1

Performance Saxophone
In compiling this syllabus the New Zealand Music Examinations Board has endeavoured to use readily available and affordable editions as
indicated in the text. The Board has used each book to the fullest extent possible, however any edition is acceptable. Editions are mentioned
solely as a means of identification, and any standard edition will be accepted.
New Zealand music is available from SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music, Level 1, 39 Cambridge Terrance, Wellington, 6001. Tel
04-8018602, Fax 04-801 8604, info@sounz.org.nz.

Examination Music
Entrants may not use photocopies for performance (other than for facilitating page turns) in examinations, as this is prohibited by the Copyright
Act. When Entrants enter the examination room they must hand copies of all list pieces being performed, to the examiner, together with their
examination slip. Copies for examiner use of study list pieces in the Performance syllabuses are optional.

Scales
Dominant Seventh arpeggios are to be played in the key.
Diminished seventh arpeggios are to start on the key note.

Study List: Samples of entrants work for the year

From Grade 1 to Grade 7 all entrants must present other pieces of their choice, as evidence of study beyond those presented for the examination.
These should be at a similar level to those already in the syllabus, and may come from the syllabus or from a source other than the lists below.
Examiners, at their discretion, will ask entrants to demonstrate familiarity with these pieces by performing the whole or any part of them during
the examination. Entrants must bring a copy of the music to the examination room. The following minimum requirements apply: Grade 1 one piece Grade 2 to 7 - two pieces.
Entrants should not play repeats in examinations, however any da capo must be played.
Co-requisites - to complete

Grade 6 practical, a pass is required in NZMEB Grade 3 Theory

Grade 7 practical, a pass is required in NZMEB Grade 4 Theory
Grade 8 practical, a pass is required in NZMEB Grade 5 Theory
AMusNZ, a credit pass is required in NZMEB Grade 5 Theory
LMusNZ, a pass is required in NZMEB Grade 6 Theory

For acceptable equivalents, see the Theory syllabus

NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

Scales
Scales in 3rds to be played as follows
Example (C major):

44

Dominant 7th arpeggio to be played as follows

Example (C):

44

Diminished 7th arpeggio to be played as follows

Example (A):

44 

Broken chords to be played as follows

Examples in A major and C minor:

 

 44



 44




Musicianship
For clapping tests entrants may count aloud using any recognised system. A steady pulse at a moderate speed is expected. Interval recognition
is by number only.

LEVEL ONE
Preliminary
To join in and clap the beats in simple duple or triple time, to a harmonized passage played by the examiner and to continue clapping the
beats when the music stops.
To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time.
Example:

4
4

To visually recognize step or skip movement (seconds and thirds) over three notes within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use
their own pieces to develop fluency.
Example:

43

Grade One
To recognize written combined step/skip movements over 3 notes within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces
to develop fluency.
Example:

43

To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time.

Example:

3
4



43



To aurally identify major seconds and major thirds (number only), played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes
before answering.
To echo clap a short rhythm pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary.
Example:

2
4

Grade Two
To visually recognize any written interval within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency
Example:

43

To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm in simple time. May include crotchet rests and quavers.
Example:

4
4



To play the same pattern as a given melody in the keys of G or F major.

Example:



44



Musicianship NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

To play the same pattern as a given melody using only 2nds and 3rds within the compass of a fifth in the keys of C or G major.
Example:

Grade Three
To visually recognize written intervals within the octave at sight. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency.
Example:

43

To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, dotted crotchets,
quavers and minim rests may be included. Example:


4
4

To play the same rhythm pattern as a melody within the compass of an octave in the keys of F or Bb major.
Example:

44

LEVEL TWO
Grade Four
To clap or tap at sight, a written four bar rhythm, in simple time or compound duple. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades,
semiquavers, dotted quavers and quaver rests may be added.
Examples:


4
4
86

To name the tonic key.

To play a given melody in the keys of E or B major.
Examples:

44

86

Grade Five
To clap or tap at sight, a written four bar rhythm, in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades,
triplets and tied notes may be added.
Examples:

4
4

86

To name the tonic key.

