The Complete Intermediate Saxophone Course from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Play a wide selection of intermediate level pieces from over a variety of genres including classical, jazz and funk.
Interpret advanced rhythmic patterns and apply them to a specific musical context.
Learn about expressive markings at intermediate level, and how it elevates the musical charisma of a piece and its performance.
Add emotion to a performance with the use of inflections like vibrato and musical ornaments.
Master scales up to grade 5 level including major, minor, pentatonic, blues and chromatic scales.

Play in the jazz style using elements like swing rhythm, basic improvisation techniques, and inflections.
Apply and enhance finer artistic nuances in your playing including phrasing, gradual tempo and dynamic shifts, key changes and stylistic detail.
Do more than just read notes - play like a professional musician!
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Play a wide selection of intermediate level pieces from over a variety of genres including classical, jazz and funk.
Interpret advanced rhythmic patterns and apply them to a specific musical context.
Learn about expressive markings at intermediate level, and how it elevates the musical charisma of a piece and its performance.
Add emotion to a performance with the use of inflections like vibrato and musical ornaments.
Master scales up to grade 5 level including major, minor, pentatonic, blues and chromatic scales.
Play in the jazz style using elements like swing rhythm, basic improvisation techniques, and inflections.
Apply and enhance finer artistic nuances in your playing including phrasing, gradual tempo and dynamic shifts, key changes and stylistic detail.
Do more than just read notes - play like a professional musician!
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

The first section is all about the chromatic scale - why it is important and how to play it. Students learn new fingerings, and Karin also recaps important saxophone techniques throughout the section.

Welcome to The Complete Intermediate Saxophone Course! Introductions are in order, and Karin tells you what you can expect from this course.

What will we learn in Section 1? In this lecture Karin gives an overview of the topics that will be covered throughout this section.

Let's warm up! Join Karin with a warm-up exercise to get the lungs pumping, the air flowing and your mind into learning mode.

If you need a refresher on how to place your reed on the mouthpiece, check out the YouTube video below:

YouTube channel: KKsax

Video title: "Correct Saxophone Reed Placement"

What is the chromatic scale? In this lecture, Karin explains where the chromatic scale got it's name, what it sounds like, and why it's important for us to know it.

Karin teaches you how to play the chromatic F-sharp - a fingering that is essential for intermediate and professional playing.

Next up... G-sharp and A-flat.

Practice makes perfect. In this lecture you play two more exercises focussed on the sharps you learnt, Karin recaps the principles of tonguing, and the best approach to learning a new musical work.

One more sharp! Karin shows you how to play D-sharp, and recaps the fingering for A-sharp/B-flat.

Get your fingers ready! Karin guides you through two exercises with D-sharps, and teaches you a very useful alternative fingering for middle C.

We haven't forgotten about E and B! Karin explains why E-sharp and B-sharp isn't part of the fingering chart.

Now to put it all together. Karin shows you the best way to put all the naturals, sharps and flats in chromatic order, and get the chromatic scale under your fingers.

Could you repeat that, please? Karin recaps repeat signs, and we play some in the final exercise for the section.

Karin shares an important viewpoint that you can keep in mind throughout the course.

Nothing better than a performance piece to end off the section. Karin guides you through a beautiful work with piano accompaniment to practice everything you learnt in Section 1.

Welcome to Section 2! Karin gives you an outline of the topics you can look forward to in this section.

Let's add some notes. Karin shows you which five notes you will learn in this section, and we start with the first one, the high D.

Practice makes perfect! Karin guides you through the first three exercises to practice what you are learning.

Next please! Karin shows you the fingering for the next high note, and you get a chance to practice it with an exercise.

"E"asy as pie. Karin shows you how to play the high E, and you put it into motion by playing Exercise 5.

The secret weapon to getting those notes out, every single time. In this lecture you learn about the magical and essential skill of voicing.

All about the high F. Karin shows you how to play the high F, and gives you some troubleshooting advice to get this note out beautifully.

