- A few years ago I was in the hospital
recovering from abdominal surgery and I was expected to recover and
play a concert in two months. I began to look for an exercise system
that would get me back in shape as quickly as possible. I talked to
saxophone, trumpet, trombone and flute players, as well as vocalists
to learn what they do to condition themselves for playing their
instruments or singing. Surprisingly, they could not tell me a lot
about any exercises they used prior to picking up their instruments.
So I asked them to play or sing so I could learn what was happening
to their bodies, or "playing systems". I watched, listened and asked
them numerous questions. I also talked with martial arts
instructors, about breathing exercises and other principles.
Finally, I incorporated many of the same principles used by the
musicians, actors and athletes into a series of exercises I could
use to prepare myself for the upcoming concert. The result was
outstanding. After only two months, I performed a two-hour solo
concert on my saxophone! That was a very pleasant surprise for me!
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- My name is Vasili Kasatkin. I can
show you how to improve your technique, have fun in your spare
time, spend less time with your instrument, and get better
results. I am a professional saxophone player that has been
playing the saxophone over 25 years. Over the years I have learned
many good things. For instance, in order to play better, I had to
practice five to eight hours a day. Today, most of us do not have
that kind of time. Also, we do not have the money to pay
professional teachers for coaching.
- More and more musicians are looking for ways to get better
results and reach goals faster. All of the practicing you do can
really take a toll on your brain. As I am sure you may have
noticed, it is hard to concentrate for more than ten to fifteen
minutes at a time. Learning how to control your breathing,
fingering, articulation, rhythm, memory and other parts of your
playing system, will improve your playing habits tremendously,
with less effort and time. Good news for us. Bad news for those
who do not want to play very well. If you are a teacher, the news
gets even better. You will now have a more powerful system for
your students. There will not be much competition for you since
many teachers do not have a system that is fun and only requires a
modest bit of effort. Best of all, this system is so powerful that
it will work on anyone with a serious desire to improve their
playing. You do not have to be a teacher to use it. I've prepared
a special book called the SAXOPHONE POWER BOOK that teaches
you this new and powerful system.
- Everything that you will need to know, including the inside
secrets and tricks of practicing that I've picked up over 20 years
in the music business can be found. To be totally honest with you,
this book is not for everyone. Many people are not interested in
changing the quality of their playing, and do not want to devote
the time that is required. Perhaps you are one of the unique
individuals that would like to see a great improvement in your
playing. Or, if you are already a professional musician, maybe you
could use some new and different ideas.
- You never know, new ideas and techniques could be the start of
new steps in your musical career.
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The
pedagogic principles of your Saxophone Power Book are good.
Principally knowledge in your book is excellent and have pragmatic
observations. I am very happy to know your work, and I am sure it
gives you many satisfactions.
Jean-Marie Londeix
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Vasili
Kasatkin has written an instruction book that will appeal to players
of all ages. While the cartoon characters will delight and aid younger
musicians to learn faster, they also help to illustrate clearly and
concisely the most basic aspects of playing to the more advanced and
serious performers. I recommend this book not only for saxophonists,
but for all wind and brass instrumentalists.
Ron Hasselmann, Associate Principal Trumpet Minnesota Orchestra |
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This short
book contains a wealth of valuable information for anyone serious
about becoming a better saxophonist. The extensive section on
breathing exercises is one of the best collection of exercises that
I have ever seen. The Saxophone Power Book contains some good
suggestions for relaxation, articulation, and pitch control.
Dr.Robert E.Williams, Professor of Music Clarinet and Saxophone.
Your method book is very good.
I also like your approach to teaching - all musical instruments
must be mastered physically and musically.
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