Teen Jazz Forum

sksaxgirl

The more instruments you play well, the more potential work there is going to be out there for you. Gigs such as musicals even REQUIRE doubling. As a saxophonists, there is an unwritten expectation that you double on at least soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, and even flute and clarinet. If you can do more than that, you are on a roll.

I began doubling in the junior high, and have been working on being a well-rounded doubler ever since. Because of it, I have done several gigs, recordings sessions, and musicals that I played only doubles on and didn't even touch my saxes.

If you have the opportunity to double, school instruments, friends' instruments, relatives' instruments, rentals, anything... DO IT! You will not, absolutely will not regret it.

Besides, if it turns out it isn't for you, at least you tried. That is more than enough in itself!

themacintrasher · Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 15

You're expected to double on another sax, but not necessarily other woodwinds.
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woodwindplayer90 · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

I agree emphatically. For me, playing double reeds( oboe, english horn<when i get one> and bassoon) have been my main "source" for gigs. But when the community theatres I play for in town find out that I also play saxophones, clarinets, and flutes, they find me very marketable to have. This can and does go for anyone who wants to take up doubling, but can lead to some crazy wood shedding.
One of the things that is time consuming, but worth it, is the time required to keep up with each instrument. For me, I try to keep each horn at a level where one can't tell if I am an oboist who has a clarinet and plays a little flute, or if I am a saxophonist, clarinetist, etc. Try to maintain a routine practice schedule to practice and it will pay off Very Happy

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Mike
Alto/Soprano/Sopranino Recorders, Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/Bassoon, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Alto and Tenor Saxophones, and piano.

sksaxgirl · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:25 pm Post subject:

Great advice Woodwindplayer! It is important to be able to play your doubles as though they aren't doubles.