Saxophone Resources: Books

Chapter titles in this book are:
OVERVIEW OF THE PLAYING MECHANISM
BREATHING THE LARYNX
THE OVERTONE EXERCISES
THE TONGUE POSITION AND ARTICULATION
THE EMBOUCHURE REEDS AND MOUTHPIECES
EXPRESSIVE TECHIQUES
PRACTICING

The most comprehensive book on adjusting single reeds to achieve optimum performance. Includes over 200 high tech pages of text, illustrations, professional trade secrets, and a photo gallery. A must own reference for all reed musicians.

The 160-year history of the saxophone comes to brilliant life in Michael Segell's wonderfully researched, beautifully told The Devil's Horn. Beginning with "a sound never heard before," Segell's portrait follows the iconographic instrument as it is lauded for its sensuality, then outlawed for its influence, and finally credited with changing the face of popular culture. A deeply personal story of one man's love for music-making, a universal story of artistic and political revolution, and a trenchant critique of the global forces that stand in art's way, The Devil's Hornis music writing at its very finest.

The saxophone, its history and technical development from Adolphe Sax (who invented it c. 1840) to the end of the 20th century. It includes extensive accounts of the instrument's history in jazz, rock and classical music as well as providing practical performance guides. Discussion of the repertoire and soloists from 1850 to the present day includes accessible descriptions of contemporary techniques and trends, and moves into the electronic age with midi wind instruments. There is a discussion of the function of the saxophone in the orchestra, in 'light music' and in rock and pop studios, as well as of the saxophone quartet as an important chamber music medium. The contributors to this volume are some of the finest performers and experts on the saxophone.

A text based instructional book which discusses in great detail: the saxophone embouchure; air pressure and breathing; articulation; vibrato; altissimo; and practicing. A particularly valuable chapter concludes this thorough book. Chapter Seven is called "Saxophone Diagnostic" and is a quick reference to solving common performance problems such as squeaking. A particularly useful book for saxophonists and band directors interested in new ideas for teaching their students.

Encompasses every aspect of the saxophone, including its history, the instrument, teaching and repertoire. The book also features music examples and photographs.