You can Learn to Play Jazz Saxophone (for Beginners) Watch Preview

Instructor: Scott Mayo Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, and producer

Course Overview

This comprehensive beginner course introduces students to the fundamentals of jazz saxophone, drawing from 20+ years of performance experience with legendary artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Paul McCartney, and more. The course will guide you through everything from the basics of tone and technique to becoming familiar with the music of jazz from repertoire to improvising.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

    •    Develop proper overall saxophone technique.

    •    Understand basic music theory and jazz fundamentals.

    •    Explore basic improvisation and jazz phrasing.

    •    Build a jazz repertoire and prepare for performances.

    •    Gain confidence in playing with others and recording yourself.


40 Lessons
FREE
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Module 1: Foundations (4 weeks)

Overview

Let's Get Started

Week 1-2: The Sax Essentials

Proper instrument care and maintenance

Understanding your instrument

Developing correct posture and hand position

Good posture and hand position are critical for avoiding fatigue and achieving better control over your saxophone.

Building a strong embouchure

What is an "embouchure" and How do you strengthen it?

Basic breathing techniques

Understanding the saxophone's mechanism

Essential long-tone exercises

Week 3-4: Sound Production

Tone development exercises

Introduction to articulation

Basic scales and fingerings

Reading music fundamentals

Introduction to jazz rhythm

Daily practice routine establishment

Module 2: Jazz Fundamentals (4 weeks)

Overview

Week 5-6: Jazz Theory Basics

Major and minor scales in jazz context

Understanding chord symbols

Introduction to the blues scale

Basic chord progressions

Rhythm section interaction

Swing feel and interpretation

Week 7-8: Beginning Improvisation

Simple melodic patterns

Blues licks and phrases

Call and response exercises

Basic ii-V-I progressions

Transcription introduction

Playing with backing tracks

Module 3: Style Development (4 weeks)

Week 9-10: Jazz Standards

Learning your first jazz standards

Melody interpretation

Simple solo development

Guide tone lines

Voice leading basics

Playing in different keys

Week 11-12: Performance Skills

Building your repertoire

Playing with others

Stage presence

Sound equipment basics

Recording yourself

Performance preparation

Extra Stuff

Resources & such

Extra Course Stuff & such