Up-Grade! Alto Saxophone, Grades 1-2: Saxophone Book

Wedgwood writes with a genuine ear for what early-grade saxophonists can accomplish without feeling patronized. The stylistic variety here keeps repetitive practice from becoming tedious, and the jazz pieces offer something distinctly different from the classical fare most grade 1-2 students encounter. You'll find yourself reaching for this collection again and again because it actually sounds like music students want to make.

The music moves between sunny, rhythmically engaging jazz grooves and more reflective classical moments, creating a sense of discovery across the pages. Each piece feels complete and musical in its own right, never a mere exercise disguised as a song.

Early elementary saxophonists working toward grade 2 exams or simply looking for engaging material between levels. This collection suits students in their first or second year of playing who benefit from stylistic variety and material that sounds polished without requiring advanced technique.

• Approach the jazzy pieces by listening to the swing feel before playing; even young saxophonists respond well to understanding the groove underneath the notes.
• Use the classical pieces as opportunities to develop sustained tone and dynamic control without the technical demands that can frustrate early players.
• Work through the collection in any order based on what your student needs to reinforce in a given week; the varied styles mean you can target different aspects of technique across lessons.

Assign pieces from this collection during the stretch between graded exams or festival performances, when students need fresh material that maintains engagement. The shorter length and clear stylistic divisions make individual pieces ideal for student recitals or informal performance opportunities where showing range matters.

• Jazz articulation and swing feel
• Phrasing across different musical styles
• Dynamic control and tone shaping
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated figures
• Musical interpretation beyond note-reading