Alto Saxophone certification
Level 2 — Intermediate (Developing Level)
To develop improved tone consistency, controlled embouchure, accurate fingering, basic articulation control, rhythmic stability, and confident performance on the Alto Saxophone, while expanding musical understanding and expressive ability.
Practical syllabus (Alto Saxophone)
Instrument & technique development
- Review of correct posture and neck-strap adjustment
- Refined embouchure: Balanced lip pressure, jaw stability
- Improved breath support: Sustained airflow, controlled breathing between phrases
- Finger coordination and smooth key transitions
- Consistent tone across registers (low to mid range)
Notes & playing
- Expanded note range (low notes to middle register)
- Playing melodies across connected notes
- Long-tone exercises with dynamic control
- Simple melodic phrasing with breath planning
- Awareness of intonation using reference pitch
Scales (6)
- F Major, B♭ Major, E♭ Major
- D Minor (Natural), G Minor (Natural), A Minor (Natural)
- One octave, appropriate Alto Saxophone range
Articulation techniques
- Single tonguing control
- Legato tonguing
- Smooth note connections
- Clean articulation at moderate tempos
Rhythm & timing
- Whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes
- Simple rhythmic combinations
- Playing with a steady tempo
- Introduction to metronome practice
- Time signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4
Repertoire
- 3 pieces: One learner's choice (any language / genre / style)
- One melodic piece focusing on phrasing
- One technical or étude-style piece
- Simple scale-based improvisation permitted
- Original melody allowed (12–16 bars)
Theory syllabus
Music fundamentals
- Review of sound production on wind instruments
- Tone quality and breath control
- Pitch awareness and tuning concept
Notes & rhythm
- Note values up to eighth notes
- Rests (whole, half, quarter, eighth)
- Strong and weak beats
- Counting and clapping rhythms
Intervals
- Whole step and half step
- Ascending and descending intervals
- Interval recognition by ear (basic)
Scales
- Major and natural minor scales
- Relative major and minor scales
- Scale degrees (tonic to octave)
Harmony (conceptual)
- Melody vs harmony in ensemble playing
- Introduction to chord symbols (concept only)
- Role of the saxophone in group settings
Notation (optional)
- Reading basic staff notation OR fingering charts with rhythmic values
- Bar lines, repeat signs
- Time signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4