Learning the altissimo register of the saxophone

Emma Jones

Name: Emma Jones Main Subject: Classical Saxophone Research Supervisor: Pete Saunders Research Title: Learning the altissimo register of the saxophone. Research Questions: What are the different approaches to teaching the saxophones altissimo register? Can a combination of these approaches lead to a confident and comfortable use of this register? Summary: This paper looks at how the altissimo register is taught by a number of performing saxophonists and teachers and how advice from lots of different voices can lead to the moment of understanding with the altissimo register. Several method books exist to help access the register but there are few resources for the initial stages of its performance. A collection of short studies based on selected standard repertoire have been composed as a resource for students who are approaching works that demand the use of the altissimo register. A recording of the study and the excerpt of the original material accompanies a small pedagogical text to help the reader towards success. Biography: Emma Jones is a British classical saxophonist. She graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire with a 1st class honours in 2015 studying under Naomi Sullivan and is in her final year at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. She aspires to perform regularly as an orchestral saxophonist and makes up half of the Element Duo who released their debut album in 2015.

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QUESTIONNAIRE

Creation

My intention for the questionnaire was that it needed to be short enough that respondents would not be put off replying to it but also that it allowed for as much detail as the respondent was willing to give. I chose seven method books for my questionnaire from those that had been recommended to me previously and by searching for the most commonly suggested method books on music forums/websites.

A copy of my questionnaire is found below:

Please state your major teachers at the time of learning the altissimo register and where you studied with them.

When do you begin to incorporate the altissimo register into a pupil’s learning?

Which of these resources do you recommend to students? (Please fill in any other resources you recommend)

- Rosemary Lang: Beginning Studies in the altissimo register

- Robert Lucky: Saxophone Altissimo

- Ted Nash: Studies in High Harmonics

- Sigurd Rascher: Top-Tones for the saxophone

- Eugene Rousseau: Saxopone High Tones

- Donald Sinta: Voicing: An Approach to the Saxophone’s Third Register

- Larry Teal: The Art of Saxophone Playing

Did you use any of these resources for your own development? (Please fill in any other resources you used)

- Rosemary Lang: Beginning Studies in the altissimo register

- Robert Lucky: Saxophone Altissimo

- Ted Nash: Studies in High Harmonics

- Sigurd Rascher: Top-Tones for the saxophone

- Eugene Rousseau: Saxophone High Tones

- Donald Sinta: Voicing: An Approach to the Saxophone’s Third Register

- Larry Teal: The Art of Saxophone Playing

What did you find the most useful in your own development with the register? (These could be specific books, exercises or a particular piece of advice you received etc. Maximum of 5.)

What have you found are the main challenges to students learning the register?

Any final thoughts?

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