Classical Saxophone Taught Me These 3 ESSENTIAL Concepts

Something not many people know about me is that I earned a four-year degree in classical saxophone performance. While my career has taken me down a path of jazz and popular music, those years of intense classical study laid a foundation that has influenced everything I’ve played since. No matter what style of music you pursue, there are three essential principles you need to master, and classical saxophone study is one of the best ways to develop them.

Embouchure

Sound is everything when you play the saxophone. If you don’t have a great sound, nothing else matters. Nobody will want to listen, not even you! Classical saxophone training places a strong emphasis on sound production and embouchure, ensuring that players can produce a controlled, rich, and in-tune sound across the full range of the instrument.

When I was in school, my teacher had me practice classical saxophone etudes. Slow, sustained pieces designed to develop control, tone, and breath support. These exercises worked my upper register, strengthened my facial muscles, and refined my attacks and releases. It was like a workout for my embouchure. Once I mastered that, playing anything else became so much easier.

Musicality

No matter the genre, great music is all about expression. Classical saxophone study teaches you how to shape phrases, use dynamics, and interpret melodies in a way that enhances musical storytelling. These are the same skills that bring jazz, rock, or any other style of music to life.

Lately, I’ve been diving into jazz books that pull heavily from the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Even though the saxophone was invented a century after Bach’s time, his compositions remain a goldmine for developing musicianship. My former classical saxophone teacher, Dr. Robert Faub, even wrote a Bach-style piece that’s included in the Classical Saxophone Mastery course we developed together. Playing these pieces reminds me just how universal the principles of classical music are. They transcend genres and sharpen every aspect of my playing.

Technique and Rhythm

Along with sound and expression, technique and rhythm are the pillars of great saxophone playing. If your fingers aren’t fluid or your timing isn’t solid, your playing will always feel clumsy and disconnected. Classical etudes provide the perfect blend of challenge and fun, pushing your technique while also reinforcing rhythmic precision.

One of my favorite parts of working on this new Classical Saxophone Mastery course was revisiting lessons from my university days. It was like stepping back in time and getting those structured lessons all over again, but now in a modern, accessible format. The course includes video lessons covering everything from musical style and history to ensemble playing. Dr. Faub even recorded all the etudes with and without accompaniment at different tempos, so you can practice effectively at your own pace.

No matter where you are in your saxophone journey, these three principles are essential. That’s why I’m so excited to share the Classical Saxophone Mastery course. It’s a structured way for any saxophonist to build a strong musical foundation, whether you’re a high school student, a college musician, or someone looking to improve at home.

Check out the Course and See How it can take your Playing to the Next Level

Classical Saxophone Mastery Vol 1
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