The Study of Saxophone
Preparatory Year
1st Cycle (Preparatory to Year 3). A Nine-Year Course of Study for the Modern Saxophonist-Doubler — Saxophone, Flute & Clarinet.
Thomas Hornig · Henri Selmer Paris Artist · 2026 Edition · The Whole Horn
What the Preparatory Year asks
EXAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Performance of all Major scales found in l'Alphabet du Saxophone
2. Performance of selected piece for Saxophone and Piano
3. Performance of Etudes from selected method: l'Alphabet du Saxophone
THE YEAR
October to July, in two semesters.
Mid-term exam: early March.
Final exam: early July.
Saxophone students are required to complete the listed methods and satisfactorily present the required scale and arpeggio materials during each school year. Ten compositions will be chosen from each repertoire list and developed to a performance level. Repertoire for the jury examination should be selected in consultation with the student's teacher. Pieces not listed may be studied and performed with the permission of the teacher. Extensive participation in a saxophone quartet and with other instruments in the performance of chamber music and large wind ensemble is requisite for students who have attained an acceptable performance level.
The Study of Saxophone · Desired Competencies
Methods
The Study of Saxophone · the Preparatory Year
Core Methods
Method, Prati, l'Alphabet du Saxophone
Method, Janzen, Themes Celebres pour Flute a Bec / Soprano Saxophone
Method, Vilio, Pieces Faciles pour Saxophone
Additional Methods
Mule, 24 Etudes Faciles Saxophone
Meriot, 25 Easy Etudes
Prati, 29 Études Progressives
Herfurth, A Tune a Day, Book 2
Klosé, Complete Method for Saxophone
Londeix, Exercices Mechaniques, Vol. 1
Rubank, Intermediate Method for Saxophone
Delangle, Methode de Saxophone Debutants, Vols. 1–2
Hal Leonard, Play Alto Sax Today! Level 1
O'Niel, The Jazz Play-a-long Method for Saxophone
Andrew Scott, The Art of Saxophone
Druet, L'École Française du Saxophone
Repertoire
The Study of Saxophone · the Preparatory Year
Core Repertoire
Desloges, Fabliau for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Boutine, Berceuse for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Aubine, Chansons dans la Rue for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Lacour, Tendre Melodie for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Lamaire, Mon Premier Recital for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Naulais, Coconotes for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Additional Repertoire
Bozza, Le Campanile for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Carlin, Menthe à l'Eau for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Cecconi, Ariette for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Easy Classical Saxophone Play-a-longs 1, 2
Gorisse, Jour de Fête Berceuse for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Gounod, Ave Maria for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Guicherd, Contrastes pour Sax Alto et Petites Percussions
Londeix, Beau Dion for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Londeix, Bachelette Tableaux Aquitains for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Martin, Berceuse for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Naulais, Pain d'épices for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Pascal, Planetarium for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Perrin, Complainte for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Purcell, Lilliburlero for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Saint-Saëns, Carnaval — Le Cygne for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Tchaikovsky, Op. 20a Intro for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Desired Competency
1st Cycle (Preparatory to Year 3)
Acquisition of basic skills
air column / breathing
concept for sound / timbre
articulation
rhythmic, digital and timbral homogeneity
accuracy
flexibility
nuance
intonation
vibrato
And
Development of basic technique and knowledge of all Major and Minor scales.
Ability to hear and play dynamics, develop a sense of musical phrasing and a basic understanding of blend and balance.
Cultivation of the ability to memorize simple musical passages.
Development of basic sight-reading skills.
Ability to notate simple musical passages.
Understanding of chord-scale relationships; Jazz improvisation using basic facility.
Basic knowledge of the history of the saxophone and the Giants of Saxophone.
Experience in ensemble performance — piano accompaniment — ensemble of saxophones.
Public performance.
The whole course
This is one year of The Study of Saxophone. The whole course, from the Preparatory Year to Year 9, is on thewholehorn.com.
This is a living framework. Use it as a foundation, adapt it to your context, and revise it as new resources emerge.
— Thomas Hornig