Chisato Eda Marling, Instructor
Level I
Musical and Technical Skills
Posture and hand position, and saxophone placement
Correct embouchure
Use of air and breath control
Tonguing basics
Music notation basics
Theory basics- Sharps, flats, time signature, key signature, etc.
Scales – G, C and D major scales, one octave, memorized
Method Books
Essential Elements, Level I
Student Instrumental Course, Book1
Accent on Achievement, Book 1
Measures of Success, Book 1
Repertoire Examples
Bozza – La Campinile
Dubois – Olga-Valse
From Easy Classics for Young Player
From Sugawa – Classical Collection
Level II
Musical and Technical Skills
Embouchure strengthening
Air and breathing progress
Tonguing – Patterns, speed
Theory instruction as needed
Scales – Major scales with 2#s and 2bs, one octave, memorized
Tone/sound – Awareness of the importance of it
Reed knowledge – Brands, thickness, preservation
Method Books
Essential Elements, Book I continued,
Essential Elements, Level I continued,
Student Instrumental Course, Book1 continued,
Accent on Achievement, Book 1 continued,
Measures of Success, Book 1 continued,
Guy Lacour 50 Progressive and Melodious Etudes, Book 1
Repertoire Examples
Bach/Rascher -Minuet
Londeix -Tableaux Aquitains
Bozza, Petite Gavotte
Hunter’s Chorus
Level III
Musical and Technical Skills
Posture – Begin placing saxophone in between the legs if not doing so already
Tonguing – Accuracy, light/soft tonguing ability
Scales – 3#/3b/C major scales, memorized, 2 octaves introduced where possible.
Chromatic scale introduced, G to G.
Tone/sound – Strive for a “thick,” quality sound using throat, air, and embouchure
Alternate fingers and palm keys
Method Books
Essential Elements, Book 2
Essential Elements, Level 2
Student Instrumental Course, Book 2
Accent on Achievement, Book 2
Measures of Success, Book 2
Guy Lacour 50 Progressive and Melodious Etudes, Book 1, continues
Hite Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1 begin
Repertoire Examples
Bach/Rousseau – Arioso
Handel – Andante et Allegro
Handel, Merriman – Baroque Suite
Rascher – Rigaudon
Teal – Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player
Level IV
Musical and Technical Skills
Tonguing – Continued work
Scales – Any 10 major scales, one octave, memorized
2 octave chromatic scale, memorized
Tone – Heavy focus on sound production and quality
Vibrato – Introduced
Breath support – Volume control and flexibility
Sight-reading skills and practice
Musical interpretation emphasis
Goals – Solo fest participation, all-county/all-state auditions, etc.
Method Books
Ferling – 48 Studies- begin
Hite Book 1 Continues/Book 2
Lacour 50 etudes, continues to Book 2
Scale book – Baermann 1st page of each scale introduced
Berbiguier – 18 Daily Exercises begin
Klose 25 Exercises for Saxophone begin
Repertoire Examples
Bonneau – Suite
Handel – Adagio and Allegro
Telemann/Londeix – Sonata
Bozza – Aria
Ibert – Aria
Rueff – Chanson et Passpied
Whitney – Rumba
Vaughn Williams
Lantier
Teal
Level V: Diploma Level
Musical and Technical Skills
Scales – All 15 major scales, 2 octaves where appropriate, memorized
Chromatic scale – full range
Vibrato – Independent decision making of placement, speed, and intensity
Musical interpretation skills solidifying
Sight-reading
Ensemble playing (Strongly suggest playing in an ECMS saxophone quartet)
Introduction of contemporary music literature and techniques
Introduction of overtone series
Method Books
Ferling – 48 Studies continues
Klose – continues
Hite – Continues
Berbiguier – 18 Exercises Continues
Repertoire Examples
Bozza – Improvisation et Caprice
Barnes – Arioso & Presto
Eccless – Sonata
Handel – Sonata #6
Heiden – Diversion
Rascher – Rascher Collection
Level VI: Honors Level
Musical and Technical Skills
Scales – All 15 major scales, chromatic scale whole range, memorized
Musical interpretation and vibrato well executed on own initiative
Sight-reading with accuracy and confidence
Contemporary music familiarity and confidence in interpreting it musically
Overtone series progression
Altissimo register introduced
College audition preparation (when applicable)
Method Books
Klose
Berbiguier
Ferling
Londeix – 8 etude techniques
Marcel Mule – Etudes Variées
Repertoire Examples
Bonneau – Caprice en Forme de Valse
Creston – Sonata
Desenclos – Prelude, Cadence et Finale
Glazunov – Concerto
Heiden – Sonata
Ibert – Concertino de Camera
Lunde – Sonata
Maurice – Tableaux de Provence
Last updated: 6/18/25