How does a dot change a note? In this lecture you learn about the principle of dotted rhythm and how it affects the value of a note. A theoretical explanation is complemented with examples and exercises.

Karin plays Exercises 7 & 8 with you to practice a combination of dotted rhythms, high notes, key signatures and phrasing.

What is phrasing? In this lecture you learn why phrasing in music is becoming important now, and how to think in phrases when you play.

Save the best (aka the highest) for last. You learn the high F-sharp, the highest note on the Saxophone!

The most exciting part of any section! In the final lecture for Section 2, you perform two well-known folk songs incorporating all the elements you learnt throughout the section. If you want to play these pieces with the backing tracks (without me playing along), you can find the links under the resources tab for this lecture.

Welcome to Section 3!

There are 5 basic types of articulation you should know at this point. In this lecture Karin recaps these articulations with you.

A good way to test your articulation skills. In this lecture you play two exercises, both with articulation markings.

There are 4 basic types of dynamic levels you should know at this point. This lecture serves as a recap of these dynamics, before adding new intermediate dynamic markings.

Two exercises focussed on the gradual increases and decreases in volume. One is based on the C major scale, and the second is a well-known Scottish folksong.

Now for something new! Karin introduces two intermediate articulation markings, with some trivia in between.

Let's up the volume. Karin adds two new dynamic markings as well as a musical term that is often seen together with dynamic and tempo markings.

Why are scales important? Karin recaps the scales you should already know, and shows you what they look like at intermediate level.

Let's play some scales. In this lecture Karin runs through the basic major scales at full range.

Let's start adding more sharps, shall we? Karin shows you the D major scale at full range, and you play it at intermediate level speed before moving on to an exercise in D major, in the next lecture.

A fun, fast, etude in the key of D major.

One of the most exciting parts of learning new music, is playing it with the accompaniment. That's exactly what you will do in this lecture!

For the students interested in playing a practical music examination, Karin takes a minute to talk about the technical requirements for intermediate level practical saxophone examinations.

A lovely dance-like ending to the section. You perform the Waltz with a backing track, after Karin looks through the work with you.

Welcome to Section 4! From here on things start moving steadily into the Intermediate domain, and we pick up the pace.

Lento to Presto and everything in between. In this lecture Karin introduces you to the 6 most common tempo markings, with examples from saxophone repertoire to demonstrate how tempo affects the music we play.

The same melody - a whole range of expressions! Karin shows you how articulation, dynamics and tempo markings can change a melody.

Just like gradual shifts in dynamic, we also get gradual shifts in tempo.

What is a triplet in music? Karin explains what triplets are, how they work within a musical structure, and you get to play some triplets yourself.

Upbeat, pickup, anacrusis... You've heard it all before, but let's take a minute and talk about upbeats in more detail.

C what now? Karin shows you how to play the low C-sharp, and gives you useful tips for getting the lower notes to sound.

A very important lecture in which Karin shows you how to go about learning a musical piece, putting all the elements in place at the right time.

You put the knowledge gathered in the previous lecture to work by doing a rehearsal on Gymnopedie No. 1.

Such a well-known melody, and just beautiful on the sax.

All about vibrato. What it is, what it sounds like, and how to do it.

Using the same checklist outlined earlier in the section, Karin does a rehearsal of the final piece of the section.

The final piece for the section! In this lecture Karin plays Elven Dance with you at full speed, with the backing track.

Welcome to Section 5! Karin tells you what you will learn in this section.

Let's start with a warm-up before moving on to some new concepts.

Sixteenth notes make everything more fun. In this lecture Karin shows you what they look like, how to count them, and where you can find them. You play two exercises with sixteenth notes to end off the lecture.

All about dotted eighth notes. What they look like, how to count them and how to play them.

This is a fun one! In this lecture you play an exercise aimed at testing your rhythmic ability. Paired with a funk backing track, it is loads of fun to play.

Let's get to the bottom of this. In this lecture Karin adds the last two notes to complete the saxophone range, the low B and low B-flat.

