Forum of the Saxes

CMelodyMan · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 9:04 pm Post subject: Playing in mixed/odd meters

I totally blew sightreading at District last year, and I would like to improve this weakness in my playing. The sightreading was HARD. At least for me.

The sightreading piece went from 2/4 to 5/8 to 6/8 etc....no two consecutive measures were in the same meter! Mad

I butchered it. It was bad.

Anyone have any tips for playing in mixed meters? Any good method books or etude books to practice from?

Thasnks,
David

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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano

Bariman · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 9:29 pm Post subject:

I don't know any books, but I had the same problem. It just takes much practice. I got these sheets of mixed meter music (just random stuff, notes don't matter) from an instructor, and they worked great. In about a month I was reading no problem. You just have to develope the inner beat.

Bariman
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Resident Conn Aficionado, Baritone Saxophonist
Currently Moderating 'Vintage Horns', and the Usergroup for Bari Saxophonists!

JPSaxMan · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 9:38 pm Post subject:

It helps to know how to count these off-meters

For example

You can count a 6/8 meter really as two beats, 1-2-3/4-5-6
A 5/8 meter is not one I've dealt with much in music except for my African drumming (I've done 12/8 too...phew)...1-2-3/1-2
A 12/8 isn't that bad...1-2-3/1-2-3/1-2-3/1-2-3

You just have to know how to disect the meters and how to count them...that's it. Have fun!
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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania