Print File (To the PRINT INFO page)

Sax player

A Saxophonist's Study Guide

by David Hite


... an outline of seven performance levels with goals and repertoire for each level

INTRODUCTION

This saxophonist's Study Guide outlines seven levels of study. It can be used to identify a student's level of accomplishment and provides a list of publications for study and performance at each level. Although not complete, these listings constitute a thorough course of study.

Individual progress will, of course, vary greatly, and some students may find it appropriate to work in materials from different levels simultaneously. For remedial work at more advanced levels, slower scales, interval studies and expressive melodic etudes are recommended.

It is important that students realize that careful, thoughtful daily practice is a primary requirement for effective progress. Inspired guidance from a good teacher and good ensemble experiences are vital contributing factors, but in the end the student must do the learning himself!

All music editions listed in the Study Guide are published by:
Southern Music Company, P.O. Box 329, San Antonio, TX 78292, U.S.A. Phone: 1(800) 284-5443


All contents copyright © David Hite, Inc.
All rights reserved.

Revised: May 24, 1997
URL: http://www.jdhite.com/study/clarinet-p.htm





A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

LEVEL 1


Making the first sounds on a musical instrument is quite a thrill. Learning where to put fingers, how to shape and control the mouth muscles and how to put the reed on the mouthpiece are among the very important questions at this formative stage. It is best to take private lessons for individual attention in addition to class lessons at school for ensemble experience. These two learning environments complement each other ideally. A minimum of thirty minutes a day should be devoted to individual practice. In the beginning two fifteen minute sessions are recommended.

It is extremely important to invest in a good mouthpiece for the beginner. Mouthpieces furnished with beginning instruments are not always ideal. A poor or damaged mouthpiece can defeat every effort to play well.

Students should learn early on about proper care of their reeds, mouthpieces and instruments. The mouthpiece and reed should be cleaned, and the neck of the saxophone swabbed after every playing session before storage in the case.

A special note for beginning saxophone students: Most commercial saxophonists play both clarinet and saxophone; many also play flute. Many teachers feel that it is best to learn the clarinet first because it is somewhat difficult to add later. Consultation with an instructor should include consideration of this question.

There are many class and private study saxophone methods available for early study. Personal preference will vary. The class and band methods used by most schools are compatible with methods designed for private study when used simultaneously.


Technique basics

Theory basics


LEVEL 1 STUDY MATERIAL
Hovey, Nilo Rubank Elementary Method
Skornika, J.E. Rubank Intermediate Method
Herfurth, C. Paul A Tune a Day, Books 1, 2 and 3

Haines & McEntyre

Division of Beat, Books 1A, 1B and 2

LEVEL 1 REPERTOIRE
FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
Burkhardt, Joel Chanson
Haydn-Wienandt Serenade
Hinton-Howard Laverne
FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
Hinton-Howard Laverne
Houlik, James Two Lyric Pieces
space.gif - 0.0 K




A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

LEVEL 2


With the student's advancement into level two, he should begin to feel at home with his instrument. He can begin to focus on how to play music rather than how to play the saxophone. Continue to improve and stabilize tone and technic. Participation in school concerts, solo contests, studio recitals and everyday rehearsals will reinforce these objectives. Daily practicing should be gratifying. As muscle stamina developes, practice time should be increased to forty five minutes a day.

Study and practice in the Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1, and in the Forty Progressive Melodies will most likely not be completed on this level. Although significant progress can be made playing these studies a first time, much can be gained by repeating these studies to perfect easy, accurate performance and to give primary attention to elegance of musical expression. While initial study will consume the student's attention in reading notes and maintaining accurate rhythm and tempo. later more attention may be placed on dynamics, subtleties of musical style and creating a musical mood. It is best not to rush learning at this stage; take the time to settle into the musical meat of this material. This process will make music in the following levels much easier to grasp.

As his basic theoretical background expands, the student should begin to study music carefully before playing. More will be achieved during practice periods with this thoughtful advanced preparation.


