The Saxophone Program
From Conservatory to Career

The philosophy

The philosophy guiding this proposal is simple yet profound: to succeed as musicians, our students must be at the center of the musical experience. They must be classically trained and jazz-trained, receptive to all musical styles, and, above all, they must possess a work ethic that is second to none. Leadership in music is defined by hard work and dedication, and it is this ethos that we seek to instill in our students.

The blueprint

It is not merely a curriculum revision; it is a blueprint for cultivating the next generation of musicians who are not only technically proficient but are also versatile, innovative, and resilient in the face of an uncertain future.

This forward-thinking approach is designed to equip our students with the skills they need to navigate and thrive in a world where traditional boundaries are constantly being redrawn. By reverse-engineering success, we ensure that our students are not merely surviving in this changing landscape but are leading the way forward.

PHASES 1–2 · WEEKS 1–4

Phase 1: Foundational Setup and Embouchure (Weeks 1-2)
Instrument Assembly and Familiarization · Posture and Hand Position · Embouchure Development
Phase 2: Sound Production and Relaxation (Weeks 2-4)
Initial Sound Production · Relaxation Techniques

PHASES 3–4 · WEEKS 3–12

Phase 3: Articulation and Scale Introduction (Weeks 3-5)
Articulation Fundamentals · Introduction to Major Scales
Phase 4: Mastery of the 12 Major Scales (Weeks 5-12)
Achieve fluidity in all 12 major scales across the full range of the instrument.

Curriculum focus

Embouchure and Sound Production: Focus on creating a stable, flexible embouchure and producing a clear, consistent tone.
Hand Position and Fingerings: Introduce basic fingerings starting with G, A, B, C, and progressing to other notes as the student gains confidence.
Note Recognition: Use exercises to help students identify notes on the staff and connect them with the correct fingerings.
Rhythm Reading: Begin with simple rhythms in 4/4 time, using whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes.
Scale Practice: Start with the C major scale, focusing on even tone and finger transitions.
Articulation Exercises: Introduce simple articulation patterns within the scale practice to develop clear tonguing and breath control.
Simple Repertoire: Introduce easy, melodic pieces that are both enjoyable and educational.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses · Performance Opportunities.
Ongoing Evaluation: Regular check-ins during lessons to assess students’ progress with note recognition, rhythm reading, and basic technical skills.

Curriculum focus

Scales and Arpeggios: Continue with the 12 major scales, now expanding to two octaves where possible.
Long Tones and Dynamics: Exercises to develop control over dynamics and tone quality.
Theory Basics: Introduction to intervals, simple key signatures, and basic chord structures.
Sight-Reading: Begin sight-reading simple pieces, focusing on accuracy in rhythm and pitch.
Articulation Exercises: Continued work on tonguing techniques, with exercises that introduce staccato, legato, and slurs.
Phrasing Concepts: Introduction to the idea of musical sentences, encouraging students to think about how phrases should be shaped and connected.
Simple Pieces: Start with simple melodies and gradually introduce pieces that incorporate basic articulation and phrasing techniques.
Etudes: Introduce very simple etudes that focus on specific technical aspects, such as articulation or rhythm.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses · Performance Opportunities.
Daily Practice: Parents should ensure that their child practices for a minimum of 20 minutes each day, gradually increasing the time as the child becomes more comfortable with their instrument.

Curriculum focus

Scales and Arpeggios: Focus on mastering major and natural minor scales, with an introduction to harmonic minor scales.
Long Tones and Dynamics: Exercises to improve dynamic control and tone quality, focusing on smooth transitions and a balanced sound across different dynamics.
Theory Development: Expand on rhythmic concepts such as dotted rhythms and syncopation.
Sight-Reading: Develop sight-reading skills using simple etudes and pieces that challenge the student’s ability to quickly recognize notes, rhythms, and key changes.
Articulation Exercises: Continue working on clear, consistent tonguing and slurring, with an emphasis on developing control over different articulation patterns.
Phrasing Concepts: Explore phrasing more deeply, encouraging students to think about the emotional content of their music and how to express it through dynamics, articulation, and tempo.
Classical Repertoire: Introduce intermediate-level classical pieces that challenge the student’s technical abilities while developing their musical expression.
Etudes: Begin working on simple etudes that focus on specific technical challenges, such as those by Langenus or small sections from Heller’s Etudes.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses · Performance Opportunities.
Structured Practice: Parents should continue to ensure that their child practices regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes a day.
Method books: Selected Studies for Saxophone — H. Voxman; Melodious and Progressive Studies for Saxophone, Book 1 — David Hite.

