Description
CHOPS is a complete revision and update to the existing pedagogical materials available for saxophone as pertains to fundamentals and technique. Saxophonists have developed an immensely impressive arsenal of technical abilities as evidenced by the extraordinary demands placed on us by the latest music written for the instrument. There is, however, quite a gap between the demands we see in our repertoire and the demands we see in most of our technical and fundamental methods.
While there have been a number of pedagogical methods that have introduced and detailed various extended techniques, our fundamental books are all written for a saxophone that no longer exists, that being, the saxophone of 2.5 octaves where the altissimo register is treated as if it were yet another extended technique. During my own studies I was frequently encouraged to extend exercises from other methods as well as incorporate similar exercises from other instruments, this book is the result of nearly 20 years doing just that.
A daily warm-up and technical regimen is one of the most necessary parts of serious study of the instrument. By having time each day to address any technical issues while at the same time finding time to extend and develop new skills, the student can free themselves to practice their repertoire without limitations and inhibitions, thus, enabling physical ease and depth of expression. This type of warm-up routine should include some portion of each of the chapters from this book: Long Tones, Mechanism, Voicing Flexibility, Vocalises, Articulation, Scales, Intervals, Arpeggios, and Cool Down Exercises.
Features:
- Several different approaches to long tones included subdivided time, wedge figures, and large leap long tones also featuring vibrato and intonation excerpts.
- Mechanism exercises in the most challenging parts of saxophone register changes.
- New voicing flexibility patterns for developing accuracy and range.
- “Vocalises” as an expressive technical bridge between long tones and technique practice.
- Single, Double, and Triple tongue instruction through the altissimo register
- 3+ Octave Diatonic and Chromatic Scales, Scale Patterns, Intervals, and Arpeggio progressions.
- Cool Down Exercises to finish the practice day.
This is an extensive collection of exercises designed to provide enough new and challenging material to keep the advanced student occupied for many years while introducing new pedagogy never before published for saxophone. By working with this text in manageable amounts, the contemporary saxophonist will continue to push the limits of what is possible on the instrument well into the next century.
Carrie Koffman –
What a phenomenal resource! I love this book. Dr. Graser has given us an extensive set of exercises to address numerous challenges. Traditional facility exercises for saxophone have been updated to incorporate an octave of altissimo in an integrated rather than isolated approach. He has also effectively adapted exercises from methods for other instruments for use on the saxophone. In addition, he has created and authored his own unique approaches to the acquisition of various skill sets. This book will be required course material for all of my students from this day forward!
Carrie Koffman, Associate Professor of Saxophone at The Hartt School of Music, Lecturer of Saxophone at The Yale School of Music.
Claude Dlangle –
From an historic point of view, the author has very cleverly synthesized many flute methods, and incorporated many of Caruso’s subdivided time warm-ups! Writing the altissimo studies at the proper range is a superb reading exercise for all saxophonists. I really appreciate Graser’s new voicing studies, overtone pattern work and multiple articulation pedagogy through the altissimo register. I plan to use much of the vocalise system included here as a bridge between warm-up and technical work. The cool down exercises are a new kind of concept that I plan to incorporate into my own routines! Thank you very much and congratulations Dan on this tremendous achievement. I plan to be the first one to buy this book when it becomes available.
Claude Delangle, Professor of Saxophone Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP).
Joseph Lulloff –
Chops is truly an excellent compilation of pedagogical materials for the saxophone. Superbly detailed and organized, Dr. Graser has presented valuable and effective exercises that cover a vast array of saxophone techniques and essentials. When consistently applied in daily practice, these exercises will provide the player with the proper tools and skills to achieve a high level of artistry and ability on the instrument. This is a wonderful resource and is indispensable for today’s saxophonist!
Joseph Lulloff, Professor of Saxophone, Michigan State University
Donald Sinta –
Chops is an impressive pedagogical accomplishment with daily challenges. It arrives with a remarkable and well-thought-out sequence of daily to-dos. Though the content of the book is very challenging – if embraced with diligence, discipline, and determination – the result will be a serious performer that is prepared to participate fully in the 21st Century’s evolution of the saxophonist’s tool kit. This is a necessary addition to the library of every student and teacher of the instrument. Bravo Dan, thanks for the daily challenges and the rewards that come with the effort expected in this powerful book!
Donald Sinta, former Earl V. Moore Professor of Saxophone, University of Michigan