The world of music is filled with multi-instrumentalists, and among them, saxophone players who also take up the flute are a common sight. At first glance, the saxophone and the flute seem like quite different instruments. The saxophone, with its brassy, powerful sound and a body made of metal, is often associated with jazz, big bands, and contemporary music. On the other hand, the flute, typically made of wood or metal alloy, produces a more delicate, airy sound and has a long history in classical, folk, and various world music traditions. However, there are several compelling reasons why sax players are drawn to the flute.
For sax players, exploring the flute can open up new musical horizons. It allows them to expand their range of sounds, techniques, and musical styles. The skills developed while playing the saxophone can also be transferred, to some extent, to flute playing, and vice versa. In this article, we will delve into the various factors that drive sax players to pick up the flute, from similarities in technique to the expansion of their musical vocabulary.
Similarities in Breath Control
Common Principles of Air Supply
Both the saxophone and the flute rely heavily on breath control. When playing the saxophone, a player needs to supply a steady stream of air to make the reed vibrate properly. This requires a deep and controlled breath, using the diaphragm to push air through the instrument. Similarly, on the flute, a continuous and well-regulated air flow is essential to produce a clear tone. Sax players are already accustomed to the importance of breath support, which gives them a head start when learning the flute.
For instance, in both instruments, a sudden change in air pressure can result in an unstable or inconsistent sound. A sax player knows how to maintain a consistent air pressure to play long, smooth notes, and this same principle applies to flute playing. By transferring their knowledge of breath control, sax players can more easily produce a stable tone on the flute from the beginning of their learning journey.
Adaptability of Breath Techniques
Sax players often use different breath techniques depending on the musical context, such as playing legato (smoothly connected notes) or staccato (short, detached notes). These techniques can be adapted for flute playing. When playing legato on the saxophone, the player ensures a seamless transition of air between notes. On the flute, achieving legato also involves a smooth flow of air, and the sax player’s experience in this area can be beneficial.
Similarly, for staccato playing, sax players learn to use their tongue to interrupt the air flow briefly. This tonguing technique can be modified for the flute. Although the way the tongue interacts with the air stream is slightly different between the two instruments, the basic concept of using the tongue to control the articulation of notes is transferable.
Shared Fingering Concepts
Basic Finger Placement Logic
The fingering systems of the saxophone and the flute share some fundamental principles. Both instruments use a combination of finger holes or keys to change the pitch of the notes. On the saxophone, different combinations of key presses alter the length of the vibrating air column, and the same is true for the flute. Sax players are familiar with the concept of covering or uncovering holes (or pressing keys) to produce different notes.
For example, the basic fingerings for playing a scale on the saxophone involve a sequential movement of fingers. This logical approach to fingering can be applied when learning the flute. The layout of the holes or keys on the flute may be different, but the underlying idea of using fingers to change the pitch in a systematic way is something sax players can relate to.
Transference of Finger Dexterity
Sax players develop a high level of finger dexterity through hours of practice. They are used to quickly moving their fingers between different keys to play complex melodies and fast-paced passages. This finger dexterity is a valuable asset when learning the flute. The flute also requires precise and rapid finger movements, especially when playing challenging pieces.
A sax player’s ability to move their fingers independently and accurately can be transferred to flute playing. They can more easily master the fingerings for trills, grace notes, and other ornamentations on the flute. The muscle memory built up from playing the saxophone can also help sax players quickly adapt to the different fingerings required on the flute.
Expansion of Musical Repertoire
Access to Diverse Genres
By learning the flute, sax players can expand their musical repertoire to include genres that are more commonly associated with the flute. Classical music is one such genre. The flute has a rich history in classical compositions, from solo sonatas to orchestral works. Sax players who venture into flute playing can explore this vast body of classical music, which offers a different musical language in terms of harmony, melody, and form.
Folk music from around the world is another area that becomes accessible. Flutes are integral to many folk music traditions, such as Irish, Indian, and Chinese folk music. Sax players can learn to play folk melodies on the flute, experiencing the unique rhythms and cultural expressions of these traditions. This expansion into diverse genres broadens their musical horizons and enriches their overall musical experience.
New Compositional Possibilities
For sax players who are also interested in composition, adding the flute to their skill set opens up new compositional possibilities. They can write music that combines the sounds of the saxophone and the flute, creating unique sonic textures. A composer-sax player-flutist can experiment with different combinations of the two instruments, such as having the saxophone play a driving rhythm while the flute adds a delicate counter-melody.
This cross-pollination of ideas between the two instruments can lead to innovative musical compositions. It allows the composer to draw on the distinct characteristics of each instrument, like the saxophone’s power and the flute’s airiness, to create music that stands out and offers a fresh perspective to listeners.
Enhanced Musical Expression
Exploring Different Timbres
The saxophone and the flute have vastly different timbres. The saxophone has a warm, rich, and often brassy timbre, while the flute has a bright, clear, and airy timbre. Sax players who learn the flute can explore this new timbral palette. They can use the flute’s timbre to express different emotions in their music.
For example, in a jazz ballad, a sax player might use the flute to add a more delicate and introspective touch. The airy sound of the flute can create a dreamy atmosphere, in contrast to the more assertive sound of the saxophone. This ability to switch between timbres gives sax players more tools for musical expression, allowing them to convey a wider range of feelings and moods in their performances.
Mastering Different Articulations
Each instrument has its own set of articulation possibilities, and by learning the flute, sax players can master new articulations. The flute has unique ways of playing staccato, legato, and other articulations that are different from those on the saxophone. Sax players can incorporate these new articulation techniques into their musical vocabulary.
They can use the flute’s articulations to add variety to their playing. For instance, the flute’s ability to produce very short, crisp staccato notes can be used to create a lively and energetic effect in a musical piece. By combining the articulation techniques of both instruments, sax players can become more versatile and expressive musicians.
Professional and Educational Advantages
Increased Employability in the Music Industry
In the competitive music industry, being a multi-instrumentalist can significantly increase a musician’s employability. Sax players who also play the flute have a wider range of job opportunities. They can be hired for gigs that require both instruments, such as in certain musical theater productions, where the pit orchestra may need a musician who can switch between saxophone and flute.
In recording sessions, producers often look for musicians who can play multiple instruments to save time and resources. A sax- flute player can be a valuable asset, as they can quickly record parts for both instruments without the need to hire separate musicians. This versatility gives sax-flute players an edge in the job market.
Educational Benefits for Self and Others
For sax players themselves, learning the flute can be an enriching educational experience. It deepens their understanding of music theory, as they explore how different instruments produce sound and how to manipulate that sound. This knowledge can, in turn, enhance their overall musicianship.
Moreover, if a sax player also teaches music, being able to teach both the saxophone and the flute broadens their educational reach. They can offer more comprehensive music lessons to students, helping them understand the similarities and differences between the two instruments. This can be especially beneficial for students who are interested in exploring multiple wind instruments.
Conclusion
There are numerous reasons why sax players often also play the flute. The similarities in breath control and fingering concepts make the transition between the two instruments more manageable. The expansion of musical repertoire, access to diverse genres, and new compositional possibilities are all attractive prospects. Enhanced musical expression through exploring different timbres and articulations is another strong motivator. Professionally, being a multi-instrumentalist offers increased employability, and educationally, it enriches both the player’s own knowledge and their ability to teach others. The combination of skills from playing the saxophone and the flute allows musicians to create a more diverse and dynamic musical output. Whether for personal musical growth or professional advancement, sax players find that adding the flute to their musical toolkit is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor.
