The Modern Saxophone Project

The Modern Saxophone Project is the "book" I wish I had when I began my undergraduate studies at the New England Conservatory. At that time, information about the contemporary saxophone was available; but inconsistent, untranslated, and even worse, contradictory.

I write "book" because some portions are going to be available in the form of a book, and some take advantage of the possibilities new media offer us; therefore they can only exist on the Internet. The Modern Saxophone Project is currently available in four volumes, Scales, Microtones, Techniques, and Multiphonics.

The Multiphonics "book" is only available online. The material shared is the outgrowth of my doctoral dissertation at the University of California, San Diego, and my position as a Fellow at Harvard University. My aim is to provide organized, accurate and usable information on seemingly unclassifiable, chaotic, and unpredictable material.

The Scales book is based on the routine that I have personally used for the past decade, or so. While there is far too much information for some, I, like many, are visual learners. Meaning, when you put it in front of me, I am much more likely to consistently practice it. If you are just becoming acquainted with the saxophone, I suggest you start at the beginning. If you are an advanced student, feel free to jump to the place that is appropriate for your level. My experience has shown me that many students get tired with playing the same scale exercises every day. This book is the answer to that problem. My goal is to provide a variety of ways to practice scales that incorporate the full range of possibility on the saxophone.

The Microtones book is the first of its type. Today, more composers are writing in a language that divides the octave to much smaller than 12 pitches. This book provides the student and experienced musician alike a medium to explore and refine this rich language outside the context of a musical composition.

I am a firm believer in separating the learning of a new piece of music from learning a new technique. That is why I included the volume on Techniques. These explanations and exercises give the performer ample opportunity to master a new technique before incorporating it into a musical context and composers a complete notation guide to many of the common saxophone techniques as well as examples of how they can be used. This volume will be available in print with supplemental material, mainly videos, available online. While certainly not necessary to use the online component, some may find it helpful.

This series is by no way an attempt to exhaust all the possibilities on the saxophone. It is however, an attempt at showing the wealth of opportunities, and a starting point for exploration. I hope you enjoy your journey.