Jazz Saxophone Lesson Grading/Philosophy  (8/09)

Lessons on the major instrument can cover a lot of musical territory, but the prime considerations are developing control of the instrument and expanding the repertoire. That means getting one note after the other in tune, in time, with a good sound, and learning a lot of music with the appropriate style and nuance (both written and improvised).

I have often viewed instrumental prowess as developing from two different places - what you want to play and what you have to play.  Think of it this way: nobody gets to choose everything they are going to get paid to play, and it's nice to be able to get paid to play anything.  Control of the saxophone across a broad array of material is mission # 1, and grading will always take that into account.

Grading system:

     2/3 teacher's semester grade, based on accomplishing weekly material

     1/3 jury grade (average of scores)

     Notice that you have to get an A or A- on your jury to get an A in lessons.  A jury grade of B or B+ and a semester grade of A would

     result in an A- final grade

 

The jazz saxophone jury (bad term, I know) will include the following, graded equally:

     Specific jury material decided on by you and you teacher (transcription, patterns, specific tune, etc)

     A non-jazz written etude

     A standard in 12 keys

     Melodies from your tune list (minimum 10 per semester for a minimum total of 80 at graduation)

 

A poor performance in on any one element of the jury will make it difficult to get a jury grade above a B, which will in turn bring down the final grade.

Remember - "A" is not the default grade. We know you are all very talented, and assume that you will all show up every week.  Being a good improviser and knowing a lot of tunes, although important, is also not the complete ticket.  The A is earned by succeeding in every category.  Also, please be aware that missing too many forums, and recitals, regardless of the reason, will negatively affect the final grade.