Teaching Saxophone

MUE 351

 

Jon Noffsinger, Instructor

Office: 111 Moody Music Bldg.

Phone: 348-1475

Office Hours: Posted at Office

 

TEXT: A Practical Approach to Playing the Saxophone by Stephen Mauk.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

WRITTEN There will be a minimum of three (3) short quizzes testing your ability to observe, diagnose, and correct common problems of young saxophonists. A Final exam will be given which shall consist of information discussed in class and assigned reading. A notebook will be required of all students and should contain all class materials including notes, handouts and any other information which you feel is relevant. The purpose of this notebook is to provide you with a resource for teaching the saxophone in the public schools. This notebook is due at the last regular class session.

PERFORMANCE The chromatic scale from low Bb (small Bb) to high F (f3) [written] Major scales D, F, E, and Eb.two octaves. F arpeggio using front F. Alternate fingering exercises. Vibrato exercises. Selected studies and exercises from the text. There will be frequent evaluations of playing in class. An understanding of problems idiomatic to saxophone playing is essential to the development of an approach to teaching this instrument well.

Your grade will consist of 10% Quizzes, 30%Exams, 30% Notebook and 30% Performance and class participation.

There will be no unexcused absences and no make up exams.

To request disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 348-4285. After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact your professor.

Schedule of Classes:

Week 1

What should I teach first? Playing Position; Embouchure Formation and Initial Tone Production, Hand and Finger Position

Mouthpieces and Instrument Selection Embouchure Set Procedure, Concept of Voicing

Mauk: Units 1 and 2

Week 2

Mauk: Unit 3

Discography

Week 3

Mauk: Unit 7 (continued) Intonation; Special fingerings for problem notes

Mauk: Unit 8

Reeds

Mauk: Unit 9 and 10 Side F#, and Side C

Mauk: Units 11 and 12 Vibrato

Chromatic Fingerings

Mauk: Units 4 and 5

Air Release and Tongue Release

Solo and Ensemble Materials

Mauk: Unit 6

Mauk: Unit 7

Palm Keys, Key of D

Overtone Series and Voicing

 

 

Week 4

Mauk: Units 13 & 14

Ab-Bb Shift

Mauk: Units 15 & 16

Bis Bb and 1+5 fingering

Mauk: Unit 17

1 + 4 Bb

Mauk: Unit 18

Concert Etude

 

Week 5

Review

Written Exam

Playing Exam

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