Saxophone Studio

For many years, the NAU Saxophone Studio has been the shining example of saxophone studies in the southwest and has established itself as one of the most flourishing saxophone performing environments in this country.

Recently, the NAU Saxophone Studio hosted the North American Saxophone Alliance Region II Conference. In addition, NAU saxophone students and alumni have won major music competitions such as Grand Prize at the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, National First Prize at the MTNA Chamber Music Competition, First Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, National Finalists in the MTNA Collegiate Artist solo competition, and performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and international concert venues.

Several of Dr. Bergeron’s students are currently performing in world-renowned saxophone quartets such as Tetraphonics Saxophone Quartet, Mana Quartet, and Project Fusion.

The NAU Saxophone Studio comprises seventeen music majors (Master of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts in Music). Those who are accepted into the Saxophone Studio are expected to develop an outstanding command of the instrument and maintain a rigorous daily routine performing technical studies, etudes, and saxophone repertoire. Each saxophone student will have weekly hour lessons as well as weekly saxophone studio master classes with Dr. Bergeron. In addition, saxophone students will have opportunities to perform in saxophone quartets, chamber music ensembles, concert ensembles, and the highly visible NAU Saxophone Orchestra.

Auditions

About auditioning for the studio

Before you schedule your audition, you need to apply to Northern Arizona University and apply to the NAU School of Music. Please see the School of Music admission page for details about how to apply and schedule this audition.

The saxophone audition serves as the entrance audition for acceptance into the NAU School of Music. The audition is the opportunity to display beautiful tone quality, intelligent musical phrasing, clean and disciplined technical skills, solid rhythmic authority, and demonstrate your potential for future growth. It is a chance for the student to present a well-prepared performance in a confident manner. The audition also is an opportunity to get to know the saxophone professor, see the facilities on campus, and ask questions about our amazing program and numerous performing opportunities. Piano accompaniment is not required

How to prepare for your audition

Practice two contrasting etudes and a piece from the saxophone audition repertoire list (see link below) that best demonstrates your tone quality, technique, articulation, phrasing, and expression.
Practice all the major scales (your full range).You will be asked to play scales.
Ask a lot of questions!

For additional information please see saxophone audition repertoire.

About financial aid

You will be automatically considered for a School of Music Tuition Scholarship on the basis of your audition.

Performance opportunities

Chamber music

Saxophone Quartets (3)

The NAU Saxophone Quartets rehearse a minimum of two hours each week and perform a variety of literature. Each quartet prepares a program of music for performance in studio classes, chamber music recitals, and in concerts off campus.

NAU Saxophone Orchestra

The NAU Saxophone Orchestra was established in 1995 and presents numerous concerts throughout the Southwest region of the United States. The ensemble mainly performs literature originally written for large saxophone ensemble, although transcriptions from various stylistic periods frequently appear on concert programs. The instrumentation of the NAU Saxophone Orchestra consists of the following:

Soprano Saxophone (3)
Alto Saxophone (6)
Tenor Saxophone (4)
Baritone Saxophone (3)
Bass Saxophone (1)

Large ensembles

Students also will have the opportunity to perform in Jazz Ensembles (2), Jazz Combos (3), NAU Wind Symphony, NAU Symphonic Band, Collegiate Band, and Lumberjack Marching Band, and Jacks Pep Band.

Studio expectations

The saxophone program at Northern Arizona University is designed to provide the student with a well-rounded musical education. Applied saxophone study will address the fundamental skills that are essential for all styles of music. The focus of study will be from a “classical” standpoint and emphasis will be placed on the development of authoritative musicianship within the many styles of Western European art music.

Objectives: to develop intelligent and sensitive musicianship and to prepare performance and education majors to be leaders in their occupational fields. Specifically, this includes the development of proficient playing skills, the acquisition of useable knowledge of the saxophone repertoire and related study materials, the understanding of various musical styles, and an ability to perform convincingly in these styles.

Those accepted into the Saxophone Studio will have the opportunity to study with Dr. Jonathan Bergeron an hour each week in private instruction. The curriculum also will include chamber music (duets, trios, quartets, etc.) and weekly master classes.

Chamber music study places an emphasis on effective rehearsal techniques, independent and collective musical judgment, and intonation considerations. Weekly master classes are used to discuss historical and pedagogical topics related to the saxophone in addition to giving students an opportunity to perform for each other in a relaxed environment.

The NAU Saxophone Studio has been represented by saxophonists from Arizona, California; Florida; Illinois; London; Ontario, Canada; Maryland; Nevada; New Mexico; New York; Oklahoma; Oregon; Washington; and Wyoming.

Resources

The North American Saxophone Alliance

The North American Saxophone Alliance is an organization made up of individuals who share a common interest in the saxophone. Members include professional performers, university professors, public school teachers, students of all levels, and others who have an interest in the saxophone. In addition to the Alliance’s emphasis on disseminating information concerning the saxophone, the organization also works to provide opportunities for its members to make music, fostering fellowship among saxophone enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Click here to visit the national website.