To play a given melody in the keys of A major or E major.
Saxophonists are required to name the letter names for both triads in the perfect cadence as marked *.
Examples:

44

86 



*

To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.

LEVEL THREE
Grade Six
To clap or tap at sight, a written eight bar rhythm, in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades,
syncopation may be added.
Examples:

4 
4

5





86








To name the tonic key.

To play the same rhythm pattern as a given melody in the keys of C or A major. Saxophonists are required to name the final cadence as
perfect or plagal and to name the letter names for both triads as marked *.
Examples:

44  

 





86





To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.

LEVEL FOUR
Grade Seven
To clap or tap at sight, a written rhythm in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, syncopation
may be added.
Examples:

3
4

 









To name the tonic key.

To play given melody in the keys of D major or B major/minor. Saxophonists are required to name the an imperfect or interrupted cadence
at the end of the first phrase and a perfect or plagal cadence for the final cadence, and to name the letter names for both triads as marked *.
Examples:



 43
5






 89 
3



6



  

 






To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.

Musicianship NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11


89
4


Grade Eight
To clap or tap at sight, a written eight bar rhythm, in any time signature.
Examples:


89
5

5
4




  









Entrants will be given half a minute to sight an orchestral excerpt provided by the examiner and then to play it from the score
Examples:



3
4

44
5



 




Entrants will be given an additional minute and a half to memorize the excerpt before replaying it.

Musical Knowledge
In practical examinations examiners will ask entrants questions on the following aspects of list pieces (excluding study list)

Level One - Preliminary to Grade 3

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.
Keys or tonalities in which the pieces are written.

Level Two - Grades 4 and 5

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys or tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces at main cadence points.
Broad formal structure of pieces.
Name the period and give its time frame.
Give the nationality of composers.

Level Three - Grade 6

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys or tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Broad formal structure and analysis of the pieces.
Some knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics.
Some knowledge of the composers.

Level Four - Grades 7 and 8

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys and tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Broad knowledge of the structure and analysis of the pieces.
Broad knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of the pieces.
Some knowledge of the composers of the pieces presented for examination including range of repertoire and major contributions to the
development of musical style.

Level Five - Associate Diploma

Level Six - Licentiate Diploma

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys and tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the structure and analysis of the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of the pieces.
Knowledge of other works by the composers of the pieces presented for examination with special reference to their major works.
Knowledge of the development of the entrants instrument through the various musical periods, and how the development of the instrument
affected the composers writing.

Musical Knowledge NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys and tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the structure and analysis of the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of the pieces.
Knowledge of other works by the composers of the pieces presented for examination with emphasis on the repertoire for the entrants
instrument/voice.
Knowledge of the development of the entrants instrument through the various musical periods, and how the development of the instrument
affected the composers writing.

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 1 - Preliminary to Grade 3
Processes are limited in range, repetitive and familiar, employing recall and a narrow range of knowledge and cognitive skills. These are applied
in activities which are closely supervised by the teacher.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 1 entrants.
Comfortable and well balanced posture
Appropriate hand and arm position with fingers held close to the keys.
Beginning to acquire:

Independent articulation of the fingers

Systematic fingering in scales
Accurate and prompt performance from memory of all technical work
Performance of the technical work at the minimum tempo or faster
Awareness of underlying pulse in the pieces
Awareness of the dynamic range of the instrument
Accurate and fluent performance of pieces
Awareness and control of dynamics, tempo and articulations
Awareness of intonation and breath support
Awareness of clear and even tone

Preliminary
1. Scales
F, G major scale, 1 octave, all tongued
F, G major arpeggio, 1 octave, all tongued

2. Pieces
Any 4 pieces froma recognised clarinet tutor book comprising a minimum of 5 different notes and a minimum of 12 bars length. Piano
accompaniment is optional.
Recommended tutor books E 2000 for Clarinet Book 1, Abracadabra for Clarinet Book 1

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 1
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
G, F, B
Major, Major Arpeggios
(a) G, F
Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
(b) A, E
Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
G
Chromatic
Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 6 seconds, mf
Ascending and descending one octave only. All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 100, one note per beat

Grade One: continued from previous page

2. Pieces Three pieces to be chosen, one from each list, plus one study list piece
List A - for any saxophone
Anon
Sweet Nightingale
Bach
Minuet
Brod
Study in C
Bullard
Davies & Harris
Demnitz

Crotchety Sax
Study No 1
Study no.9

Garnier

Study no.8

Harris
Lyons, Graham

Study
No. 5 or No.7

ONeill, John

K.O.

Percival & Dorich

Percival & Dorich
Rae
Walton

Ex 3 Pg 43
Ex 8 Pg 33
Autumn Clouds
Bunderberg

Starters for Saxophone, arr. Lewin, ABRSM

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone, Bk 1, ed Davies and Harris
(Faber)
Sixty For Sax, ABRSM
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone, Bk 1, ed Davies&
Harris(Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone, Bk 1, ed Davies&
Harris(Faber)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone, Useful Music U55 Spartan
Press
Selected Pieces from the Jazz Method for Saxophone
Schott12488/M.D.S
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Style Workout for Solo Saxophone, Universal
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Sax Grades 1-3 (Faber)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Learn As You Play Saxophone, ed Wastell (Boosey & Hawkes)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
Time Pieces for B Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Time Pieces for B Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM

List B - for E Flat Alto Sax

Beethoven
Choral Symphony Theme
Beethoven
Theme
Brahms
Sunday
Davies & Harris
Blue Moon or Waltz of the Clown
Gretry
Air
Harris
Dance Time
Haydn
Minuet
Percival & Dorich
Pavane
Rousseau
Advance of the Alto
Schubert
The Trout
Tchaikovsky
Grandfathers Dance

66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
Time Pieces for E Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Time Pieces for E Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM

List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Cowles
Tri-Time
Hyde
Soliloquy
Percival & Dorich
Last Tango in Coonabarrabran
Rae
A Slice of the Action
Rae
Passin Thru
Reeman
Promenade
Trad
The Dying Stockman

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Time Pieces for B Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

List C - for E Flat Alto Sax

Cowles
Tri-Time
Davies & Harris
Judges Dance
Elgar
No 4, Theme from Pomp and
Circumstance
Harris
Waltz of the Clown
Percival & Dorich
Last Tango in Coonabarrabran
Rae
A Slice of the Action
Rae
Passin Thru

Learn As You Play Saxophone, ed Wastell (Boosey & Hawkes)

The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
The Magic Saxophone, arr Hare. ( Boosey),
The Really Easy Sax Book (Faber)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal

Grade 1 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Beethoven
Choral Symphony Theme
Beethoven
Theme
Glazunov
Theme and Variations
Gretry
Air
Gurlitt
Andante Pg 23
Haydn
Allemande
Haydn
Minuet
Percival & Dorich
Pavane
Schubert
The Trout
Tchaikovsky
Grandfathers Dance

10

Grade One: continued from previous page

Reeman
Promenade
Trad
The Dying Stockman

Time Pieces for E Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 2
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
C, G, F, B
(a) C, G, F, B
(b) A, E, D, G
E
Sustained note
Sustained scale

Major, Major Arpeggios

Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Chromatic
Any one note of the G major scale held for 8 - 10 seconds. p - f - p
Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves.
All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 60, two notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three list pieces to be chosen, one from each list, plus two study list pieces.
List A - for any saxophone
Baermann, C
Study no. 12
Brad
Chdeville
Davies & Harris
Lyons, Graham

Study
Gavotte
No 6 80
No. 9 or No.12

ONeill, John

The Way of All Things

Percival & Dorich

Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Walton

Canzonetta
Ex 5 Pg 44
Ex 6 Pg 4
Ex 6 Pg 44
Ex 7 Pg 4
Ex 9 Pg 45
Study in F

List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Handel
Trio
Harris

Pirates Ahoy

Haydn
Haydn
Kinyon
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Rameau

Allegro
Minuet
Folk Song Blues
Papagenos Aria
Adagio
Canzonetta
La Tambourin

List B - for E Flat Alto Sax

Byrd
Pavane for Earl of Salisbury

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone,Bk 1,ed Davies and

Harris(Faber)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Learn as you Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Graded Pieces for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone,Useful Music U55(Spartan
Press)
Selected Pieces from the Jazz Method for Saxophone,Schott
12488/M.D.S
Teacher on Tap Book ?? (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3

