I suspect every instrumental instructor has had the idea of writing their own instruction book. We all have our own ways of teaching particular concepts, a sense of the best order to introduce new techniques, and a certain dissatisfaction with existing pedagogical materials. I have often experienced the frustration of the lack of well-written, approachable music for the beginning to intermediate-level classical saxophonist. 

When I approached Jay with the idea of writing a saxophone training manual, he came back with a better idea – a set of etudes suitable for the classically-oriented Better Sax subscriber. After a discussion or two regarding format and content, the composer-saxophonist in me was quickly inspired. In a matter of two months this set of etudes (and a second volume for future publication) were completed and ready to be recorded. 

The goal of this music is above all to be fun to learn and to play. As is the nature of an “étude” (translation – “study piece”), each work should be relatively short, clear in structure, presenting 2-3 specific technical/musical challenges that will aid in the training of the player in both their mastery of the instrument and their musical development. Each work is inspired by a specific composition, (saxophone or otherwise), style period or genre I believe essential to artistic development. Although the etudes are training pieces, they may certainly be suitable for performance in a variety of settings. 

It is my sincere hope that you find pleasure in learning and performing this music and that you benefit from the process of working through each technical and musical challenge. May this music help you along your journey towards improvement, and ultimately, to artistry.

-Bob Faub