JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
APPLIED SAXOPHONE
Fall 2023
Class: MU 134, 334, 434, 534, 535 and MU 113, 313. Section 001.
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Dunbar
Office: 206 Mason Hall
Phone: 256-782-5877
Email: [email protected]
COURSE INFORMATION.
Office Hours:
1. Tuesday 7:30-9:00am
2. Thursday 7:30-9:00am
Friday 8:30-10:00am
3. Monday-Friday 3:00-4:00pm (Virtual)
4. Appointments outside of noted times may be scheduled as requested
*Office hours may occasionally change due to additional university and professional obligations.
Changes will be noted on the office door schedule.
Studio Class Dates:
1. September 8
2. September 29
3. October 13
4. November 10
*Dates may be added or changed at instructor’s discretion
COURSE DESCRIPTION. Private applied saxophone lessons are required of all music majors.
The purpose of applied lessons is to build technique, tone, rhythmic, and musical expertise on the
saxophone to further enhance ensemble, chamber music, and solo performance.
1. MU 134 Primary Applied Music (2)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
(Performance and Applied Music) For Music majors and minors. Primary Applied Music
includes mastery of etudes (studies), significant music literature and improvisation.
Public performance is a required component of the course. May be repeated for a total of
four (4) times.
2. MU 334 Primary Applied Music (2)
Prerequisite(s): MU 134 (4 semesters) and MU 298 and approval of instructor.
(Performance and Applied Music) For Music majors and minors. Primary Applied Music
includes mastery of etudes (studies), significant music literature and improvisation.
Public performance is a required component of the course. May be repeated for a total of
four (4) times.
COURSE OBJECTIVES. Students will learn level-appropriate skills in the following areas:
1. Saxophone technique
2. Musicality (style, phrasing, articulation, dynamics, etc)
3. Awareness of Intonation
4. Fingerings (standard and/or extended range)
5. An understanding of standard saxophone literature
6. Ensemble performance
7. Solo performance
8. Technical skills such as scales, arpeggios, and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc.)
LEARNING OUTCOMES. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply basic technical skills related to
instrumental area or voice by
a. Demonstrating proper technique in assigned technical exercises.
b. Demonstrating proper technique in assigned musical repertoire.
2. Display appropriate interpretation skills in the preparation and performance of assigned
musical repertoire by
a. Displaying the ability to memorize assigned repertoire, as applicable.
b. Integrating concepts related to musical style and interpretation in the preparation
and performance of assigned musical repertoire, as applicable.
3. Maintain effective practice habits. A minimum of 10 hours of weekly practice is
necessary to make adequate progress in applied lessons.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS.
1. Students are expected to fulfill the practice hours each week as outlined.
2. Students are expected to bring all assigned music, materials, and equipment to lessons.
a. Equipment checklist:
i. Instrument in working order
ii. Multiple boxes of reeds – THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF
YOUR INSTRUMENT
iii. Assigned method books and/or repertoire (these must be originals –
photocopies are prohibited)
iv. Metronome/Tuner
3. All lesson material must be secured in a timely manner after it is assigned. Your grade is
subject to be lowered if this is not accomplished.
4. Students are responsible for rehearsing with an accompanist when assigned to do so, and
to arrange for rehearsal times when the instructor can listen to the soloist and
accompanist perform together.
5. Students are expected to attend all weekly lessons and to inform instructor in advance if
they must miss a lesson for any reason. Lessons missed due to a student cancellation will
be made up at the discretion of the instructor.
6. Students are required to attend all studio classes, master classes, and saxophone related
performances/concerts. Absences must be cleared with the instructor prior to the absence.
7. Students are expected to learn all required scales and prepare them for jury performance.
A list of specific requirements for each semester of study is attached.
8. Students will be assigned etudes and music literature according to the student’s ability
level.
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS.
Text Requirements: Solo literature and etudes will be assigned individually, due to varying
levels and needs of students. Please prepare a small budget for music and reeds. These are your
required materials for the course, equivalent to purchasing textbooks for another course. You
will also need a spiral bound notebook, reserved specifically for lessons.
Equipment Requirements.
1. Instrument
1. A professional-level saxophone in excellent playing condition. Avoid brands that are not
well known. The following is a sampling of some good quality instruments.