Technique basics

Theory basics


LEVEL 2 STUDY MATERIAL
space.gif - 0.0 K
Hite, David Foundation Studies
Contents:
Baermann Method, Part III
This volume serves as a lifelong daily study book which can be used to solve nearly every technical problem the saxophonist will encounter. "How to practice" routines and general advice sections are included.
Hite, David Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1
Contents:
  • Demnitz 18 Expressive Studies (based on scales)
  • Demnitz 18 Expressive Studies (based on chords)
  • Nocentini 9 Melodic Studies
  • Baermann 14 Melodic Etudes, Op. 63
  • Kayser 5 Progressive Studies, Op. 20
  • Hite Major and minor scales
  • This popular study book contains musical, progressive style studies. These studies extend to four sharps and four flats in major and minor keys, using basic time signatures, rhythms and articulations.
    Hite, David 40 Progressive Melodies by A.M.R. Barret
    Contents:
  • Barret 40 Progressive Melodies
  • Dont 8 Progressive Exercises
  • Hite Scale studies
  • The Barret melodies are wonderful studies for melodic phrasing. They include an accompaniment for a second saxophone to emphasize the development of rhythmic independence, intonation, balance and flexible tonal concepts. Later, these studies can be used as transposition exercises. The Cont exercises provide daily exercise for the tongue. This book can be used with or following the Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1.

    LEVEL 2 REPERTOIRE
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Giovannini, Caesar Romance
    Haydn-Voxman Adagio Cantabile and Presto
    Hoffman, Earl In Modo di Trentotto
    Loeillet-Merriman Sonata, Op. 4, No. 9
    Mahler-Hemke A Ruckert Song
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Karel, Leon Hexaphon
    Karel, Leon Quintra
    McClain, Floyd A Little Joke
    Schwartz, G. W. International Folk Suite
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    SAXOPHONE DUETS
    Barret-Hite Forty Progressive Melodies
    space.gif - 0.0 K

    
    
    

    A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

    LEVEL 3


    With progress through level three comes a real sense of accomplishment. The player should become a good, competent member of the saxophone section in the school band. An interest in stage band or ensemble music could be developing. One hour a day practice sessions should be routine, and as a result, the fingers should become totally comfortable in the patterns of the most used keys.

    The activities that support continued development should be cultivated. Reeds should be carefully selected for vibrancy, response, tonal clarity and good dynamic range. Playing on old worn out reeds should be avoided. At least three well adjusted, broken in reeds should be maintained at all times.

    If the alto saxophone has been the primary instrument up to this point, consideration might be given to playing tenor or baritone saxophone. If possible, a personal mouthpiece for the additional instrument(s) should be purchased. Care should be taken to select mouthpieces with a matched feel to avoid the necessity of severe embouchure changes when changing instruments.


    Technique basics

    Theory basics


    LEVEL 3 STUDY MATERIAL
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Hite, David Foundation Studies
    Contents: Baermann Method, Part III
    Continuing work in this volume, the familiar scales should begin to flow accurately. The tonic chords, broken chords and dominant seventh chords, and the interrupted and returning scales should flow well. The four sharps and four flats keys should be routine.
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Hite, David Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1
    Contents: (See level II)
    Continued study in this book should develop good reading and style fluency. Efforts to stabilize a beautiful sound should be pursued carefully before approaching etudes requiring greater speed. Sensitivity to dynamics and tonal flexibility should be stressed and developed at this time.
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Hite, David Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 2
    Contents:
  • Gambaro 16 Caprices
  • Lazarus, Ries, Ferling 6 Studies for the Development of the Tongue
  • Mozart, Mazas, Fiorillo 4 Expressive Studies
  • Lazarus, Ries 3 Studies for Nimble Speed
  • Depas, Venzl 3 Chromatic Studies
  • Berr, et al. Studies for Flexibility
  • Kreutzer 2 Studies on Trills
  • Dont 14 Etudes, Op. 37
  • Hite Scales in thirds
  • While refining the slower Nocentini and Baermann etudes of Book 1, it is well to begin practicing these Gambaro studies for finger and tongue dexterity. The key signatures of these etudes stay within three sharps and three flats so that these scale and chord patterns can be totally mastered. The studies for extra work in specialized areas - tongue, speed, chromatics, trills, etc. - can be approached as needed.
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Hite, David Forty Progressive Melodies by A.M.R. Barret plus Eight Progressive Exercises by Dont
    Continued use of this volume can constitute recreational playing, giving vent to imaginative phrasing style with slight variation each time these studies are played. When the studies have been securely mastered, a teacher or friend can add the second part, helping to develop rhythmic independence and dynamic balance.

