Sax Scales

Product Description

A systematic approach to mastering the entire range of the saxophone through major and minor scales and arpeggios. Rather than focusing on the middle of the saxophone range and a limited number of key signatures, the goal here is to teach students to read in all key signatures – including enharmonic keys – and to play comfortably in the extreme registers. This book offers exercises that focus in these specific problem areas. It begins with one-octave scales and arpeggios followed by preparatory studies for the full range. This preparation is achieved through exercises extending upward and downward from the middle range with scales finally played full range. Each scale or arpeggio exercise is stated in order of increasing sharps or flats, ultimately addressing all major and minor keys. Report forms for each exercise and key (including metronome markings) are provided so students can evaluate their progress.

About the Author

Stuart Brottman is a creative artist with wide and diverse musical experiences in performance and education. He earned the degrees of Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Indiana University. During his tenure at Indiana he was awarded many honors which included induction into several honor societies. Brottman was bestowed the university’s highest recognition for performance excellence, a Performer’s Certificate. Mr. Brottman studied under many renowned teachers. In his early years he studied with Richard Kennell, formerly of the Chicago Saxophone Quartet, and later with Eugene Rousseau at Indiana University. Jazz studies included work with David Baker and Dominic Spera while attending Indiana University. Additionally he studied oboe with Jerry Sirucek, formerly of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Stuart’s performance experience has been widely varied. Performances have included work primarily as a soloist and as a member of the Enterprise Saxophone Quartet. Musical styles have spanned the spectrum, including transcriptions, standard saxophone literature, 20th century techniques, as well as jazz and jazz improvisation. Brottman’s ability can be seen and heard on the musical instructional video Steps to Excellence created by Yamaha Musical Products. Brottman’s teaching experience has spanned 15 years. He has encountered students of all ages and levels of expertise, from young beginners to college music majors. Teaching experience includes private instruction, group lessons, quartet coaching, section rehearsals, jazz band conducting, and contest preparation. He has worked with students throughout Illinois and Indiana, teaching at Indiana University, Harper College, area high schools, Woodstock Band Camp, and music stores. Stuart is a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain, Music Teachers National Association, International Double Reed Society, and the International Clarinet Association. He is published in the Saxophone Journal, and has attended various saxophone workshops, including the 8th World Saxophone Congress. He has also studied woodwind repair through the University of Wisconsin.