So far you've learnt chromatic and major scales. In this lecture you learn about minor scales, how they relate to major scales, how to build them, and how to play them.

Let's talk about key changes. Karin explains how key changes work, shows you some examples from classical to pop music, and then you get to play a folksong from Cataluna with a key change to top it off!

1st and 2nd time endings (also called Volta brackets) are very important to know. Karin tells you all about it, and shows you an example from your upcoming piece.

The final piece for this section. Before playing it with the backing track, Karin takes time to rehearse it with you, pointing out important details and approaches.

Let's end on a high note! After working through the section you are now able to play the final piece of the section, Adagio Cantabile and Presto. Encore!

The highly anticipated Jazz section! You can't play the Saxophone without learning a little bit about jazz. Karin outlines the jazz topics that will be covered in this section.

Before you play any jazz, you need to know a bit about jazz. Karin takes you on a brief tour through the history of jazz, its origins, and its various styles.

There are two types of jazz scales that are important to know when studying jazz. In this lecture Karin tells you all about it, and you play your first jazz scales yourself.

Gimme more! In this lecture you learn two more minor Pentatonic and two more Blues scales, which you will be using later in the section too.

It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got that Swing. A very important concept to understand when it comes to jazz, is swing rhythm.

Let's get something straight. There are many types of beats, especially when it comes to jazz music. In this lecture Karin clarifies which type of beat each term refers to.

In this lecture Karin rehearses this blues tune with you, pointing out important aspects and zooming in on notes and rhythms.

Your first jazz performance!

A very exciting lecture with very exciting content! Karin teaches you all about improvisation, and how to go about putting together solo's of your own.

Need some improv inspo? Karin is here to give you some ideas!

What are those jazz cats saying? Let's take a look at some jazz terminology.

The special effects of saxophone playing. In this lecture Karin teaches you 3 types of jazz inflections, with exercises to practice them.

Let's rehearse! In this lecture Karin goes through this timeless ballad with you and prepares for performing it in the next lecture.

Nothing like a beautiful ballad to end of the jazz section. Enjoy!

Welcome to Section 7! In this lecture Karin tells you all about the topics that awaits you in this (the last purely instructional) section of the course.

Duple, triple, quadruple, say what? Karin teaches you about these terms and how they relate to simple and compound time.

Let's expand! Now that you understand the concept of compound time, let's add two more compound time signatures.

Dotted eighths, again? Let's revisit what dotted eighths will look like, this time in compound meter.

Let's elaborate. At intermediate level you need to be able to read in keys containing up to four sharps or flats, and that means being comfortable playing the scales with those key signatures. In this lecture, you will do exactly that.

Another two key signatures. In this lecture we explore two new key signatures, with four flats and four flats.

All about melodic minors. Karin shows you the theory behind melodic scales, and you play some of them yourself.

We have a last few expressive markings to add, which you will come across in intermediate saxophone repertoire.

Syncopation - you gotta know it! In this lecture Karin explains what syncopation is, plays you a few examples, and then you play some syncopated rhythms from a well-known melody.

The final flourish. Karin teaches you six types of ornaments, which you will encounter in the upcoming performance pieces and also often in intermediate repertoire.

Let's get into the details. In this lecture Karin guides you through the updated checklist to put a musical piece together.

What a beautiful work, especially with the piano accompaniment.

An adventurous work in compound time awaits you in this lecture. Karin guides you through some important things to look out for, before playing it with the backing track in the final lecture.