    LEVEL 3 REPERTOIRE
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Bach-Leeson Air (Suite in D Major)
    Bournonville-Gee Danse pour Katia
    Cailliet, Lucien Theme and Variations
    Glazunov-Leeson Serenade Espagnole
    Handel-Gee Adagio and Allegro (Sonata No. 1)
    Pierne-Gee Serenade, Op. 7
    Reed, Alfred Ballade
    Vadala, Kathleen Sea Change
    Walters, David Episode
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Blavet-Merriman Adagio and Presto (1983)
    Handel-Gee Adagio and Allegro (Sonata No. 1)
    Loeillet-Voxman-Block Adagio and Allergro
    Pierne-Gee Piece in G Minor
    Ross, William Aria and Dance
    Vadala, Kathleen Sea Change
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR BARITONE SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Davis, William Variations on a Theme of R. Schumann
    Giovannini, Caesar Romance
    space.gif - 0.0 K

    
    
    

    A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

    LEVEL 4


    While working through level four, the opportunity for many performance responsibilities should emerge: auditions for solo chair positions at school, solo and ensemble contests, scholarship auditions, talent shows, and solos in band and orchestra concerts. Summer enrichment programs, music festivals and regional band-orchestra chairs should be pursued.

    Continuation of private study is important to effectively focus on detailed preparations for solo appearances, contests and auditions. If possible, a professional level instrument should be obtained to attain the best in sound, intonation and technique. An interest in mouthpieces, better reeds and the skill of adjusting reeds should continue to evolve.

    More extensive listening habits should be developed. Following good music radio stations, learning the classical orchestral repertoire, learning about great composers, and identifying music periods and jazz styles will cultivate high performance standards and ambitions.


    Technique basics

    Theory basics


    LEVEL 4 STUDY MATERIAL
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Hite, David Foundation Studies
    Contents: Baermann Method, Part III
    Practice should extend into the intervals of thirds, fourths and fifths. Work on the scales, chords, interrupted scales and returning scales in five and six sharps and flats, as well as chromatic scales and diminished chords should be in progress. Keys of four sharps and four flats should now be well routined.
    Hite, David Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 2
    Contents: (See level III)
    Continuing study should encompass all the Gambaro studies in advanced speeds. The Dont etudes develop dexterity in larger intervals requiring not only finger coordination, but also eye and ear coordination for tonal consistency. The expressive etudes should be analyzed so that they can be played with consummate style. The tonguing exercises strengthen the tongue and increase staccato speed and clarity, while the trill and chromatic studies promote finger dexterity.
    Hite, David Four Sonatas by A.M.R. Barret and Five Melodious Studies by D. Alard
    Study of these three movement Barret Sonatas focuses on refinement of musicianship, accuracy of reading and stability of performance. Intermediate in difficulty, they can supplement the Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 2, and are also appropriate for concert performance. The Alard studies provide a solid review of technique and articulation.
    Rossari-Iasilli 53 Melodious Etudes, Book 1, No. 1-25
    Thesse supplementary studies develop routine, accurate reading in major and minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.
    Gee, Harry Progressive and Varied Etudes
    Contents:
  • Gee Misc. Studies, Scales and Etudes
  • Barret 13 Etudes
  • Bach, Sellner, Ferling, Koehler Misc. Etudes
  • Combelle, Ferling Misc. duets
  • This volume broadens and varies the practice options. Scales and chords are classified and drilled, and practice routines are suggested. Jazz style etudes are introduced.

