Alto Saxophone certification
Level 3 — Advanced 1 (Musical Expansion Level)
To develop secure tone across registers, improved articulation control, expanded rhythmic vocabulary, expressive phrasing, and confident musical performance on the Alto Saxophone, preparing the learner for advanced technical and stylistic work.
Practical syllabus (Alto Saxophone)
Instrument & technique development
- Stable posture with relaxed body alignment
- Consistent embouchure across low and middle registers
- Controlled breath support for longer phrases
- Improved finger agility and coordination
- Smooth register transitions
Notes & playing
- Extended range (low to upper-middle register)
- Melodic lines covering wider intervals
- Long-tone exercises with crescendo and diminuendo
- Expressive phrasing and dynamic contrast (p, mf, f)
- Intonation control using tuner or drone
Scales (6)
- A♭ Major, D♭ Major, G Major
- E Minor (Harmonic), D Minor (Natural), C Minor (Natural)
- One to two octaves, as appropriate
Articulation techniques
- Controlled single tonguing at varied tempos
- Legato articulation across scale passages
- Introduction to accented notes
- Clean articulation in melodic phrases
Rhythm & timing
- Eighth-note groupings
- Triplets
- Introduction to compound time
- Playing with metronome at varying tempos
- Time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 6/8
Repertoire
- 3 pieces: One lyrical or expressive piece
- One rhythm-focused piece
- One contrasting style or tempo
- Self-arranged piece permitted
- Original composition allowed (16–24 bars)
- Simple improvisation on a given scale or rhythm
Theory syllabus
Music fundamentals
- Review of tone production and airflow
- Expressive elements in wind performance
Notes & rhythm
- Triplets and compound rhythms
- Accent markings and articulation symbols
- Phrase grouping in rhythm
Intervals
- Major, minor, and perfect intervals
- Interval recognition by ear and on instrument
Scales
- Major scales (up to two octaves)
- Natural and harmonic minor scales
- Ascending and descending patterns
Harmony
- Chord functions (I, IV, V)
- Relationship between melody and harmony
- Harmonic movement (conceptual)
Musical form
- Phrase structure
- Binary and ternary forms (listening and recognition)
Notation (optional)
- Intermediate-level staff notation OR articulation markings and dynamics
- Repeat signs and first/second endings