Very simply put, without a good foundation in the fundamentals, a player will be frustrated because they won’t be able to play what’s on the sheet music in front of them, or what’s in their head—if they’re playing an improvisation.
I’ve always likened the fundamentals to the foundation of a house. Without a good, solid foundation, the studs, walls, trusses, roof, or anything else won’t be quite right. The house will end up looking something like this…
Source: forums.uktrainsim.com
For many generations now, the bible for serious saxophone students has been the Universal Method for Saxophone, by Paul DeVille. The Universal Method is the resource that for many players—myself included—has given them the tools necessary to build a good, solid foundation in the fundamentals.
Regardless of what style of music you play, or want to play, a saxophonist still has to be able to play over the full range of their horn. Sure, the book was first published in 1908, and the études are classical in nature, but the exercises contained in this 320 page book, will make you an incredibly competent __________ player. [Fill in the blank with jazz, ska, R&B, rock, classical, or whatever else you want.]
And while there are references to the Evette and Schaeffer System, and exercises specifically for this new system of saxophone fingering—which unless you happen to own one of these rather rare, 90-year-old saxophones, isn’t really applicable—you can either skip those few exercises, or do them on your regular sax just as a finger buster… Hey, it’s really good practice. 😈
Source: Amazon.com
No one book will cover everything. For example, the Universal Method doesn’t mention altissimo, but it is the most comprehensive resource for the saxophone’s conventional range. Besides, there are many very good resources that deal with the saxophone’s extended range. One I like, is Rosemary Lang’s, Beginning Studies in the Altissimo Register.
If one of my students is serious about saxophone, and wants to improve their technique, the Universal Method is the book that I recommend that we work with. Not only will the book be useful in the here and now, but it will be a handy tool for the rest of the player’s musical career.
After I had been playing about 5 years or so, my private instructor had me buy the book. I worked with him on these exercises for all the years I took lessons with him. My copy has pages falling out, is written in with pencil marks to remind me when to use my bis Bb, or when to use my palm D during a turn AKA gruppetto.
About 10 years ago I decided to buy a new copy of the book. I wanted to start out with a clean slate as it were, and start to work out of the book again and use the exercises in my daily practice.
That’s the thing about the Universal Method, it is a valuable tool that you can use for your entire life. Very few other method books—any ?—can make that claim.
The Universal Method for Saxophone is available in most brick and mortar music stores, and through most online places including Amazon.com.
If you would like to download an electronic version, you can do so through the Internet Archive. Be warned however, it is nearly 32 mgs, and trust me, you will want a hard copy for this.
@Mark: It really is good to have it in hard copy. It’s cheaper to buy than it is to print… Unless you use someone else’s laser printer that is. :devil1:
If you want some pointers on how to start with it, fire off an email to me, and I can get you started. It can be rather overwhelming.
@Sam: I think you and I are very often on the same wavelength my friend. I know we have much the same taste in saxophones.
I’m in good spirits for the most part. How about you? Are you managing OK?
things are good here to,still have test after test guess im what you call a cash cow yuck,anyhow man im onto the grp all starbig band all i can say is wow guess ive been out of touch so long helen this to me bar none is the greatest just go to youtube and check out these guys wish they had a gal in there for you mabe grace kelly,what a alto player,and with phil woods how can you miss
keep up your blog and happy music to you always ,your sax bub,sam
cut my teeth on this book,how strange that i just purchased it on ebay a few days ago and it shows up on your blog thats great and like you i think its still the greatest.thank you helen .from your sax bud,sam.still hanging in there and hope this finds you in good health and spirit
A very interesting Book I had heard of it but I have never seen a copy before to day (I down loaded the copy you linked to) I will be looking for an opportunity to add a hard copy to my collection. :chinscratch: 32 mgs pdf isn’t that big I have some on other subjects that are pushing 80 mgs :devil1: