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MUAP 1001-5001.309

Repertoire List

The following repertoire list is divided into eight levels, with corresponding technical exercises and goals. "Core" works are designated with an asterisk ( * ). This list is representative and is not intended to be comprehensive. Saxophone repertoire is continually evolving and this list should be viewed and used as a starting point. Concertos and many of the "core" pieces should be memorized.      

Level One

Level one serves as an introduction to entry level concert saxophone repertoire. This repertoire focuses primarily on the development of tone. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:  

 Prior to studying level two repertoire, students must

1. Demonstrate mastery of the five skills above.
2. Prepare three of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment. Repertoire should be prepared to a performance level.

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Level Two

Level two serves as a further introduction to concert saxophone repertoire. This repertoire contains increasingly challenging rhythms and phrase types. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:

1. full range chromatic scale in eighth notes at quarter note equals 144
2. full range major scales in sixteenth notes at quarter equals 100
3. full range major scales in thirds, in eighth notes at quarter note equals 100
4. proficiency with the ensemble skills that are required by level two repertoire
5. ability to tune unisons in all registers, with other saxophonists using embouchure manipulation and/or mouthpiece placement
6. understanding of basic saxophone tone production and vibrato

  Prior to studying level three, students must:

1.        Demonstrate mastery of the six skills above.

2.        Prepare three of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment. Repertoire should be prepared to a performance level.

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Level Three

Level three features works with increasingly challenging technique, endurance and phrasing. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:

1. full range chromatic scale in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 88
2. full range major scales in sixteenth notes at quarter equals 120
3. full range major scales in thirds, in eighth notes at quarter note equals 120
4. proficiency with the ensemble skills that are required by level three repertoire
5. ability to quickly tune unisons in all registers, with other saxophonists using embouchure manipulation and/or mouthpiece placement
6. increasing control and flexibility with tone production and vibrato

Prior to studying level four repertoire, students must

1.        Demonstrate mastery of the six skills listed above.

2.        Prepare three of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment (when needed). Repertoire should be prepared to a performance level.

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Level Four  

Level 4 includes repertoire suitable for a Jr. Recital. Many of these are "core" concert saxophone works. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:  

1. full range chromatic scale in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 120
2. full range major scales in sixteenth notes at quarter equals 126
3. full range major scales in thirds, in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 100
4. harmonic minor scales in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 100
5. proficiency with the ensemble skills that are required by level four repertoire
6. ability to tune unisons in all registers, with piano.
7. increasing control and flexibility with tone production and vibrato
8. some facility with the altissimo register

Prior to studying level five repertoire, students must

1.        Demonstrate mastery of the eight skills above.

2.        Prepare five of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment (as needed). Repertoire should be prepared to a performance level.

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Level Five

Level five includes large scale works from the "core" of the repertoire. Many of these works are suitable for a junior or senior degree recital or a graduate school audition or solo/concerto competition. This level also serves as an introduction to third generation or extended technique repertoire. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:  

1. full range chromatic scale in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 132
2. full range major scales in sixteenth notes at quarter equals 132
3. full range major scales in thirds, in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 120
4. harmonic minor scales in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 132
5. full range harmonic minor scales in thirds, in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 120
6. proficiency with the ensemble skills that are required by level five repertoire
7. ability to tune unisons with piano in all registers, with dynamic variation
8. control and flexibility with tone production and vibrato
9. facility with the altissimo register
10. facility with basic extended techniques - multiphonics, quarter tones

 Prior to studying level six repertoire, students must  

1. Demonstrate mastery of the ten skills above.
2. Prepare five of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment (as needed). Repertoire should be prepared to a performance level. One of the five works must be performed from memory. 

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Level Six

Level six includes two second generation "core" works. These pieces require flexibility and dynamic control throughout the range, including the altissimo register. Many of these works call for increased attention to vibrato and include challenging technical writing. Several pieces use contemporary notation techniques such as feathered beaming and spatial notation. Much of this repertoire is suitable for a master's degree recital. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:

1. full range major scales in sixteenth notes at quarter equals 152
2. full range major scales in thirds, in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 132
3. harmonic minor scales in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 152
4. full range harmonic minor scales in thirds, in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 132
5. proficiency with the ensemble skills that are required by level six repertoire
6. ability to tune unisons with piano in all registers, including altissimo, with dynamic variation
7. a high degree of control and flexibility with tone production and vibrato
8. facility with the altissimo register
9. facility with some extended techniques - quarter tones, flutter tonguing

Prior to studying level seven repertoire, students must

1.        Demonstrate mastery of the nine skills above.

2.        Prepare and perform five of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment (as needed).   One of the five works must be performed from memory. 

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Level Seven

Level seven includes more third generation or extended technique pieces. This repertoire requires a comprehensive technique from both saxophonist and pianist, as well as considerable ensemble skills. These pieces place increasing demands on the saxophonist's musicianship and endurance. Much of this repertoire is suitable for a master's or doctoral degree recital. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:  

1. full range major scales in fourths, in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 152
2. proficiency with the ensemble skills that are required by level six repertoire
3. well-developed ability to play contemporary musical lines, including those that use complex rhythms, consecutive leaps and octave displacement 

  Prior to studying level eight repertoire, students must:  

1. Demonstrate mastery of the three skills above.
2. Prepare and perform three of the pieces listed above with piano accompaniment (as needed).  Two of the three works must be performed from memory. 

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Level Eight

The works listed under level eight use virtuoso techniques and/or extended techniques throughout. Some consider the Albright and Berio to be part of the "core" repertoire. These pieces require a comprehensive technique from both saxophonist and accompanying musicians.  Much of this repertoire is suitable for a master's or doctoral degree recital. Some of the skills required to successfully perform this repertoire are:

1. major and minor scales with all intervals in sixteenth notes at quarter note equals 168
2. proficiency with ensemble skills
3. well-developed ability to play contemporary musical lines, including those that use complex rhythms, consecutive leaps and octave displacement 
4. proficiency with extended techniques