Alto Sax Solos for the Performing Artist: Saxophone Book & Online Audio

Garson's four solos are written by someone who understands the alto saxophone's voice at an advanced level, and the recorded accompaniments feature Gary Foster, a saxophonist whose artistry sets a high standard for interpretation. Having both the full performance and the accompaniment-only tracks on audio gives your students a model to learn from and a partner to play with, eliminating the need to hunt down a pianist or settle for a less-than-ideal accompaniment.

These solos showcase the alto saxophone's lyrical potential and technical range, moving between introspective passages that require singing tone and more energetic sections that showcase articulation and control. The piano writing complements rather than overwhelms, creating space for the soloist to breathe and phrase naturally.

Advanced alto saxophonists preparing for recitals, competitions, or auditions will find four substantial solos that demand mature sound production and musical phrasing. This book suits performers who thrive with guided models and the convenience of high-quality recorded accompaniment.

• Study the recorded performance first as a complete musical statement, then isolate the accompaniment track to find your own interpretive choices within Garson's harmonic framework.
• Balance your tone against the piano part by listening to how Foster voices his lines; the recorded version reveals the intended dynamic relationships between soloist and accompaniment.
• Work through each solo slowly enough to internalize the harmonic changes, especially in passages where the accompaniment shifts underneath a sustained note.

Feature one of these solos in a formal recital program alongside works from the standard classical repertoire to demonstrate the alto saxophone's versatility in contemporary concert settings. They also work well as audition pieces for collegiate saxophone programs or as part of a senior recital that balances classical, jazz, and contemporary idioms.

• Interpreting advanced harmonic language within a tonal context
• Balancing solo line with recorded accompaniment
• Sustaining musical phrase across longer forms
• Responding to stylistic cues in piano accompaniment
• Building confidence with professional-quality audio models