In The Instrumentalist in 1989, Bill Perconti and Ronald Tyree described the Eugene Rousseau Saxophone Method (in two volumes) as a “traditional approach” with a good balance between melodic excerpts and technical studies. They also gave favorable marks for the “special exercises” for awkward high- and low-note fingering exercises and his fundamental information on embouchure and breathing. Available in English, German and Japanese.
Practical Hints is a unique and highly informative series developed to answer the many questions raised by the beginning student as well as the more advanced musician. Designed for individual use, the Practical Hints books cover such vital topics as care and maintenance, reeds and mouthpieces, playing position, embouchure, tuning, tonguing, tone quality, range, and practice methodology. Written by Dr. Eugene Rousseau in collaboration with James D. Ployhar, the Practical Hints series for saxophone serves as a handy and informative guide and should be in every saxophonist’s library.
Claude Delangle, Professor of Saxophone at the Paris Conservatory, states that “Saxophone High Tones” by Eugene Rousseau is “an indispensable pedagogical tool for students at the Paris Conservatory.” Rousseau’s approach to altissimo register fingerings is a valuable reference that should be in the library of all saxophonists. Available in English, German and French.
Marcel Mule was one of the most influential teachers and greatest proponents of the classical saxophone for all time. Known to many as “the Patron,” he taught at the Paris Conservatory from 1942 thru 1968. His many students have carried on the tradition in music schools around the world.
Eugene Rousseau’s book, first published in 1982, has been reformatted in a new edition, now available from Jeanne Inc. The book contains a biography of Mule’s life along with an interview conducted by Rousseau. This volume is an important resource for all students of the saxophone. Available in English and French.
These 24 melodic studies are the slow etudes from Ferling 48 Etudes for oboe, op. 31, adapted for the saxophone by Eugene Rousseau. There are many other studies that address technical issues unique to the saxophone, but Dr. Rousseau, in his introduction to this edition, states that he finds these lyrical studies to be of great value for the development of tone, musical phrasing and breathing, and vibrato on the saxophone. Fingering suggestions have been added where appropriate as well as selective comments to help in the musical understanding of the etudes.
This book is an important resource for all saxophone performers and teachers. Dr. Eugene Rousseau shares the knowledge gained through a long career as performer and teacher, covering such topics as the proper use of the air, embouchure, reed adjustments, articulation and hand position. He discusses how the mouthpiece and ligature, instrument construction and pads affect the tone and intonation. Exercises and special fingerings are also included. The book includes 70 pages with 25 full colored pictures as well as several hand-drawn diagrams to aid in the explanations.
Living Legends is a video interview with Eugene Rousseau, recalling many of the important events in his long and distinguished career. His history is traced from the time he grew up in Chicago, through his association with many outstanding musicians, and his studies with Himie Voxman and Marcel Mule.
Steps to Excellence is a rare look into the attitude, history and views of a recognized master teacher of the saxophone. Eugene Rousseau reveals both the long term and short term objectives that teachers and students must understand to move forward together. Dr. Rousseau provides, through examples, a continuous pursuit of excellence in areas of life and a glimpse into how this commitment translates into the expression of art. He discusses the fundamentals of saxophone playing: Basic Hand Positions; Sitting and Standing Positions; Reed, Mouthpiece and Ligature; Articulation & Tonguing; Tone Production; and the Sound of the Saxophone Quartet.
JodyJazz
Chedeville