1. Selmer Reference 54 (My current instrument)
2. Yamaha Custom EX
3. Yamaha Custom Z
4. Typically, you can’t go wrong with instruments by Yamaha, Selmer, Yanigasawa
2. If your instrument has a problem, you are responsible for making sure it gets repaired
IMMEDIATELY. Instruments will be kept in excellent playing condition AT ALL TIMES.
1. Failing to keep your instrument in excellent working condition will prevent you
from performing to your potential and will reflect negatively on your grade.
2. Mouthpiece(s)
1. A bad mouthpiece will make anyone sound bad.
1. Your mouthpiece is at least as important as the rest of the instrument, if not
more.
2. I would rather play on a beginner-level instrument with a professional-level
mouthpiece than on a $10,000 saxophone with a beginner-level mouthpiece!
2. It is somewhat difficult to make mouthpiece recommendations as what may work for one
person does not work for someone else. The following are mouthpieces that I have
found to be of excellent quality and that work for most people.
1. Classical:
1. Rousseau NC4 (soprano, alto, tenor)
2. Rousseau NC5 (baritone)
3. SYOS Signature – Sarah Dunbar (Obviously, this is what I play on, so I
have to add it to the list. I can get you a discount code from the
company, if interested)
4. Selmer Concept
2. Jazz:
1. Meyer 6m
2. Otto Link
3. Vandoren (several good options)
4. D’Addario (several good options)
5. Jody Jazz
3. Ligature(s)
1. There are several good ones, and it really will vary depending on your mouthpiece.
Ligatures may seem unimportant, but they affect how the reed vibrates against the
mouthpiece. Their material and connection points can make a big difference. I like using
the following:
1. BG Metal Traditional
2. Vandoren M|O (pink gold)
3. Silverstein
4. Reeds
1. I currently use synthetic reeds. The Légère Signature Series has an excellent sound and
is the same every time you play it. I also really like the Venn reeds by D’Addario. These
reeds save me countless hours each week breaking in and adjusting reeds.
2. If you are using cane reeds, I suggest 3-5 boxes per semester of a good quality reed.
1. Remember that a box of ten reeds may only produce three good quality reeds.
2. Classical Reeds (typically size 3-3.5 depending on your mouthpiece)
1. Vandoren Traditional Blue Box or V21
2. D’Addario Classic or Reserve
3. Jazz Reeds (typically softer than what you use for classical)
1. D’Addario Select Jazz
2. Vandoren Red or Green boxes
3. Rico Select Jazz (filed)
JSU Lap Top Policy: Jacksonville State University students will need a laptop that runs either
Windows or Macintosh operating systems. Students are encouraged to bring laptops to classes
and learning spaces on campus to access virtual labs and other computing resources available
online. This laptop requirement ensures you will have adequate and timely access to the
electronic resources necessary to be a successful JSU Gamecock. Chromebooks, tablets, and
smart phones cannot access all the electronic educational material and resources used at JSU and
are therefore not suitable devices. http://www.jsu.edu/it/laptop/
Internet Access and a Tablet, Computer or Smartphone to access the internet. The device must
include a camera.
ATTENDANCE. Students enrolled in applied lessons are expected to attend all lessons. You are
allowed THREE ABSENCES for the semester. Every additional absence will reduce the final
grade by one letter grade. If a student wishes to cancel a lesson, the instructor may make up the
lesson at his/her discretion. Students wishing to cancel a lesson should notify the instructor at
least 24 hours in advance (with the exceptions of death in the family or serious illness).
Insufficiently prepared lessons will not be made up, and a student may be asked to leave. Please
note, we do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. Either you attend or you
do not.
To avoid missing a lesson, students are allowed and encouraged to trade times with a colleague.
This schedule change does not require prior approval from the instructor, but please notify the
instructor to inform them of the change. In the event the instructor needs to cancel.
To maximize lesson time (50 minutes), students must warm up prior to the lesson and knock on
the studio door at the lesson time. Set up and pack up your instrument in the hallway to allow for
maximum lesson time. Please do not knock early, as you may disrupt another student’s lesson or
the instructor’s planning time. Students are encouraged to express what they hope to cover in the
lesson and show an eagerness to learn when they walk through the door. Students should bring
all appropriate music, instruments and materials to lessons and classes.
Note – Students may be asked to leave if they show up unprepared, have a bad attitude, or do not
have all equipment required for a productive lesson – working reeds, mouthpiece, ligature,
working saxophone, lesson music, notebook. In the event a student is asked to leave for one of
these reasons, the lesson will not be rescheduled, and it will receive a grade of a 0.
LATE OR MISSED EXAM/WORK POLICY.
1. Missed juries will only be made up for extraordinary circumstances and will approval by
the entire panel of jurors. To be considered for a make-up jury, the student must submit a
written explanation/reason for the missed jury to the judging panel.
2. Missed lessons will only be made up in extreme circumstances and with prior notice.
Instructors have busy schedules with many classes and lessons, and it is not possible to
shuffle lesson times on a regular basis.
GRADING. Students enrolled in applied lessons will be graded on the following criteria:
1. The student’s weekly attendance and preparation. Daily, sufficient, and intelligent
practice is expected. A grade will be assigned for each lesson.
2. Attendance and participation at studio classes. Every student must perform at least once
during the semester.
3. Technical Studies
4. A final jury performance at the end of the semester
a. Literature should be chosen in consultation with the teacher and should be of an
appropriate level, commensurate with the abilities of the student.
b. Literature chosen for the performance could be a movement of a larger work.
c. Literature must be performed with piano, unless otherwise approved. Plan
ahead, as pianists are very busy come jury time.
5. Given the individualized nature of applied study and the varying difficulty of repertoire,
it is difficult to quantify certain aspects such as the number of etudes and solos a student
should learn and perform each semester; however, as a generalization, studying only one
or two solos a semester would likely be considered insufficient.
6. Grades will be available to view on Canvas.
Grading: 1040 Points Available Throughout the Semester
900-1000+ Points: A
800-899 Points: B
700-799 Points: C
600-699 Points: D
0-599 Points: F
50% - Weekly Lessons (500 possible points)
1. Preparation
2. Professionalism
3. Performance and Improvement
4. Participation
*Maximum of 50 points possible per lesson, lowest three will be dropped. There will be
13 lessons. Missed lessons, for any reason, receive 0 points.
15% - Solo Performance at C&R (150 possible points)
*A performance at studio class may be substituted with instructor approval
15% - Final Jury Performance (150 possible points)
20% - Minimum Technical Requirements (240 possible points: each key is worth 20 points)
Scales: All scales must be passed before Thanksgiving break in order to receive full credit
1st Semester: Full Range Major Scales and Arpeggios
2nd Semester: Full Range Harmonic Minor Scales and Arpeggios
3rd Semester: Full Range Natural Minor Scales and Arpeggios
4th Semester: Full Range Melodic Minor Scales and Arpeggios
5th and 6th Semester: Scales in Thirds
*Each scale, arpeggio, and set of thirds is given two attempts per lesson when trying to pass off
the material. After two attempts, you must wait until the next lesson to attempt a pass off. Failure
to complete scales by Thanksgiving will result in the final grade lowered by one letter grade.
Weekly Lesson grades: Students will be given individualized music performance assignments
for each lesson. Assignments should be prepared to the highest level of your ability. Refer to the
following as a guide:
1. A, 45-50 points: You are prepared to the highest of your ability. You are playing the
assigned material technically very well and have given thought to the artistic
interpretation of the assignment. You exhibit an understanding of the material, and
repeated material from the prior lesson shows substantial improvement.
2. B, 40-44 points: You are somewhat prepared, but still have clear technical issues that
need improvement. You show signs of artistic interpretation. Assignments are incomplete
or not prepared to the best of your ability. Repeated material from the prior lesson shows
some improvement.
3. C, 35-39 points: It is not clear as to whether to adequately prepared for your lesson. You
cannot perform multiple assignments and/or appear to be sight-reading portions of your
music. Your playing lacks technical fluidity and includes major problems with notes,
rhythms, or tempo. Repeated material from the prior lesson shows little improvement.
4. D, 30-34 points: You have not prepared for your lesson. Assignments were either not
completed or completed at a level much less than your capability. Repeated material from
the prior lesson shows no improvement.
5. F, 0 points: You are absent and/or did not prepare for the lesson. Lesson is dismissed
early.
Mandatory Juries, Barrier Exams and Recital Requirements
At the end of each semester a final jury performance of 10 minutes or less for the woodwind faculty is
required for degree majors. Students that have completed a full solo degree recital has been performed are
exempt from a final jury. The jury or recital will equate for 15% of the overall final grade.
