Saxophone Masterclass Series

Advance your saxophone skills with these evergreen video lessons created by Selmer performing artists and master educators.

Overview

Take your saxophone playing to the next level with these Selmer Saxophone Artist Masterclass lesson videos. Each course features outstanding musical guidance, techniques and tips, and exemplary performances from the instructors.

This video library is perfect for:
  • Intermediate and advanced players looking to improve their technique
  • Players seeking to add audition repertoire to their skill set
  • Any saxophone player needing inspiration to keep strong on the journey
In this library you’ll learn:
  • Techniques to apply not only to the repertoire covered by the instructors but to all your playing
  • A delightful handful of essential etudes and solos to increase your technical skills
  • How to overcome challenges on the saxophone

Curriculum

Selmer Masterclass: Matthew Tracy, Saxophone

By Matthew Tracy
  • 0 Lessons
  • Matthew Tracy
  • Start Here
  • Meet Matthew, Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Course Overview
  • Overview of the Etude
  • Demonstration of Energized Accent Articulations
  • Play Along
  • Overview of the Etude
  • Demonstration of Legato Articulation
  • Play Along
  • Overview of the Etude
  • Demonstration of Light Staccato
  • Play Along
  • Overview of Etude
  • Demonstration of Marcato
  • Play Through - Slow Tempo
  • Play Along
  • What would you tell your 12 year old self when you get frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument and how did you overcome it?

Selmer Masterclass: Heidi Radtke, Saxophone

By Heidi Radtke
  • 22 Lessons
  • Heidi Radtke
  • Start Here.
  • Meet Heidi, Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Introduction
  • Vocalize on the Saxophone
  • Singing the Syllables
  • Applying Syllables to the Piece
  • Strategy - Rhythm and Counting
  • Strategy - Fill in the Blanks
  • Markup Subdivisions
  • Strategy - Combining Rhythms and Syllables
  • Strategy - Vibrato Development
  • Full Performance
  • What would you tell your 12 year old self when she gets discouraged?
  • Do you play any other instruments in addition to saxophone?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument and how did you overcome it?

Selmer Masterclass: Paula Van Goes, Saxophone

By Paula Van Goes
  • 40 Lessons
  • Paula Van Goes
  • Start Here
  • Meet Paula, Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Introduction
  • First Day of Practice
  • Choose Your Subject
  • Choose Your Color Palette
  • Simple Lines are Complete
  • What is the Basic Line Drawing?
  • Incorporating a Metronome
  • Building Layers
  • Furthering Your Concept
  • Look at the Big Picture
  • Technique - The Details of the Brush Stroke
  • The Final Product
  • What would you tell you 12 year old self when she gets frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone? If so, what?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument, and how did you overcome it?

Selmer Masterclass: Andrew J Allen, Saxophone

By Andrew Allen
  • 60 Lessons
  • Andrew Allen
  • Start Here.
  • Meet Andrew, your Masterclass Instructor.
  • Introduction
  • Breath
  • Embouchure
  • Mouthpiece Pitch
  • Introduction
  • Initial Tuning
  • Introduction
  • Exercise - Furling's Etude #8
  • Exercise - Single Note
  • Articulation Variants - Accents and Tenuto
  • What would you tell your 12 year old self when you get frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument and how did you overcome it?

Selmer Masterclass: Kyle Mechmet, Saxophone

By Kyle Mechmet
  • 78 Lessons
  • Kyle Mechmet
  • Start Here
  • Meet Kyle, Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Overview of Material
  • Double Lip - Explanation
  • Double Lip - Level 1
  • Double Lip - Level 2
  • Double Lip - Level 3
  • Pitch Bending Explanation
  • Pitch Bending Part 1
  • Pitch Bending up the Scale
  • Pitch Bending Part 2
  • Widening the Intervals
  • Pushing the Limit
  • Tuning Drone
  • Bach 2nd Violin Partita, 1st Movement
  • Differences and Similarities
  • What would you tell your 12 year old self when they get frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument and how did you overcome it?

Masterclass: Nathan Mensink, Saxophone

By Nathan Mensink
  • 100 Lessons
  • Nathan Mensink
  • Start Here
  • Meet Nathan, Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Top Left and Overview
  • Tricky Bits- Syncopation
  • Tricky Bits- Fingering
  • Style
  • Play Through - Slow
  • Play Through - Fast
  • Top Left Overview
  • Tricky Bits- Counting and Rhythm
  • Style
  • Play Through
  • Solo Excerpt: Caprice en Forme de Valse, Bonneau
  • Solo Excerpt: Tango Etude #3
  • What would you tell you 12 year old self when you get frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone? If so, what?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument, and how did you overcome it?

