Most saxophone players use some dimensions of music, but definitely not all of them. When you first learn, it seems like notes and rhythms are the two major components of music. Then you start learning about articulation, dynamics, phrasing, etc. There are many dimensions……
If you hold an object in your hand, you can feel the shape of it.
We’re accustomed to three dimensions. Height, width, length.
If you like science (or sci fi), you might know about time being the fourth dimension.
If you really like science you may have heard of ‘String Theory’ which works if you suppose that the universe exists in 11 dimensions.
The Dimensions of Saxophone could include:
- Rhythm
- Tone
- Listening
- Technique (fingers, embouchure, breathing, more)
- Approach to Practicing
- Feel/Emotion
- Dynamics
- Phrasing
- Space/Rest
- Articulation/Duration
- Notes
- Vibrato
What I think it really boils down to though, is five dimensions.
- Sound
- Listening
- Technique
- Rhythm
- Color (notes)
Those five dimensions could include pretty much everything. Rhythm includes articulation, phrasing, space, etc. Sound includes tone, vibrato, feel/emotion, etc.
Some players really are masters of certain dimensions and do not emphasize others. A Brazilian band might lay down a solid groove without using notes. Or a guitar soloist might show a lot of emotion with great technique. The use of dynamics to lower the backgrounds against a piano solo will make it stand out and make the group sound like they know what they’re doing.
A master saxophone player will understand and use all the dimensions.
Check out the classes on Sax Station to learn more!
And leave comments with questions you have.