Discussions on Playing the Saxophone

The following video discussions by Dr. Rousseau were recorded in 1986 video Steps to Excellence: The Saxophone, by Yamaha International Corporation Musical Instrument Division © in cooperation with Indiana University Television. Produced by James Herendeen, Educational Director; Filmed by West Coast Media; presented with permission.

  • Saxophone Fundamentals
  • The Octave Keys
  • Basic Saxophone Hand Position
  • Sitting & Standing Position for Saxophone
  • Reed, Mouthpiece & Ligature
  • Vibrato – Articulation & Tonguing
  • Tone Quality – Left Hand Technical Considerations
  • Right Hand Technical Considerations
  • Other Technical Considerations

See below for these video excerpts:

Saxophone Fundamentals

Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau discusses saxophone fundamentals, including pitch, intonation, mouthpiece position, air and embouchure, and comparing saxophone fundamentals with those of the clarinet.

The Saxophone Octave Keys
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information about the saxophone octave key.

Basic Saxophone Hand Position
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information about basic saxophone hand position.

Sitting & Standing Position
for Saxophones
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information about basic saxophone position for sitting and standing.

Saxophone Reed, Mouthpiece & Ligature
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information on saxophone reeds, mouthpieces and ligatures.

Saxophone Vibrato
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information on saxophone vibrato.

Saxophone Articulation and Tonguing
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information on saxophone articulation and tonguing.

Saxophone Tone Quality
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information on saxophone tone quality.

Left Hand Technical Considerations for Saxophone
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information left hand technical considerations for saxophone.

Right Hand Technical Considerations for Saxophone
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information on right hand technical considerations for saxophone.

Other Technical Considerations for Saxophone
Dr. Eugene Rousseau

Dr. Eugene Rousseau provides fundamental information on special technical considerations for saxophone.