Masterclass: Brian Rodesch, Saxophone

By Brian Rodesch
  • 120 Lessons
  • Brian Rodesch
  • Start Here.
  • Meet Brian, your Masterclass Instructor
  • Introduction - Back Tonguing & Swing 8th Notes
  • Ooh-Tah Articulation
  • Subdividing Triplets to Internalize Swing
  • Audiation of Triplets Oo-La-Tah
  • Playing Triplets Oo-La-Tah - Single Note
  • Playing Triplets Oo-La-Tah - G Major Scale
  • Final Thoughts and Tips
  • Basics of Improvisation
  • Improvising Using the Scale
  • Differences Between Alto and Tenor
  • Transposition
  • What would you tell your 12 year old self when you get frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument and how did you overcome it?

Masterclass: Griffin Campbell, Saxophone

By Griffin Campbell
  • 139 Lessons
  • Griffin Campbell
  • Start Here.
  • Meet Griffin, Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Finger Motions
  • Tone
  • Overview of Selection
  • Applying Finger Motions
  • Applying Tone
  • GC M3L4-final-GriffinCampbell
  • Full Play Through
  • Overview
  • Importance of Slow Practice with a Metronome
  • Full Play Through
  • Bach - First Movement of G Minor Violin Sonata
  • What would you tell your 12 year old self when he got frustrated?
  • Do you play any instruments in addition to saxophone?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What are some musical selections you can't get enough of right now?
  • What is something you do every day to improve your skills?
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument and how did you overcome it?

Selmer Masterclass: Miles Osland, Saxophone

By Miles Osland
  • 158 Lessons
  • Miles Osland
  • Start Here
  • Get to Know Miles Osland
  • Phrasing by 2's - Basic Jazz Articulation
  • Phrasing by 3's
  • Combining 2's and 3's in 4-Note Cells
  • Combining 2's and 3's Part 2
  • Finding Your Speed Threshold
  • 4/4,4/5,4/6,4/7,4/8 Up
  • D Jazz Minor Scale
  • Subtongue Technique
  • Intro to the Etude
  • Play Along - 60 bpm
  • Play Along - 80 bpm
  • Play Along - 100 bpm
  • Intro to Minority
  • Minority Play Along - 60bpm
  • Minority Play Along - 80bpm
  • Minority Play Along - 100bpm
  • Intro to David Sanborn's solo on Hideaway
  • Hideaway performance at 124 bpm
  • Hideaway performance at 132 bpm
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument, and how did you overcome it?
  • What do you practice every day?
  • What do you wish you did more of when you were a young player?
  • What would you tell your 12-year-old self when they get discouraged?
  • When did you know you wanted to go into music?

Selmer Masterclass: Michael Doyle, Saxophone

By Michael Doyle
  • 184 Lessons
  • Michael Doyle
  • Meet Your Masterclass Instructor
  • Major Scales
  • Minor Scales
  • Dominant 7th
  • Blues Scales
  • Altered Scales
  • Modes
  • Form
  • Melodic, Harmonic, and Rhythmic Elements
  • Developing Jazz Vocabulary
  • Blues - Major, Minor, Altered
  • I Got Rhythm Changes
  • Tunes based on AABA form -32 Bar Form
  • Tunes Based on ii V I Progressions
  • Tunes Based on ii V I Progression - "Tune Up"
  • "Cherokee" - Ray Noble
  • What is something you've struggled with on your instrument, and how did you overcome it?
  • When did you decide you wanted to play your instrument professionally? How did that change your life?
  • What do you wish you did less of when you were a young artist?
  • What would you tell your 12-year-old self when they get discouraged?
  • What records do you have on heavy rotation?

Selmer Masterclass: Sarah Roberts, Saxophone

By Sarah Roberts
  • 205 Lessons
  • Sarah Roberts
  • Start Here
  • Course Introduction
  • Key and Style
  • Tempo
  • Articulations and Dynamics
  • Fingers
  • Tone
  • Full Play Through
  • Overview
  • Key
  • Time Signature and Style
  • Articulation and Dynamics
  • Rhythm and Fingerings
  • Style
  • Full Play Through
  • Solo Performance
  • What's something you've struggled with on your instrument?
  • When did you decide you wanted to play professionally?
  • What do you practice every day?
  • What would you tell your 12 year old discouraged self?

Instructors

Matthew Tracy

Saxophonist Matthew Tracy is a multifaceted musician whose performance experience and pedagogy have made him a sought-after educator and clinician. Since 2016 Tracy has served as Associate Professor of Saxophone and Music Theory at SouthwesternOklahoma State University. Alongside a robust teaching career, Tracy is an accomplished chamber musician, winning awards in the Fischoff, Plowman, Coleman, MTNA, and North American Saxophone Alliance chamber music competitions. An advocate for new music, Tracy has premiered, commissioned, and recorded a number of new works. In 2023, Tracy will release an album of new music for saxophone entitled Modus Tollens.

