LibGuides: Woodwind Resource Guide: Saxophone Performance and Practice Materials

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Introduction

This page collects selected performance and practice materials available at MPAL! For suggestions to help you do some searching on your own for related material, refer to the call number and subject heading recommendations at the bottom of the page. As always, if you have any trouble finding material in the Library or navigating the catalog, don't hesitate to ask at the service desk!

Saxophone Bibliographies & Repertoire Guides

Below are a few examples of the saxophone bibliographies and repertoire guides available in MPAL or by request through the online catalog.

The Jazz Standards by Gioia, Ted
Call Number: ML128.J3 G56 2012
This resource is a comprehensive guide to more than 250 key jazz songs and includes a listening guide to over 2,000 recordings. The author outlines the history and significance of these compositions and tells how they have been performed by different generations of jazz artists.
Londeix Guide to the Saxophone Repertoire 1844-2012 by Londeix, Jean-Marie
Call Number: ML128.S247 L66 2012
A comprehensive listing of music for saxophone, including solo pieces, pieces with piano, pieces with orchestra or band, pieces for multiple saxophones, saxophone in chamber groups, and more.
The New Real Book by Chuck Sher Co.
Call Number: M1366 .N465ev.1 1988
The new standard in jazz fake books since 1988. Endorsed by McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter, Dave Liebman, and many more. Evenly divided between standards, jazz classics and pop-fusion hits, this is the all-purpose book for jazz gigs, weddings, jam sessions, etc.
The Real Book (Bb) by Hal Leonard Corp.
Call Number: M1366 .R435bv.1 2004
This specific version of The Real Book contains lead sheets and melody lines for popular jazz compositions and standards in the key of Bb for performers.
The Real Book (Eb) by Hal Leonard Corp.
Call Number: M1366 .R435ev.1 2004
The Real Books are a series of published compilations of lead sheets and melody lines for popular jazz compositions and standards. This specific item is in the key of Eb for performers.
Saxophone Soloists and their Music, 1844-1985: An Annotated Bibliography by Gee, Harry R.
Call Number: ML128.S247 G44
This resource is an annotated bibliography of saxophone soloists and music written for them from the years 1844 to 1985, with each chapter focusing on a specific location, time period, or style of music for each soloist. Each entry is arranged alphabetically by the last name of the soloist and includes a brief summary of their life and career.

Saxophone Instruction and Study Materials

The following are some examples of materials on saxophone instruction and study that can be found in MPAL and online.

How to Play Saxophone by Brown, John R.
Call Number: MT502B76 H6
Anyone who plays saxophone--from session players to intermediate students and absolute beginners--will find a wealth of instruction and inspiration in this comprehensive and easy-to-use guide. Using exercises, musical excerpts, scales, and clear explanations, veteran saxophone instructor, John Robert Brown covers the topics every sax player should learn.
John Coltrane Solos by Coan, Carl
Call Number: M109 C64J6
This collection of 26 tenor sax transcriptions features some of John Coltane's most important solos, including Blue Train, Central Part West, Giant Steps, Impressions, Lazy Bird, Moment's Notice, My Favorite Things, 'Round Midnight, and many more. This resource also includes a biography, notation guide, alternate fingerings, and discography with historical notes on the recordings.
Saxophone Secrets by Heavner, Tracy Lee
Call Number: MT500 .H43S2 2013
Modeled on the approach first formulated by the professor of music and clarinetist Michele Gingras in her Clarinet Secrets and More Clarinet Secrets (both available from Scarecrow Press), Tracy Heavner s Saxophone Secrets provides advanced saxophonists with 60 performance secrets that will assist in their musical development.
Charlie Parker Omnibook: Transposed for B-Flat Instruments; Transcribed Exactly from his Recorded Solos (Tenor and Soprano Sax, Trumpet, and Clarinet) by Aebersold, Jamey
Call Number: M106P27 C4
A collection of over 50 songs by Charlie "Bird" Parker, including transcriptions of his improvised solos as heard on standard recordings of each song.
Jazz Conception: 21 Solo Etudes for Jazz Phrasing, Interpretation, and Improvisation: Alto & Baritone Saxophone by Snidero, Jim
Call Number: MT505 .S65J31
This resource is another compilation of etudes based on jazz standards and blues meant for alto and baritone saxophone players. This resource also has an accompanying CD that includes two tracks for each etude, one with the soloist playing with the rhythm section and the other without the soloist.
Jazz Conception: 21 Solo Etudes for Jazz Phrasing, Interpretation, and Improvisation: Tenor Saxophone by Snidero, Jim
Call Number: MT505 .S65J32
This resource is a compilation of etudes based on jazz standards and blues meant to teach tenor saxophone players about the language of jazz. There is an accompanying CD to this resource that includes two tracks for each etude, one with the soloist playing with the rhythm section and the other without the soloist.
Teacher's Guide to the Saxophone by Hemke, Fred
Call Number: MT502H45 T4
This resource is a guide designed for instrumental teachers on the fundamentals of playing the saxophone. The guide covers such topics as selecting equipment, care and maintenance, and various performance techniques like vibrato and breathing.

Taming the Saxophone
Taming the Saxophone is a free online resource created by the professional session player Pete Thomas that provides information about playing the saxophone. The website includes resources for both beginners and more advanced saxophone players, ranging from fingering exercises and basic theory information to exercises for extension of technique and information on improvisation, arrangement, and composition.