Saxophone 5

About this course

The course develops advanced saxophone playing through jazz standards, repertoire building and focused work in different jazz styles. Sessions include technical practice, memorising tunes, section playing, soloing and regular improvisation, supported by reference recordings and play-along tracks. Learners work across all 12 major and minor keys and are encouraged to create exercises, share effective practice habits and develop a personal approach to ongoing study. Transcription and work on jazz harmony form part of the musicianship training.

What you'll learn

• Apply saxophone technique across major and relative minor scales and arpeggios
• Improvise using jazz language and a working understanding of the jazz idiom
• Expand and memorise a repertoire of jazz standards
• Transcribe saxophone solos
• Plan regular practice for continued technical and musical development

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for advanced saxophone players with a high level of instrumental competence and a working knowledge of jazz harmony. Participants should be able to play major and relative minor scales and arpeggios, keep time securely and read music in common time signatures. Some experience with the II-V-I cadence is desirable.

• Requires regular practice between sessions
• Includes ensemble section playing, soloing and improvisation
• Uses jazz standards, reference recordings and play-along tracks

Before you go

• A music stand and metronome are essential for personal practice.
• Learners need access to a piano or keyboard for personal practice.
• Regular technical practice and tune preparation outside class are expected.