Heidi Radtke

Heidi Radtke is a saxophonist and educator, currently serving as the Saxophone Instructor at Butler University in Indianapolis and providing instruction for the Carmel High School band program. She has performed with several orchestras and local studios, frequently collaborating with fellow Butler University colleagues. Heidi has written reviews for the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors Journal and is on the review team for the online periodical thesaxophonist.org. She completed her Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University Bloomington and her doctoral dissertation focused on saxophone quartet pedagogy. Additionally, Heidi has given presentations on chamber music coaching strategies and resources at various conferences. She is a Vandoren Regional Artist and plays exclusively on Selmer Paris saxophones.

Paula Van Goes

Paula Van Goes is "a virtuoso saxophonist that possesses excellent technical attributes and a deep understanding of the music [she] performs" (Ovación). As a Selmer-Paris Artist and Clinician she enjoys a career as a chamber musician, soloist and educator. While serving as the Interim Professor of Saxophone at Universidade de Brasília Dr. Van Goes is the first American to teach saxophone within the federal university system in Brazil.

Andrew Allen

Andrew J. Allen is “a master of all sizes of saxophone.” (The Instrumentalist, April 2018) In response to his New York solo debut, the Examiner opined that he had “performed brilliantly,” and the Wichita Falls Times-Record News has praised the "savory warmth” of his tone. The Saxophonist has lauded his "virtuosic saxophone performance,” and The Saxophone Symposium has cited his “complete control of the instrument.” As a concerto soloist, Allen has appeared with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra and numerous academic ensembles. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, and Croatia.

Kyle Mechmet

As a prize-winning soloist, Kyle earned a performance spot at the 22nd Hamamatsu International Wind Instruments Academy & Festival in Hamamatsu, Japan for their Premier Student Concert. He also won Florida Atlantic University's 2012 Concerto Competition. Kyle has also given solo performances at various conferences, including those hosted by the North American Saxophone Alliance, the US Navy Band, and the Association of Concert Bands. In Florida, he frequently performs as a guest soloist with various community and school bands, including with the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches, where he also serves as the associate conductor.

Nathan Mensink

Nathan Mensink is a Henri Selmer performing artist active in both classical and jazz styles and is assistant professor of saxophone at Arkansas Tech University. His musical endeavors have taken him across the United States and Europe. Mensink is a frequent soloist with various university ensembles, orchestras, and community groups, most recently being featured with the Morehead State University Symphony Band at the 2022 KMEA conference. Other notable solo performances include John Williams' Escapades with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra, opening a Festival Miami program featuring singer-songwriter Ben Folds, and Ralph Martino’s Gershwin Fantasy under the baton of legendary conductor Colonel Arnald Gabriel.

Brian Rodesch

Saxophonist Brian Rodesch has carved out a varied career as both performer and educator, amassing a wealth of musical experiences that continue to shape his approach to both performing and pedagogy. Steeped in both classical and jazz traditions he has appeared in groups ranging from contemporary duos to symphony orchestras, and from small jazz groups to traditional big bands.

Griffin Campbell

Griffin Campbell has performed to critical acclaim throughout the United States and in Great Britain, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Slovenia, China, Italy, and Japan. Conference performances include solo appearances at meetings of the World Saxophone Congress, North American Saxophone Alliance, the Society of Composers, the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States, and the International Computer Music Conference.

Miles Osland

Miles Osland has distinguished himself as an educator, recording and performing artist, author, arranger and composer. Currently the Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at the University of Kentucky, he has appeared throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia as a guest conductor, performer and clinician for Selmer Saxophones and Bay Woodwind mouthpieces. His compositions and arrangements, available through Walrus Music, have been recognized and supported by fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kentucky Arts Council, and by numerous other arts foundations. Professor Osland holds a Master’s degree from Eastman School of Music and his major teachers have included: Ramon Ricker & Gary Foster (saxophone), Charles Bay (clarinet) and Jim Walker (flute).

Michael Doyle

Michael was born and raised in New York City. He began his musical studies in elementary and junior high school studying under Arnold Warmbrand and Hiram Colon. He started playing professionally in high school and participated in Jazz workshops in New York City. Michael has performed with numerous Grammy winners, professional ensembles, and for a wide variety of productions. As an educator, Michael has taught and lectured on both high school and college levels representing Selmer saxophones and Rico reeds, and has recently been awarded a college post at Grand Rapids Community College. Michael received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University.