    LEVEL 4 REPERTOIRE
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE ALONE
    Kawarsky, J. Te' Amim
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Anderson-Leeson Sonata, No. 1
    Bozza-Hite Divertissement
    Colin-Cailliet Eighth Solo
    George, T.R. Introduction and Dance
    Von Kreisler, A. Two Impressions
    Leclair-Gorner-
      Hemke
    Sonata in G Minor
    Lefebvre-Cailliet Andante and Allegro
    Senaille-Gee Allegro Spiritoso
    Walters, David Andante and Scherzo
    Ward-Hemke An Abstract
    Wetzel, Richard Vignettes of a Fable Land
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Anderson-Leeson Sonata
    Bach-Gee Sonata IV
    Devienne-Jaeckel Largo and Allegretto (Sonata No. 2)
    Handel-Gee Andante and Allegro
    Handel-Ephross Sonata No. 5
    Senaille-Ephross Allegro Spiritoso
    Spohr-Gee Adagio
    Walters, David Andante and Scherzo
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR BARITONE SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Senaille-Gee Allegro Spiritoso
    Spears, Jared Ritual and Celebration
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    DUET FOR ALTO AND TENOR SAXOPHONES
    Tull, Fisher Dialogue
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    DUETS FOR ALTO OR TENOR SAXOPHONES
    Hite, David Four Sonatas by A.M.R. Barret and Five Melodious Studies by D. Alard
    space.gif - 0.0 K

    
    
    

    A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

    LEVEL 5


    The student advancing through level five is seriously dedicated to the saxophone. In many high schools there is very little competition on this level. However, all-city and all-state ensembles offer unique learning and performance experiences that provide lifelong memories. College music students on this level will find new motivation by associating with capable colleagues and participating in more mature performing groups. Soloing in recitals and with ensembles brings special artistic self identity. Opportunities for professional work in the locale should be sought.

    Career plans should be contemplated at this level in order to give more specific direction to immediate goals. Consideration should be given to opportunities in commercial studios, service bands and educational institutions. Professional engagements should be sought. Depending on individual interests, study of other woodwind doubles might be pursued at this point.

    Subscriptions to the North American Saxophone Alliance periodical (c/o David Lovrien, 2232 Bowie Dr., Carrollton, TX 75006) and the Saxophone Journal (P.O. Box 206, Medfield, MA 02052) provide additional insight into the saxophone world.


    Technique basics Theory basics
    LEVEL 5 STUDY MATERIAL
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Ferling-Andraud 48 Famous Studies and 3 Duo Concertants
    Standard in most teaching curriculums, these studies are excellent for refinement of style and technique. To play the duets and the Trio, Op. 87, by Beethoven included in this volume, it is necessary to buy a separate book for the second part.
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Rossari-Iasilli 53 Melodious Etudes, Book II, No. 26-53
    Like the first volume, these etudes are excellent reading material providing the opportunity to digress from usual practice fare and to self examine accuracy and impromptu style.

    LEVEL 5 REPERTOIRE
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR SOPRANO SAXOPHONE ALONE
    Kawarsky,J. Awake, North Wind
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Anderson, Garland Sonata, No. 2
    Anderson, T.J. Sonata, No. 1
    George, T.R. Suite
    Knight-Leeson Sonata
    Lacome-Andraud
    Rigaudon
    Leeson, Cecil Concertino
    Leeson, Cecil Sonata, No. 1
    Lunde-Leeson Sonata
    Moritz-Leeson Sonata, No. 1, Opus 96
    Pierne-Gee Canzonetta
    Rabuad-Gee Solo de Concours
    R.-Korsakoff-
    Leeson
    Flight of the Bumble Bee
    Schubert-Leeson L'Abeille (The Bee)
    Schumann-Hemke Three Romances
    Snyder-Hemke Seven Epigrams
    Tuthill-Leeson Sonata, Opus 20
    FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Devienne-Jaeckel Adagio and Rondo
    Lacome-Andraud Rigaudon
    Pasquale-Hemke Sonata
    Pierne-Gee Canzonetta
    Sherman-Leeson Sonata
    Stein-Leeson Sonata
    Tuthill-Leeson Concerto, Opus 50
    Tuthill-Leeson Sonata, Opus 56 (1968)
    Weiner, Lawrence Etude
    FOR BARITONE SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Bach-Kasprzyk Suite, No. 1
    Bach-Kasprzyk Suite, No. 3
    Bach-Kasprzyk Suite, No. 4

    
    
    

    A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

    LEVEL 6


    At level six a commitment to continuous refinement of artistic style and tone should be made. Career plans may be leading to the field of education in either the public schools or college level, or to self-employment as a performing musician and private teacher.

