Saxophone

Technique
Barry Cockcroft
Saxophone technique
The frst part of this book deals with the traditional daily practice of scales. Major and
minor scales, major and minor scales in thirds and fourths, major and minor arpeggios and
dominant and diminished arpeggios. The second part deals with the practise of intervals,
from the semitone up to the octave. This kind of exercise is vital to the development of
fexibility that is necessary for the accurate performance of the large leaps and intervals
found in todays music.
Practice method
I suggest that each scale or exercise be randomly matched with one of the articulations from
the frst page. The articulations are in order of tongue use. The secret of increasing the speed
of articulation is not how often you tongue, but rather how often you allow the tongue muscle
to rest in between each articulation. Therefore, start at the top of the list and work your way
down. I have included common articulation patterns found in groupings of four, but of course
you may also wish to practise triplets and other rhythmic groupings.
Use of a metronome is highly recommended. Play each group of scales at the same speed.
Dont be tempted to play the easier scales faster. Non-systematic practice is why easier
scales developed in the frst place. Once you can play all at the one speed, increase the
metronome marking.
Intonation
Each note needs to be played at the correct pitch. Make sure that your frst note is at
concert pitch and that each subsequent note is just as accurate. In a short time you will have
dextrous fngers and accurate intonation.
Breathing
You will notice a repeat sign near the end of each scale. You should endeavour to play
each scale as many times as possible in one breath in order to increase breathing capacity.
Only through the continual effort of taking large breaths will the capacity and effciency of
breathing begin to increase. When you can play scales in thirds at least three times in each
breath, you will know that capacity is starting to increase!
Final note
Technical practice can be time consuming, so the aim of this book is to provide an effcient,
comprehensive way in which to facilitate the development of a fuid technique. Work
systematically and you will master saxophone technique.
Barry Cockcroft

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Saxophone Technique Copyright 1997 by Barry Cockcroft
ISMN 720019 093
www.reedmusic.com
Published by Reed Music PO Box 2929 Fitzroy MDC 3065 Australia
Used by Permission Made in Australia International Copyright Secured
articulations

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major scales
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major arpeggios
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minor scales
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minor arpeggios
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major 3rds
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minor 3rds
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major 4ths
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minor 4ths
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dominant 7ths
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B

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diminished 7ths
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major 2nds
minor 3rds
chromatic
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perfect 4ths
major 3rds
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perfect 5ths
diminished 5ths
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major 6ths
minor 6ths
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major 7ths
perfect octaves
minor 7ths
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