The Study of Saxophone
Year 9
Master's Degree ("Licence"). Year 9 is the culmination of the program. The student at this level is expected to function at a professional performance standard, to have a defined artistic voice, and to be capable of leading ensembles, presenting solo recitals, and contributing to the field. 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 Year 9 asks
EXAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Performance of a Chamber Music composition directed by the saxophonist
2. Performance of selected piece for Saxophone and Piano or Solo Saxophone
3. Performance of Orchestra Extracts for 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 and Repertoire
Core Methods
Loyon, 32 Etudes
Paganini, 24 Caprices
Londeix, Gammes et Modes
Debondue, 48 Etudes for Sight-reading
Ricker, 12 Virtuoso Jazz Etudes
Core Repertoire
Desenclos, Prélude, Cadence et Final for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Gostkowski, Variations Pathétiques for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Beugniot, Sonate for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Repertoire
The Study of Saxophone · Year 9
Additional Repertoire
Albright, Sonata for Saxophone and Piano
Bozza, Pièce Brève for SOLO Saxophone
Debussy, Rapsodie for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Denisov, Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Denisov, The Influence of Jazz Elements on Edison Denisov's Sonata (analytical study)
Dressel, Partita for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Glazunov, Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Martin, Ballade for Alto Saxophone
Maslanka, Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Maslanka, Guide to Maslanka Saxophone Sonata (analytical study)
Milhaud, Scaramouche for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Schmitt, Légende for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Tomasi, Concerto — Saxophone Choir
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