophoneonline.com/6-tips-for-buying-the-right-saxophone.html
I don’t mention P. Mauriat in the post, but they make good saxophones as well. If you have any questions after reading the post above, just let me know.
Hello, Jeff, thank you so much for the information on transposing saxophone music to match the piano scores.
Could you please enlighten me further? For example if the key signature for the piano reads the key of C, would the key signature for Alto saxophone automatically come down 3 half-steps to be the key of A major for the saxophone with the sharps related to that key placed in the key signature i.e. F#, G#, and C#? For another example, say the piano music is in D major does it follow that the saxophone key signature would be B Major with the related sharps such as C#D#F#G#A#?
Thank you for your help.
Laura
Author
Yes Laura, you are exactly right. Whether it’s a specific note, or the key signature, the method of transposition is the same.
why can’t I download the finale note pad??? I missed it the first time it played and now it willnot let me download
Author
Hi Roger,
Were you able to figure things out, or would you still like assistance?