Hi, I'm Phil Edwards and that's me on the left of this picture.
I started playing in about 1986 when I was in my early twenties, and here's my story. It's worth reading as it tells you why I want to offer YOU the chance to learn without the pitfalls that I faced.
I've always loved jazz, and playing the instrument was something I'd wanted to do for a few years. But I'd never tried.
I couldn't read music either - in fact I was hopeless at music at school, probably because music tuition in comprehensive schools in the 1970's wasn't particularly inspirational. Anyway, something told me it was time to 'have a go'. So I did...
First I bought a "how to read music" book and had a read through that, although a lot of it didn't make sense without an instrument to try it out on. So next I decided to get a sax. My hero was (still is) Johnny Hodges lead Alto with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, so an Alto was the instrument for me.
I didn't have a lot of money to spare, so I went to my local music shop, which had a solitary token saxophone. By renting the instrument for 3 months it was an easy way to get started and find out if I would enjoy it. The deal was that you rented for 3 months (I think it was something like £90) and if you liked the instrument you paid the balance and kept it. If you didn't like the instrument, or you lost interest, you gave it back and lost the money. So it would cost you close to £100 (plus the cost of any lessons) to find out. Most shops still do rental schemes like this.
Armed with my new sax, I needed a teacher. Not having the internet in those days I had trouble finding anyone. Eventually I found a teacher in north London which wasn't great as I lived in East Sussex. But I took three lessons with him as I didn't know what else to do, but it just wasn't feasible to carry on spending 2 hours travelling each way for a 1 hour lesson. And as he charged 'in advance' to stop you from not turning up, I lost the money for my cancelled fourth lesson. Not great customer service, but perhaps he'd been caught out too many times by people booking lessons and not turning up. Either way, with the train fares this added up to an expensive first few weeks, but I was playing some notes by now (admittedly they weren't very pretty to listen to).
I then found a teacher just a few miles from home, so moved under his wing to complete my '3 month try-out'. By the end of that period I knew the Sax was for me - I really enjoyed it, and I could see I'd be reasonably proficient - at least enough that it was worth investing more time into.
But I also realised that the instrument I'd rented was a bit cheap and cheerful and wasn't going to last. So, although I couldn't really afford to lose the rental money, I didn't want to always have the excuse that "the instrument isn't that good, so it's not my fault I can't play very well...".
I decided to look for a better instrument. I scoured the Exchange & Mart (remember that?) and it seemed most of the best shops, and prices, were in London. That's certainly not the case any longer.
So, it came down to a reasonable quality new instrument, or a 'vintage' instrument. My logic said if I buy a new instrument it'll be worth less the minute I walk out the shop, and it'll be same as everyone else's... whereas a vintage sax from the 1930's or 40's could appreciate in value, would give the style and tone of the jazz that I listened to, and would be 'different'. It might even have a fascinating history. Or might not, but let's not worry too much about that. All a bit intangible, I know, but I do like to tread a different path.
So, one Saturday morning, clutching all my savings, plus credit card, off I go to London. I headed to Don Mackrills shop in Edgware as he always advertised quite a large stock. Bear in mind I really couldn't play very well at this point.
The chap showed me three instruments in my price range (£550 in 1986) which I had a go on. These were a Conn, a King and a Martin, all American instruments. To my uneducated touch and feel they all seemed fine, but I asked if he could blow them so I could hear them in the hands of someone who knew what he was doing. And that settled it. The tone of the Martin was so sweet, that it was definitely the one to have. And I still have it to this day. It's pictured to the left (well part of it is).
They've quite a following and with the advent of the internet, I now know that my instrument is a "Handcraft Committee" from 1936.
Well, if you've got this far, well done! And the point is ?
For ME learning was costly, difficult, and fraught with pitfalls.
It took a lot of determination simply to 'give it a go' and try out my dream.
But for YOU it needn't be, which is why I have developed a route that removes the uncertainty and high-cost associated with finding out "is this something I'll enjoy and be any good at ?"
So, "is this something you'll enjoy and be any good at ?" Well you don't know, do you ? Not yet...
But what if you could find out, in a secure, low-pressure, environment ? With like-minded people ? Without needing to worry if you've got a decent instrument ? And be guided as to which books are best, what other accessories might you need, and what ones don't you need (despite what the salesman tells you) ? Now that would be worth a small investment, wouldn't it ?
If you want to grasp that dream, to learn a skill that people really appreciate, to find a hobby that will open new doors, introduce you to new people from all walks of life, and maybe give you a separate income, stop dreaming and book yourself onto one of our courses. NOW!
So, what sort of person is Phil ?" Well, people have said the following...
"I contacted Phil and it was the best thing I ever did. He's made learning so easy." Terry ( hear the audio )
"Phil has an easy-going style, but keeps you on a path. A mix of structure and fun!" Eugene ( hear the audio )
"...I've been having great fun... Phil is VERY VERY patient and encouraging. Good fun!" Lynne ( hear the audio )
"Phil is warm and discerning and offers a professional service with the right motivation." John A Booth
"Phil is a true professional. His people skills are excellent and he has the ability to connect at every level. He is sincere and his commitment to making a difference makes him worth working with." Claude Bonte
"Work with Phil and you will find a warm human being ready to listen and help whenever you ask." Dr. Larisa Varenikova
Learn to play Sax | Uckfield | East Sussex | 01825 761890 | 07737 665061
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