That's a wrap! Last teaching section, done and dusted. Now on to the last section for some intermediate playing.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Features play-along videos with backtracks, which allows students to practice with accompaniment and improve their timing and ensemble skills

Covers performance anxiety and etiquette, which prepares students for live performances and helps them manage stage fright

Explores jazz improvisation techniques, which encourages creativity and allows students to develop their own musical voice

Includes technical exercises to practice the techniques covered, which reinforces learning and builds a strong technical foundation

Requires students to already know the basics, as it builds upon existing knowledge of scales and basic music theory

Teaches scales up to Grade 5 level, which may not align with all music examination boards and their grading systems

Reviews summary

Intermediate saxophone skills and musicality

According to learners, this course is a comprehensive and valuable resource for intermediate saxophone players looking to deepen their skills and musical understanding. Students praise the clear and encouraging teaching style of instructor Karin, noting how she breaks down complex topics effectively. The course is highlighted for its practical approach, including useful exercises, play-along pieces with backing tracks, and coverage of essential intermediate techniques like voicing, high notes, and scales. While some find the pace or specific technical explanations challenging, the overall feedback indicates it's a highly effective course that delivers on its promise to elevate playing beyond just hitting the right notes.

Some techniques require significant practice.

"Getting the high notes consistently still requires a lot of practice, but the tips help."

"Voicing is a challenging concept but essential, the course explains it well."

"Some of the exercises are quite demanding and require patience."

"Mastering vibrato took me a while, but the explanation was good."

"The rhythmic exercises, especially with dotted notes and 16ths, were tough but rewarding."

Well-structured, mostly good pace.

"The course is logically structured, building skills section by section."

"I appreciated how the course gradually introduced more complex ideas."

"The pace feels right for an intermediate player."

"Could maybe slow down a little on some of the more advanced concepts."

"Section layout is very clear and easy to navigate."

Considered good value compared to private lessons.

"This course offers incredible value for the price compared to private lessons."

"Worth every penny, so much content and guidance."

"Affordable way to continue learning intermediate skills."

"I saved a lot by taking this course instead of weekly lessons."

"Excellent content for the investment."

Focus on musicality and expression is valued.

"Learning about expression markings and dynamics really helped me play more musically."

"The section on vibrato and ornaments added so much to my playing."

"Understanding phrasing changed how I approach pieces."

"It teaches you how to add emotion and character to your playing, not just notes."

"Appreciated the coverage of performance aspects like anxiety and etiquette."

Helpful exercises and engaging play-along pieces.

"The exercises are really useful for practicing the techniques taught."

"Playing the pieces with backing tracks makes practicing much more fun and effective."

"Great selection of intermediate pieces across different styles."

"The exercises help solidify the concepts before moving on to the pieces."

"Enjoyed the play-along videos, they are very well done."

Covers wide range of intermediate topics.

"This course covers everything I needed to know at an intermediate level, from high notes to jazz."

"A very comprehensive course covering all the important aspects of intermediate level sax playing."

"Loved learning about voicing, high notes, and especially the jazz section."

"It really does feel like a complete intermediate course, covering scales, techniques, expression, and performance."

"Good coverage of technical exercises and musicality aspects."

Instructor teaches clearly and encourages learners.

"Karin is an excellent teacher, very clear and explains everything well..."

"Her explanations are very clear, and I feel I am being encouraged every step of the way."

"Karin explains everything very well and her method is very clear and easy to understand."

"I like how she breaks everything down into simple steps and encourages you."

"The instructor is very knowledgeable and presents the material in an easy-to-digest manner."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Complete Intermediate Saxophone Course with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce foundational music theory concepts like rhythm, scales, and key signatures to better understand the intermediate concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review the circle of fifths and key signatures.
Practice identifying intervals and chords.
Complete online quizzes on basic music theory.

Study 'Effortless Mastery'

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Address performance anxiety and improve overall musical expression by studying the principles of effortless mastery.

View Becoming the Instrument: Lessons on Self... on Amazon

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Read chapters on overcoming fear and self-doubt.
Apply the book's techniques to practice sessions.
Reflect on personal experiences with performance anxiety.

Explore 'The Jazz Theory Book'

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Deepen understanding of jazz theory to enhance improvisation skills and overall jazz performance.