Curriculum focus

Scales and Arpeggios: Students should master all major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales, extending to three octaves where possible.
Altissimo and Extended Techniques: Begin introducing the basics of altissimo playing (higher register) and other extended techniques such as growling or multiphonics, as appropriate to the student’s level and interest.
Advanced Theory Concepts: Students will explore more complex harmonic structures, including secondary dominants, modulations, and chromaticism.
Sight-Reading: Sight-reading exercises will now include pieces with more challenging rhythms, key changes, and less predictable melodic lines.
Complex Articulation Patterns: Exercises should now include more varied and complex articulation patterns within scales, etudes, and repertoire.
Advanced Phrasing: Students will work on shaping longer, more complex phrases, understanding how to use dynamics, rubato, and articulation to convey the emotional content of the music.
Classical Pieces: Introduction of intermediate to advanced classical repertoire, such as pieces by Jean-Baptiste Singelée, Heitor Villa-Lobos, or Eugene Bozza.
Etudes: Continue with more advanced etudes from composers like H. Klose or C. Rose.
Jazz Standards and Improvisation: Begin working on more complex jazz standards, focusing on both improvisation and interpretation.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses · Performance Opportunities.
Encouragement of Independence: Parents should continue to support their child’s practice routine but also encourage greater independence.
Method books: Jazz Conception for Saxophone — Jim Snidero.

Curriculum focus

Advanced Scales and Arpeggios: Mastery of all scales (major, harmonic minor, melodic minor) and arpeggios across the full range of the instrument, including altissimo register.
Altissimo Register: Focused exercises on developing control and consistency in the altissimo register, with an emphasis on tone quality and intonation.
Extended Techniques: Introduction to extended techniques such as multiphonics, which are essential for contemporary repertoire.
Advanced Harmonic Analysis: Detailed study of harmonic structures, including modulations, secondary dominants, and complex chord progressions.
Counterpoint and Voice Leading: Introduction to the principles of counterpoint and voice leading, with practical applications in both classical and jazz contexts.
Complex Articulation Patterns: Exercises that incorporate varied articulation within complex passages, focusing on precision and clarity.
Advanced Phrasing: Students will refine their phrasing techniques, focusing on long, complex phrases and the use of rubato, dynamics, and articulation to shape the musical line.
Classical Repertoire: Introduction to advanced classical works by composers such as Glazunov, Ibert, and Debussy.
Etudes: Continue with advanced etudes from composers like Jean-Marie Londeix and Marcel Mule.
Jazz Standards and Contemporary Music: Exploration of more complex jazz standards and contemporary music, with an emphasis on improvisation, interpretation, and the integration of extended techniques.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses · Performance Opportunities.
Parental Involvement: While students at this level should be increasingly independent, parental support remains important.
Method books: Exercises Journaliers d’Entretien — Marcel Mule; 48 Famous Studies for Oboe or Saxophone — W. Ferling, edited by André J. Maquarre.

Core objectives

Technical Mastery: Students will achieve a higher level of technical proficiency, focusing on extended techniques, advanced articulation, and control over a broader dynamic range.
Expressive Performance: Developing the ability to interpret and perform more emotionally and stylistically complex pieces with a focus on phrasing, tone color, and expression.
Expanded Repertoire: Introduction to more challenging repertoire, including contemporary works and transcriptions of pieces originally written for other instruments.
Musical Interpretation: Students will begin to make informed interpretative choices, drawing from historical and theoretical knowledge.
Ensemble Collaboration: Continued emphasis on ensemble playing, focusing on chamber music and smaller ensemble settings, as well as participation in wind orchestras and big bands.

Assessment

Technical Proficiency: Evaluated through technical exams, focusing on scales, arpeggios, and études.
Repertoire Performance: Assessment through solo performances, with an emphasis on interpretative choices and technical execution.
Ensemble Participation: Graded on collaboration, leadership within the ensemble, and overall contribution to the group’s performance.
Music Theory and History: Written and oral exams testing understanding of the theoretical and historical context of studied pieces.
Improvisation: Graded on creativity, fluency, and integration of classical and jazz elements in performances.

