WELCOME to the WSU Saxophone Studio
It is our philosophy to graduate students from Wright State University as competent, professional and creative musicians with a thorough understanding and knowledge of the repertoire and pedagogy of the saxophone, and a mature passion for music making. Regardless of your chosen degree program (Music Performance or Music Education), the same high performing standards are expected from all studio players.
Applied lessons consist of general concepts of musicianship such as musical analysis, tonal development, phrasing, intonation, and technical development including all forms of scales, overtone control and altissimo development, as well as transcribed, original, and contemporary literature of the saxophone. Attention will also be given to an historical view of the instrument’s development and it’s place in musical society as well as some general theoretical principles as they apply to the saxophone and it’s performance.
In addition to applied performance, your studies will include saxophone pedagogy. This incorporates a survey of techniques, materials, methods, and literature in teaching saxophone lessons to various ages and skill levels. If opportunity arises, a student may have opportunity to engage in service learning through the provision of applied instruction to students and/or sections in the local community.
WSU offers a full range of degrees for saxophonists including:
- Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a major in Saxophone
- Bachelor of Arts in Music (saxophone emphasis) and an outside field.
- Master of Music in Saxophone Performance
- Master of Music in Music Education with a major in Saxophone
- Master of Humanities (saxophone emphasis)
- Minor in Music (saxophone emphasis)
The WSU Saxophone studio maintains an exceptionally talented student body of saxophone majors. Students have many performance opportunities including:
- Saxophone Quartets
- Wind Symphony
- Symphonic Band
- Concert Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- Jazz Combo
- Weekly Saxophone Studio class
- Weekly student recitals
- Full Saxophone Studio Recitals each quarter
- Convocation Recitals
- Chamber Music recitals
- Outreach Concerts to Local Schools
Past students in the saxophone studio have had much success in winning competitions, awards and scholarships. Many continue in graduate programs and become teachers at well known schools and universities.
WSU saxophonists have been able to work with renowned musicians including:
- Jean-Marie Londeix
- William Street
- Griffin Campbell
- Fred Hemke
- Steven Mauk
- Dale Underwood
- Jamal Rossi
- Harry Fackleman
- Susan Fancher
- Steven Rosenthal
- Joe Murphy
- Tyler Kuebler
- Russ Carere
- April Lucas
- Anthony Alduino
- Paul Haar
- David Nabb
- Gabriella Maurino
- US Army Band Saxophone Quartet
- Amherst Saxophone Quartet
- Empire Saxophone Quartet