Saxophone Technical Development

Developing a fluent and commanding technique on any music instrument takes a lifetime of ongoing and dedicated work. As my saxophone teacher was fond of saying "On n'arrive jamais" - we never arrive. The list of patterns, scales, and technical exercises we can construct is limitless, and moreover, as each individual is different, no one order will best suit all musicians. On the other hand, there are a few core technical skills that nearly all saxophonists learn during their undergraduate years of study. I have listed these skills below, in roughly the order I feel most beneficial. I have also listed a few guidelines to help in your study of scales. In the future I hope also to include examples of each scale and fingering choices to help guide you.

Suggestions for Practice

- Practice scales slowly
- Play all scales full range (unless otherwise indicated)
- Play scales evenly, without patterns
- After learning scales slurred, practice scales with all articulation patterns
- Always practice scales with a metronome
- Never play scales faster than you can play them perfectly
- In general, fingers should not lose contact with the keys
- Always practice scales with the best possible tone!
- Practice your scales every day
- Vary your technical routine continually (don't get into a rut)

Technical Schedule

Major scales and arpeggios
Chromatic scale
Harmonic minor
Melodic minor - one or two octaves
Whole-tone scales
Augmented arpeggios
Diminished / octotonic / half-whole scales
Diminished 7th / half-diminished 7th arpeggios
Major scales in diatonic 7ths
Modes: mixolydian, dorian, bebop, lydian augmented
Blues scales
Major scales in 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths
Major scales in running 3rds and 4ths
Major scales and arpeggios, extended range
Chromatic scale in major 2nds, minor 3rds, major 3rds, perfect 4ths, augmented 4ths, perfect 5ths
Chromatic scale in running 3rds and 4ths
Altered / diminished-whole-tone / super-locrian scales