Curriculum focus

Advanced Altissimo and Extended Techniques: Focused development of the altissimo register, with exercises that aim for precision, consistency, and musicality.
Complex Scales and Arpeggios: Mastery of all scales, including whole-tone, diminished, and augmented scales, as well as complex arpeggios that cover the full range of the instrument.
Advanced Harmonic Analysis: In-depth study of advanced harmonic concepts, including chromaticism, polytonality, and complex modulations.
Form and Structure: Detailed analysis of the form and structure of complex pieces, with an emphasis on how these elements inform interpretation and performance.
Nuanced Articulation: Advanced exercises in articulation that focus on achieving clarity and precision in even the most challenging passages.
Expressive Phrasing: Continued development of expressive phrasing, with an emphasis on shaping long, complex phrases and creating a coherent musical narrative.
Classical Masterworks: Students will prepare and perform advanced classical repertoire, including concertos, sonatas, and other major works by composers such as Glazunov, Ibert, Denisov, and Creston.
Contemporary and New Music: Exploration of contemporary music, including works by living composers and pieces that incorporate extended techniques.
Jazz and Improvised Music: For students specializing in jazz or contemporary music, continued work on jazz standards, original compositions, and free improvisation.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses · Performance Opportunities.
Career Planning and Development: Throughout the year, students should work on developing their professional portfolios, including recording demo tracks, building a resume, and creating an online presence.
Method books: Londeix Guide to the Saxophone Repertoire, 1844-2012 — Jean-Marie Londeix.

Curriculum focus

Etudes and Exercises: Intensive work on advanced etudes (e.g., Marcel Mule, Jean-Marie Londeix, Sigurd Raschèr) and technical exercises designed to address specific challenges and enhance overall proficiency.
Scales and Arpeggios: Continued emphasis on scales, arpeggios, and other technical exercises, with a focus on speed, accuracy, and evenness across the instrument’s range.
Solo Repertoire: Advanced works for solo saxophone, including concertos, sonatas, and contemporary pieces.
Chamber Music Repertoire: A selection of challenging chamber works, ranging from classical to modern, that require a high level of ensemble playing and interpretative collaboration.
Historical and Stylistic Interpretation: Detailed study of performance practice across different periods, focusing on historically informed interpretation and the adaptation of stylistic elements to the saxophone.
Contemporary Techniques: Exploration of extended techniques (e.g., multiphonics, altissimo register, circular breathing) and their application in contemporary repertoire.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Chamber Music and Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses and Workshops · Performance Opportunities · Academic Studies · Electives.
Final Recital: The primary assessment for the seventh year, where students will present a program that showcases their technical and artistic achievements.

Curriculum focus

Daily Technical Routine: Students will follow a daily routine of scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises designed to maintain and enhance their technical skills.
Advanced Etudes: Continued study of etudes from composers like Marcel Mule, Jean-Marie Londeix, and others, chosen for their technical difficulty and ability to develop specific aspects of saxophone playing.
Solo Repertoire: A selection of challenging solo works, including major concertos, sonatas, and contemporary pieces.
Chamber Music Repertoire: Students will engage with complex chamber music works that require advanced ensemble skills and a deep understanding of musical interaction.
Interpretation Across Styles: Continued emphasis on the interpretation of different musical styles, with an exploration of performance practices from the Baroque period to contemporary music.
Contemporary Music Techniques: Exploration of contemporary saxophone techniques, including the use of electronics, improvisation, and non-traditional notation.

The year

Each week: Individual Lessons (1-on-1 Sessions) · Chamber Music and Ensemble Rehearsals · Masterclasses and Workshops · Performance Opportunities · Academic Studies · Electives.
Pre-Degree Recitals: Multiple recitals throughout the year will serve as both assessments and preparation for the master's recital.

Master's repertoire

Henri Tomasi – Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
Edison Denisov – Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
Pierre Max Dubois – Concerto for Alto Saxophone
Edison Denisov – Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano
Luciano Berio – Sequenza IXb for Alto Saxophone
William Albright – Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano

The Master of Music

Performance Experience: By the ninth year, students should have extensive performance experience with a wide range of repertoire.
Well-Rounded Development: The goal is to ensure that students emerge from the master's program as versatile musicians, capable of tackling both the classical saxophone canon and the most demanding contemporary works.
Evaluation Criteria: In their final recital, students should be evaluated on their ability to interpret a diverse selection of works, demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also artistic maturity and a deep understanding of the stylistic nuances of each piece.

First Cycle

Preparatory to Third Year (High School Equivalent)

During these years, the primary goal is to establish a strong foundation in musical technique, literacy, and performance.

Second Cycle

Fourth to Seventh Year (Bachelor of Music, Freshman to Senior Year)

The focus shifts towards specialization, with students expected to engage in more complex repertoire, develop a personal style, and prepare for professional-level performance.

The Leap

Developing a Musical Identity

It is during the early years that students should begin to see themselves as musicians, with music as a central part of their identity.