    On this level it is important to broaden personal tastes in music - not only music for saxophone, but also music for other woodwinds, brass, strings, keyboard, voice and ensembles. General music education should encompass the study of both classical and jazz history, theory, conducting and education.

    In metropolitan areas various professional playing opportunities can be obtained through local music contractors. The musicians' union paper announces auditions for open positions.


    Technique basics

    Theory basics


    LEVEL 6 STUDY MATERIAL
    Hite, David Foundation Studies
    Contents: Baermann Method, Part III
    These studies may now be used as a daily warm-up or as a test for new reeds. Use them for maintaining the sharpness of basic technique. They can be employed in making small embouchure changes or developing flexibility or endurance. These Baermann studies are an excellent place to learn to refine mobility over large intervals and legato flow at all dynamics.
    Devienne-Andraud Six Sonatas
    These sonatas provide excellent material for reading fluency in the classic style.
    Karg-Elert-Lerner Twenty-Five Caprices
    Through these Caprices (plus an atonal sonata), the composer attempted to raise the level of musical expression of the saxophone above the limited scope of the time, 1915-1929. Each Caprice is a different dance form. The harmonic vocabulary is advanced, relating to all major and minor keys and various modes. This quality material is well worth study, analysis and practice.
    space.gif - 0.0 K
    Parisi-Iasilli 40 Technical and Melodious Studies, Bk II
    These etudes explore the virtuosic spectrum of technique in mid-nineteenth century style. They offer a challenge that can be met with a variety of objectives: reading fluency at an advanced level; effective review of nineteenth century style; maintenance of articulate sharpness.

    LEVEL 6 REPERTOIRE
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Anderson, Garland Adagio
    Beall, John Sonata
    Cho, Gene J. Sonata, 1971
    Demersseman-Hemke Le Carnaval de Venise
    Karlins, M. William Music for Alto Saxophone and Piano (utilizes expanded pitch range)
    Mason, Thom David Canzone da Sonar, 1974
    Moritz, Edvard Sonata, No. 2, Opus 103
    Raphling, Sam Sonata, No. 1, 1945
    Thornton, William Sonata, 1987
    Weinberger, Jaromir Concerto, 1940
    FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Karlins, M. William Music for Tenor Saxophone and Piano
    FOR BARITONE SAXOPHONE WITH PIANO
    Anderson, Garland Sonata, Opus 6
    FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE WITH BRASS QUINTET
    Tull, Fisher Concerto da Camera

    
    
    

    A Saxophonist's Study Guide by David Hite

    LEVEL 7


    Formal study of the saxophone culminates at this level. Special interests such as contemporary styles, artistic study abroad or special research are possibilities at this point.

    Some career objectives may have specific prerequisites. For example, teaching at the college level requires graduate study. Graduate assistantships with a modest stipend can provide experience in teaching undergraduate students while pursuing a graduate degree tuition-free. A secondary specialty field such as music history, theory or conducting is often useful. Many small to medium size college teaching situations offer the opportunity to combine self-generated sources of income such as teaching, playing, contracting and recording.

    Professional performance experience is generally required for the top college positions. Universities that offer graduate degrees usually require that their faculty members have doctoral degrees in addition to an artistic performance background. After settling into a performing or teaching position and gaining recognition, clinician-soloist engagements may be pursued to enrich basic employment.


    LEVEL 7 REPERTOIRE
    Creston, Paul Concerto
    Creston, Paul Sonata, Opus 19
    Debussy, Claude Rhapsody
    Glazunov, AlexanderConcerto in Eb
    Ibert, Jacque Concertino da Camera
    Milhaud, Darius Scaramouche Suite
    Wilder, AlecSonata

    TO THE PRINT INFO PAGE

    TO HITE SITE HOMEPAGE


    A Saxophonist's STUDY GUIDE by David Hite, VERSION FOR PRINTING
    All contents copyright © David Hite, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Revised: May 24, 1997
    URL: http://www.jdhite.com/study/saxophone-p.htm