Jury Requirements, Semesters 1-3 and 5: a solo work, etudes, and scales based on semester or study.
Mid Degree Assessment for Majors, Semester 4: Solo work with contrasting movements, with piano
accompaniment, and all Extended Range Major and Minor Scales.
Junior Recital, Semester 6: Solo Recital including contrasting works with piano accompaniment
Note: no jury is necessary for the semester a full solo recital takes place
Jury Sign Up
Please be sure to have your semester repertoire lists (from your lesson log) prepared to enter in the Jury
System and check with your accompanist to be sure he/she is available prior to scheduling your jury time.
Jury repertoire lists must be filled out on a computer. Here is the link to sign up for your jury time.
https://jsu.jury-system.com/
Jury/Recital Rubric:
Rhythm 10 Points: Performs with a beat that is secure and with rhythms that are precise and accurate
for the style of music performed.
Technique 5 Points: Performs with the correct notes with precision and control appropriate to the level
of study. Performs with accurate and coordinated finger/hand movement.
Tone Quality 5 Points: Performs with a characteristic tone that is consistently focused, clear and
centered throughout the range of the instrument and throughout all dynamic levels.
Musicality 5 Points: Performs with obvious, consistent, and appropriate dynamics. Performs with
excellent phrasing that is sensitive to the style and with nuance.
Intonation 5 Points: Performs with accurate intonation with the self and other ensemble members.
Articulation 5 Points: Performs with secure attacks, and with appropriate articulation (staccato, legato,
slur, accents, etc.)
Ensemble 5 Points: Communicates effectively with pianist for effective ensemble rhythm, tempo
changes, entrances, style changes, etc.
Professionalism 5 Points: Displays professional attire, etiquette, punctuality, demeanor and stage
presence.
STUDIO CLASSES: All applied saxophone students are required to attend each master class
session. These will be scheduled during the Concerts and Recitals time throughout the semester
(Fridays 1:45-2:45pm). Normally, there are three to five studio classes. Various students will
perform during these informal meetings. Everyone is required to perform at least once.
ACCOMPANISTS. All students enrolled in applied saxophone lessons will be required to
obtain a music accompanist for the semester. Although fees vary widely, you should anticipate a
semester cost of between $150 and $450 depending on your accompanist and how extensive your
performance needs are. If you are not able to hire an accompanist, please do not take this course
since ensemble performance is a major component of the course. Since an accompanist can
greatly affect the quality of your performance, be sure to hire the best musician possible.
PROFESSIONALISM. Act in a professional manner in your preparation, in your conduct with
other members of the studio, in your interaction with your instructor, and in your approach to
your development as a musician. Act professional. Always. And, especially when you’re too
tired to act professional. This is the epitome of being professional, that is, acting
professional even when you’re too tired to act professional. Professionalism looks like:
1. Being a leader
2. Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, whether you want to or not
3. Arriving early
4. Being prepared
5. Displaying good communication skills
6. Giving plenty of prior notice of a tardiness or cancellation (this usually means 24
hours or more)
7. Using appropriate language
8. Taking responsibility
9. Encouraging and supporting students and faculty
10. Making the best of difficult situations
11. Avoiding and discouraging gossip and sexually inappropriate jokes
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS.
• For Secondary Applied Saxophone, on average, a daily practice regimen of at least 60
minutes is needed for success.
• For music education majors, on average, a daily practice regimen of at least 90-120
minutes is needed for success.
• For those that are interested in a future in performance, a daily practice regimen of at
least 3 to 4 hours is needed for success.
• If you cannot make the commitment to this kind of self-discipline, please talk with
me immediately as this course may not be right for you.
COMMUNICATION POLICY/PREFERENCES. The best way to get a hold of me is through
email, and it is how I will contact you. I try to respond promptly, but please realize that I
typically respond to work email between 7:30am and 4pm. If you email me after 4pm, you may
not receive a response until the following business day. You can expect to receive a response
within 24 hours, not including weekends. You may always call or text in the event of an
emergency. (425-387-2227).
University Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy: In a university community, true knowledge can be gained only
through honest means. A Scholar’s Code can be found in both the Undergraduate and Graduate
Catalogs and the Student Handbook. Students who violate the Scholar’s Code will be subject to
disciplinary actions which could range from a zero on an assignment to failure of the course;
repeated offenses can result in dismissal from the university. Records of academic dishonesty are
kept in the Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics.
Student Success Center: The Student Success Center provides an integrated network of support
and meets students where they are while empowering and supporting lifelong learning. The
Student Success Center is located on the Ground (Basement) Floor, 1st Floor, and 2nd floor of
the Houston Cole Library and serves as your one-stop shop for student supports and services.
Services include tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic and career support, success
coaching, reasonable accommodations, leadership development, and peer mentoring through our
Academic Support and Success, Academic and Career Advising, Learning Services and
Analytics, First and Second Year Experiences, Disability Resources, and Student Athlete
Development offices. To learn more about these services and supports and how to access them,
visit https://www.jsu.edu/studentsuccess/index.html
Campus Resources for Writing: The Writing Center offers several free in-person and online
services including writing and digital writing consultations, virtual presentation audiences, ESL
conversation partners, and special-topics workshops for all JSU faculty, staff, and students. A
team of undergraduate and graduate consultants are trained to assist with academic, personal, and
professional writing. Appointments can be scheduled through the Navigate app. For more
information, visit https://www.jsu.edu/english/jsuwrites/index.html
Disabilities Resources: Jacksonville State University is committed to creating an inclusive
learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you are currently
experiencing or anticipate that you will have any barriers to learning in this course, please feel
welcome to discuss your concerns with me. It is my goal to create a learning experience that is as
accessible as possible. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, that may have
some impact on your work in this course and for which you may require academic adjustments
or accommodations, please work with a staff member in Disability Resources so that
accommodations can be considered. Students that receive accommodation letters, or
Individualized Post-Secondary Plans (IPPs) should meet with me to discuss the provisions of
your accommodations as early in the semester as possible. You can find more information about
the Office of Disability Resources on the web or by visiting the Student Success Center on the
2nd Floor of the Houston Cole Library. You may also call (256) 782-8380 or email at
[email protected] . All discussions will remain confidential.
Military Connected Student Statement: The Office of Military & Post-Traditional Student
Services serves all active duty, guard, reserve, veteran, and dependent students at JSU. If you
have any questions, please contact (256) 782-8838,
[email protected], or at the physical location
in the basement of Daugette Hall. If you are a student currently serving in the military (Active
Duty, Guard, or Reserves) with the potential of being called to military service or training during
the course of the semester, you are encouraged to contact your course instructor no later than the
first week of class to discuss the class attendance policy. The instructor may make
accommodations for this absence or suggest that you take the course at another time.
Title IX Statement: Jacksonville State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in
any educational programs or activities and is required, by Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972 and the Department of Education, to uphold Title IX standards. This requirement to not
discriminate in educational programs and activities extends to employment by and admission to
the university. Prohibited activities include sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, domestic
violence, dating violence, stalking and other conduct that is addressed in our "Sex-Based
Harassment and Misconduct Policy." Anyone with knowledge of this type of conduct is asked to
immediately report such incidents to the University Police Department at (256) 782-5050 or the
Title IX Coordinator at 256.782.5769 or [email protected]. If an individual wishes to keep the
information confidential, they should speak with a counselor at the Counseling Services office at
(256) 782-5475 or a medical provider at JSU's Health Center (256) 782-5310. For more
information about Title IX or to report a concern, please visit the JSU Title IX webpage at
https://www.jsu.edu/titleix.
Counseling Resources: As a college student, there may be times when personal stressors
interfere with academic performance and/or negatively impact daily life. If you or someone you
know is experiencing mental health challenges, please contact Counseling Services at
256.782.5475 or visit https://www.jsu.edu/ccservices/index.html for more information or to
request an appointment. Students may also stop by the Counseling Center at 147 Trustee Circle
(located between Sparkman and Mason Halls) to request services. Additionally, the office offers
self-help resources to explore ways students can independently support their mental health. In the
event of a crisis after hours, please contact the University Police Department at 256.782.5050 to
be connected with the on-call counselor. The National Suicide Prevention hotline (988) is
another resource and is available 24 hours a day. You may also reach out to Crisis Text by
texting 741 741 where you will be connected to a trained responder.
Disclaimer: Syllabus and schedule are subject to change with notification to students.
