Hi I am starting saxophone as a 3rd instrument? Already play piano and guitar. How long will it take me to get up to grade 5?

I've been playing for around 3 years and i am doing my grd 5 next month.
It was my first instument aswell so i coudnt eve read music when I started
It depends how much time and effort you put into it though

3 years with those instruments. About 1 if you already played a wind instrument

Ive bin playing for just over 2 yrs and am doin my grade 6 a week today! (it is also my third instrument) If you can already read music, then its not that difficult, if you have ever played the recorder, its the same fingering.

It wont take long as you read music you can practise at home and move along faster. Once you get past the 'squeaks' you will be flying.

My daughter did Grade 4 in one year and it was her third instrument. She advises - get your old recorder out and practise blowing for a week or so! She reckons its nearer a recorder and a clarinet for fingering. Buy a fingering chart, stick it on the wall and practise!

Are you are school/college? then you can get the music department to buy you an instrument new without VAT - saves loads! Otherwise hire one for a while!

Don't rush exams, you will not end up being a good player. You will end up with a shiney certificiate you can hang on your wall thats about it. Pace yourself and go through the learning process with the goal of becoming a well rounded player. I learned as an adult and took 5 exams in total over a two year period to pass my grade 8. That was a few years ago, i'm a better player now IMHO and thats partly because i took the time to back track and develop my technique. Good luck!

QUOTE (TenorClef @ Dec 22 2004, 12:44 AM)

i took the time to back track and develop my technique. Good luck!

thats what i will do once ive rushed through my exams

i want to start saxophone but i have to get a saxophone first!!

O O O O O O O O O O saxOphone!

say that in english?

its saxophone not saxaphone

i dont know what you are talking about.

I have been playing saxophone for bout 6 months

It depends on how much you practise

I played flute for a year and am taking grade 4 flute

I'm doing Grade 8 after 2 years - but I already play clarinet and this helps a lot. (I've only had sax lessons for 6 months though).