Saxophone 2B

About this course

The course develops saxophone technique alongside music reading, listening, counting and wider musicianship. Participants work on scales such as blues, minor and Mixolydian, broken chords, chord theory and transposition, while exploring how to structure instrumental practice. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations with printed and recorded music. Participants play with other students, sometimes supported by piano or a backing track, and work on jazz standards, popular tunes and improvisation over simple musical structures.

What you'll learn

• Apply a wider range of scales, including blues, minor and Mixolydian scales, in improvisation
• Play broken chords and use chord theory in saxophone study
• Read music and apply counting, listening and transposition skills
• Perform jazz standards and popular tunes
• Improvise over simple musical structures
• Develop tone, stamina and instrumental technique

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for improver saxophone students progressing through a second year of study. It requires around a year and a half of serious musical study, the ability to play two octaves from bottom C to top C, and knowledge of specified major and minor pentatonic scales and chord tones. Regular practice outside class is expected.

• Previous saxophone study and established foundational technique are required
• Participants play with other students, with occasional piano accompaniment or backing tracks
• Other instrumental experience may be advantageous
• Regular instrumental practice between classes is expected

Before you go

• A music stand and metronome are essential for practice at home.
• Participants should have manuscript paper and a pencil.
• A saxophone book may need to be purchased on the tutor's advice.
• Class materials and resources are available in class and through Google Classroom.