Sarah Roberts

Dr. Sarah Roberts is Assistant Professor of Music at The University of Texas at Tyler teaching Saxophone and Jazz Studies. Her duties at UT Tyler include conducting the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, teaching jazz improvisation, instructing and maintaining the saxophone studio, and conducting the saxophone ensemble. The UT Tyler Saxophone Ensemble was just selected to be performers at the 2018 Texas Music Educators Association Convention held in San Antonio, Texas. With an extremely diverse background in classical, jazz, and popular music; Dr. Roberts has performed with a gamut of ensembles ranging from traditional saxophone quartets, to new music groups, to rock bands, to jazz groups and all points in between. In the East Texas area, Dr. Roberts frequently performs with her self-titled jazz quartet (Sarah Roberts Quartet) and other local jazz ensembles including The Jazz Connection. In addition, she has been a saxophonist for various orchestras including the Plano Symphony, Irving Symphony, and San Angelo Symphony; has been a substitute saxophonist with the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Lonestar Wind Orchestra, and Allen Philharmonic Winds; and is a member of Kris Berg’s Metroplexity Big Band. Through her performances with the Metroplexity Big Band she has shared the stage with such musicians as Phil Woods, Tom Bones Malone, Wayne Bergeron, Kirk Whalum, Chris Vadala, to name a few. Dr. Roberts has also been a frequent saxophonist for the American R&B group, The O’Jays. Furthermore, she has presented recitals and lectures throughout the United States including presentations at discipline specific conventions for such organizations as the North American Saxophone Alliance and the Jazz Education Network. In January 2018, Dr. Roberts was the featured guest artist for Linn-Mar High School’s Java and Jazz annual event in Marion, Iowa. She has also been the guest artist with the Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s jazz band for their annual jazz festival in 2012; and in 2014 she was the Artist-in-Residence with the Southeast Iowa Symphony. In February 2017, Dr. Roberts was the featured soloist with the Mineola Middle School Band for their TMEA Honor Band Performance where she premiered a work specifically commissioned for the event. In April 2017, she was the featured soloist for the Canton High school Band’s annual gala. In addition, as a member of the Dallas-based Metroplexity Big Band and can be heard on their two albums Time Management and This Time/Last Year. Dr. Roberts can also be heard on the University of North Texas Two O’Clock album, Too Two, several North Texas Wind Ensemble recordings, and Tom Walker’s Gospel Train Big Band album. As an adjudicator, Dr. Roberts is frequently a judge for various festivals and compsitions such as the Frisco Jazz Festival and the Collin College Jazz Festival in addition to other festivals throughout the state of Texas. Furthermore, Dr. Roberts has been the regional clinician for various TMEA and ATSSB all-region jazz festivals throughout Texas and has been the conductor of the TISD all-city band festival. She is also on the faculty of the Texas All-Star Jazz Camp a summer camp held at Collin College and serves as the band conductor for the Green Acres Middle School Band Camp. Throughout the academic year, Dr. Roberts serves as the conductor for the Tyler Community Band. Since 2015, Dr. Roberts has been a member of the East Texas Youth Orchestra board serving first as the University Liason, then as the Secretary and Vice-President of the organization. In Fall 2017, Dr. Roberts created and implemented the ETYO’s first-ever Jazz Academy providing youth in East Texas the opportunity to study and perform America’s music, jazz. The 2017-18 season will be the Jazz Academy’s inaugural season of performances. Furthermore, Dr. Roberts has founded two initiatives at The University of Texas at Tyler aimed at bringing students to campus for high-level instruction and performance. First, she hosts the UT Tyler Saxophone Day each spring that brings over 60 saxophonists to campus for a day of clinics, workshops, and performances with her and several guest artists each year. Students work on all styles of playing and have the opportunity to perform in a mass saxophone ensemble combining all Saxophone Day participants! Second, in September 2015, Dr. Roberts developed and implemented The University of Texas at Tyler All-Region Workshops that have brought hundreds of high school students from across East Texas to campus for a day-long workshop where participants learn strategies for successful preparation of their audition etudes. Currently, Dr. Roberts is serving her professional community as the President of the Texas Jazz Educators Association and is the college representative for Region 21 of the Texas Music Educators Association. Dr. Roberts completed her doctorate of musical arts degree in saxophone performance from the University of North Texas in August 2015. She also holds dual master of music degrees in saxophone performance and jazz studies from the University of North Texas and dual undergraduate degrees in saxophone performance and jazz studies from the University of Michigan. Her primary saxophone teachers include Donald Sinta, Donald Walden, Eric Nestler, and Jim Riggs. Dr. Roberts is a Vandoren Regional Artist and performs exclusively on Selmer and Vandoren products.