- The ideal of performance: the sensation of swallowing the instrument and playing it as a part of yourself, or as your own "voice"
- Yamaha's philosophy: the appeal of "natural" instruments that directly reflect the player's intent
- Encountering the right instrument: insights gained from the journey from a student model to a professional model
When playing the saxophone, do you perceive the instrument as an "external tool"? Physically speaking, of course it is. However, at the pinnacle of musical expression, the instrument should become a part of the player's body—an organ connected directly to the lungs. My ideal is the sensation of "swallowing" the instrument and playing it. This means not adapting your playing to suit the instrument, but rather achieving a stress-free state where what you want to express naturally becomes sound through the instrument.
The greatest reason I have used Yamaha saxophones for so many years is their "naturalness." Yamaha instruments respond naturally and faithfully without the player needing to employ any special techniques. This may seem obvious at first glance, but it is underpinned by highly sophisticated design and craftsmanship. The instrument never gets in the way of what you are trying to do—rather, it supports you. It is this kind of encounter with an instrument that has sustained my life as a saxophonist.
My Journey as a Saxophonist and the Evolution of My Instruments
My journey with the saxophone began with a Yamaha student model that my father bought for me. At the time, I had no understanding of what made an instrument good or bad, but the experience of playing that instrument until it was completely worn out shaped who I am today. Later, in my first year of junior high school, I encountered the instrument that would become the prototype of today's Custom model, and I was instantly captivated by its warm sound. From there, I progressed through three Yamaha saxophones before arriving at my current 875EXG. Each encounter with a new instrument opened a new door of expression for me.
Values Regarding the Saxophone: In Pursuit of Free Expression
The saxophone is an instrument with an extraordinarily wide range of expression. It can take center stage in any genre, from classical to jazz to pop. To fully enjoy that freedom, the instrument must be "transparent" to your intentions. The model I acquired in 2019 is an instrument that perfectly embodies that ideal. After undergoing minor revisions, this instrument has come to fit my body even more naturally, and it has become my irreplaceable "voice."
Steps to Refine Your Tone: Deepening Your Unity with the Instrument
To make the instrument a part of yourself, your daily approach to it is crucial. Alongside technical practice, try engaging with your saxophone while keeping the following principles in mind.
- Clearly envision the "music you want to create." Before picking up the instrument, strongly focus on what kind of tone you want and what message you want to convey. The instrument is merely an amplifier for realizing that vision.
- Feel the instrument's response with sensitivity and eliminate unnecessary force. When certain notes are difficult to produce or intonation is unstable, rather than blaming the instrument or trying to force a solution, carefully reexamine the point of contact between your body and the instrument. Relaxation is the shortest path to achieving unity.
- Never neglect maintenance, and always keep the instrument in peak condition. If the instrument is not functioning properly, achieving a sense of unity is impossible. Work with a trusted repair technician to ensure your saxophone always responds "naturally."
Conclusion: Your Own Saxophone Story
The saxophone is a wonderful partner that enriches your life. Just as I have walked my path alongside Yamaha instruments, I hope that each of you will find your own "ideal instrument" and grow together with it. Treat your instrument not as a mere piece of metal, but as a vessel into which you breathe your soul.
When you feel that sense of unity where you think "this is the only instrument for me," your performance will be able to deliver an emotion to listeners that transcends words. Pick up your saxophone again today and set out on a journey to discover a new side of yourself.