View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon

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Read chapters on chord voicings and substitutions.
Analyze jazz standards using the book's techniques.
Practice applying theoretical concepts to saxophone playing.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Scale and Arpeggio Practice

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Improve finger dexterity and technical proficiency by practicing scales and arpeggios in various keys and ranges.

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Practice major and minor scales daily.
Incorporate arpeggios into practice routine.
Use a metronome to improve timing and consistency.

Practice with Other Saxophonists

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Improve performance skills and receive feedback by practicing with other saxophone players.

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Find other saxophonists to practice with.
Schedule regular practice sessions.
Provide and receive constructive feedback.

Record a Performance Piece

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Solidify learning by recording a performance of a piece learned in the course, focusing on applying expressive markings and musical nuances.

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Select a piece from the course repertoire.
Practice the piece until performance-ready.
Record the performance and review for improvement.

Explore Advanced Saxophone Techniques

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Refine saxophone skills by following tutorials on advanced techniques like altissimo playing and circular breathing.

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Find tutorials on altissimo and circular breathing.
Practice the techniques with guidance from the tutorials.
Incorporate the techniques into practice pieces.

Career center

Learners who complete The Complete Intermediate Saxophone Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Saxophone Performer

A career as a Saxophone Performer could be enhanced through intermediate saxophone training such as this course offers. Saxophone Performers delight audiences through live performances, which could include solo work or as part of a band or orchestra. They may also record music for albums or soundtracks. The course helps build a foundation in musicality and expression, essential for captivating performances. Lessons on adding emotion through vibrato, musical ornaments, and advanced techniques prepare aspiring performers for the stage. Furthermore, understanding performance etiquette and managing performance anxiety will be useful to anyone who wishes to perform.

See salaries and explore the career path for Saxophone Performer

Music Teacher

A Music Teacher imparts musical knowledge and skills to students of all ages. This course may be useful for someone wanting to teach saxophone as it provides a structured approach to intermediate saxophone techniques. It also covers essential scales, rhythmic patterns, and expressive markings, which are all vital components of a music curriculum, and provides a framework to pass on to students. Specifically, the comprehensive coverage of scales, jazz elements, and the attention to musical expression offer a well-rounded skill set that a saxophone teacher needs.

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Jazz Musician

Jazz Musicians specialize in playing jazz music, often improvising and performing in ensembles or as soloists. This course helps build a foundation in the skills needed to excel as a jazz musician on the saxophone. The section on jazz includes swing rhythm and basic improvisation techniques. The course offers a chance to learn scales, rhythmic patterns, and expressive markings, all of which are vital for jazz performance. Elements that one would find in years two and three of saxophone instruction are covered. These intermediate techniques are covered at one's own pace.

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Orchestral Musician

Orchestral Musicians perform as part of an orchestra, playing their instrument in symphonies and other classical pieces. The course may be useful for individuals looking to enhance their skills to play saxophone in an orchestral setting. The course aims to build technical prowess and elevate artistic nuances. Working through intermediate saxophone pieces, mastering scales, and refining musical performance will lead to success as an orchestral musician. The focus on interpreting advanced rhythmic patterns, applying expressive markings, and adding emotion to performances may be particularly valuable.

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Chamber Musician

Chamber Musicians perform in small ensembles, typically without a conductor, requiring strong collaboration and individual musicianship. This course may be useful for individuals who play saxophone in a chamber setting as it encourages technical prowess, as well as artistry. The course is designed to help one to play with artistic nuances, like phrasing and tempo. At the intermediate level, the aim is to look beyond the notes and see what one is expressing musically.

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Session Musician

Session Musicians are hired to play on recordings or live performances, often in studio settings. This course helps build a foundation in the techniques and musicality needed to excel as a session musician on the saxophone. The structured lessons, play-along videos, and technical exercises provided in this course can help musicians hone their skills at their own pace. The course's emphasis on playing intermediate saxophone works, mastering scales, and developing artistic nuances are great for a session musician looking to improve.

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Pit Musician

Pit Musicians perform in the orchestra pit for musicals, operas, and other theatrical productions. This course may be useful for those who perform musicals. The course has the goal of helping one to play like a professional musician, rather than to simply read notes. One may also be interested, as a pit musician, in the parts of the course about emotion and musical performance.

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Band Director

Band Directors lead and instruct musical ensembles, often in schools or community groups. This course may be useful for someone who wants to improve their capabilities on the saxophone. As a band director, the individual is expected to be exemplary in their understanding of musical works. In this course, one will play a selection of different works in a variety of genres. Intermediate saxophone instruction builds the technical ability and artistic musicality that a band director should possess.

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Studio Musician

Studio Musicians are versatile instrumentalists who record music for various projects in recording studios. With the help of this course, one may become a well rounded and successful studio musician. The course may be useful for studio musicians as it enables artistry and an enhanced understanding of musical pieces. Topics such as chromatic scales, performance anxiety, and performance etiquette may also be very beneficial.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt existing musical compositions for different instruments or ensembles. This course may be useful for someone who wants to improve their knowledge about different elements of saxophone music. The course provides a deep dive into techniques and musicality at the intermediate level. The focus on rhythm, scales, and musical expression will be helpful for anyone looking to arrange music. This course is a great option because it is designed for learning at one's own pace, and it can be reviewed as often as needed.

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Composer

Composers create original musical pieces, often writing scores for various instruments and ensembles. This course may be useful for those who want to understand the subtleties of the saxophone. The course offers insights into intermediate saxophone techniques, musicality, and expression. The emphasis on scales, rhythmic patterns, and expressive markings helps build an astute understanding of music. This course also provides a way to learn technical abilities, develop artistic nuances, and learn about performance anxiety.

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Music Critic

Music Critics evaluate and review musical performances and recordings for publications or media outlets. As a music critic, a deeper knowledge of the musical works they are reviewing may be useful. This course enhances the music critic's foundation of knowledge in saxophone playing, making them a more adept critic. Through this course, they will play a wide selection of intermediate level pieces, and learn about expressive markings, and how to elevate the musical charisma of a piece.

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Musical Instrument Repair Technician

Musical Instrument Repair Technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining musical instruments, including saxophones. This course may be useful for individuals who wish to become technicians. The course may be helpful for technicians as it goes over a wide selection of intermediate level pieces, covering different rhythmic patterns. The course is designed such that one may learn at their own pace, which could be a plus for a technician who prefers to learn that way.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It typically requires a master's degree. This course may be useful for those who wish to incorporate saxophone into their therapeutic practices. It advances one's skills in saxophone performance, as well as develops artistry. The course will be particularly helpful to a music therapist, as it emphasizes performance anxiety and etiquette.

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Entertainment Lawyer

Entertainment Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients in the entertainment industry, including musicians. A career as an Entertainment Lawyer typically requires an advanced degree. This course may be useful for lawyers who want to better understand their clients in the music industry. This course offers insights into the technical skills and artistic nuances involved in playing the saxophone. A lawyer can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and aspirations of their clients. This course helps to build a foundation in music that can enable a lawyer to represent their clients more effectively.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Complete Intermediate Saxophone Course.

The Jazz Theory Book

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Comprehensive guide to jazz theory. It covers topics such as chord progressions, scales, and improvisation. Given that the course includes an introduction to jazz, this book would be a valuable resource for students who want to delve deeper into the theoretical aspects of jazz music. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

The Jazz Theory Book

Spiral-bound

Becoming the Instrument

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Explores the mental and emotional aspects of musical performance. It encourages musicians to overcome performance anxiety and tap into their natural creativity. This book is particularly helpful for the sections on performance anxiety and musical expression, providing strategies for achieving a more relaxed and confident performance. It is widely recommended for musicians of all levels.

Becoming the Instrument: Lessons on Self-Mastery...

Paperback

Becoming the Instrument: Lessons on Self-Mastery...

Kindle Edition

The Complete Intermediate Saxophone Course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Intermediate saxophone skills and musicality

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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