(Faber)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)

Saxophone Solos for Alto Saxophone Vol 1, ed Harvey

(Chester)

11

Grade Two: continued from previous page

Cole
Granite
Czerny
Sunrise
Handel
Trio from Water Music
Mozart
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Sullivan
Tchaikovsky
Traditional

L, ci darem la mano
Papagenos Aria
Adagio
Canzonetta
The Policemans Song
Chanson Triste
The Wearin o the Green

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)

The Magic Saxophone, arr Hare (Boosey and Hawkes )
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, arr Harris and
Calland (Faber)
Bravo Saxophone arr. Barrat (Boosey)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, (Universal 17772/M.D.S)
What Else Can I Play? Grade 2 (IMP)

List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bailey
Riff Raff Rock
Bailey
Scoobie Du Wup
Cole
Granite
Pogson
Ska-face
Schumann
The Merry Peasant
Tchaikovsky
Old French Song
Tchaikovsky
The Old French Song
Traditional
Jamaican Folk Song or The Mango Walk
Wastall
Midnight in Tobago

Jazz Incorporated Vol 2 (Bailey)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Up Grade Grades 2-3
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)

List C - for E Flat Alto Sax

Bailey
Riff Raff Rock
Bailey
Scoobie Du Wup
Gumbly
No 2 Cop
Schumann
The Merry Peasant
Stravinsky
Shrovetide Fair Themes
Tchaikovsky
The Old French Song
Traditional
Jamaican Folk Song or The Mango Walk
Wastall
Midnight in Tobago

Jazz Incorporated Vol 2 (Bailey)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Caps & Cadillacs
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Up Grade Grades 2-3
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 2 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

12

Grade 3
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
G, D, B, E
(a) G, D, B, E
(b) E, B, G, C
G, E, B
Sustained note
Sustained scale

Major, Major Arpeggios

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Chromatic
Any one note of the G major scale held for 8 - 10 seconds. p - f - p
Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves.
All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:

Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 72, two notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three pieces to be chosen, one from each list, plus two study list pieces.
List A - for any saxophone
Davies & Harris
No 12 80
Hinke
Study
Percival & Dorich
Ex 10 Pg 22
Percival & Dorich
Ex 7 Pg 20
Percival & Dorich
Ex 8 Pg 21
Percival & Dorich
Ex 9 Pg 22
Walton
Study in B minor
Wastall/Hyde
Brazilian Beat
List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax
Harris
Showtime
Haydn, F
Martini
Percival & Dorich
Purcell
Rae
Schubert
Schubert

Serenade
Plasir damour
Polka in G
Trumpet Voluntary
Waltz for Emily
March Militaire
Serenade

Trad
Vivaldi

The Red Pipers Melody

Cantabile from II Gardellino

List B - for E Flat Alto Sax

Bach
Menuet
Haydn, F
Serenade
Martini
Plasir damour
Percival & Dorich
Polka in G
Purcell
Trumpet Voluntary
Rae
Waltz for Emily
Rossini
The Barber of Seville
Rossini
William Tell
Schubert
March Militaire
Schubert
Serenade
Street

Waves and Lets Get Away

List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bailey
Snappy Rag
Finzi
Carol
Harris
Foxtrot
Norton
Puppet Theatre
Norton
The Pioneer

Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)

AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
Learn as You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)

Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3

(Faber)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Blue Saxophone (Universal)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Sax Solos for Tenor Vol 2 (Chester)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)

Sax Solos for Alto Vol 1 (Chester)

66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Blue Saxophone (Universal)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
10 Easy Tunes (De Haske)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Streetwise (Boosey)

Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone (Boosey)
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes

13

Grade Three: continued from previous page

Percival & Dorich
Romance
Pogson
Down at the Drive In
Saint-Saen
The Swan
Wedgwood
Wedgwood

Free Fall
Rosie

List C - for E Flat Alto Sax

Alford
Colonel Bogey
Bailey
Little Brown Feet
Bailey
Snappy Rag
Bozza
Petite Gavotte
Davies & Harris
Walking in the Air
Finzi
Carol
Gumbly
No 1 or 4 or 5
Harris
Foxtrot
Louiguy
La vie en rose
Norton
Straight-faced
Percival & Dorich
Romance

Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)

AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
Saxophone Solos for Tenor Saxophone, vol.1, ed. Harvey,
Chester
Jazzin About for Tenor Saxophone, Faber
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)

The Magic Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes

Jazz Incorporated, Vol 1 (Bailey)
Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)
for Alto saxophone and PianoLeduc
The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Cop Caps & Cadillacs
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone (Boosey)
What Else Can I Play? Grade 3 (IMP)
The Microjazz Alto Saxophone Collection vol.1 (Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 3 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

14

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 2 - Grades 4 and 5
Processes are moderate in range, established and familiar, employing basic operational skills using readily available information. These are
applied in directed activities which are supervised by the teacher. Learners have some responsibility for quantity and quality.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 2 entrants.
Comfortable and well balanced posture and comfortable relationship with the instrument.
Appropriate and comfortable hand and arm position with fingers close to the keys.
Technical facility, sufficient to allow:

Developing independence of the fingers

Rhythmic stability
Systematic fingering in scales and arpeggios
Developing controlled co-ordination of the hands and tongue
Controlled, clear, even legato and tone
Accurate and prompt performance from memory of all technical work
at the minimum tempo or faster
A developing sense of pulse to allow accurate performance of rhythmic figures
Accurate and fluent performance of pieces with appropriate breath control and tone
Awareness and control of dynamics and tempo
The ability to articulate legato and staccato textures as required
Awareness of phrasing
Generally secure intonation and breath support.
A developing awareness of fine pitch discrimination.
A developing ability of vibrato.
To demonstrate the ability to tune the instrument.

Grade 4
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
D, A, E, A
(a) D, A, E, A
(b) B, F, C, F
D, A, E, A
A, E

Major, Major Arpeggios

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 10 - 12 seconds. p - f - p
Sustained scale Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/two slurred, two tongued
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 92, two notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 88, two notes per beat, tongued only
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three list pieces to be chosen, one from each list, plus two study list pieces.
List A - for any saxophone
Davies & Harris
No 22
Davies & Harris
No 33
Davies & Harris
No 47
Davies & Harris
No 50
Gumbly
No 1
Gumbly
No 6
Harris
Study
Lyons, Graham
Study no. 11
Percival & Dorich
Rae
Walton

Ex 4 Pg 64
No 1 or 2
Study in E flat

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
Crazy Jazz Studies
Crazy Jazz Studies
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone, Useful Music U55Spartan
Press
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)
AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans

15

Grade Four: continued from previous page

List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax
Bach, J.S.
Musette
Boccherini
Brahms
Mozart
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Ravel

Minuet & Trio

Hungarian Dance
Minuet and Trio
Turkish Rondo
Serenade
Bolero

List B - for E Flat Alto Sax

Bach, J.S.
Musette
Brahms
Desmond
Feld
Haydn
Mozart
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Ravel
Strauss
de Faye, Jean-Michel

Hungarian Dance
Take Five
No 2
Minuet
Minuet and Trio
Turkish Rondo
Serenade
Bolero
Die Fledermaus
Print Hamelle 4, 5, or 6

List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bailey
Devil May Care
Bailey
Jumbuck Jive
Benjamin
Jamaican Rumba
Benjamin
Jamaican Rumba
Maltby

Heather on the Hill

Norton
Norton
Percival & Dorich
Rae
Wedgwood

Hot Potato
Swing Out Sister
Hungarian Dance
Mr Creek or Rachel
Tequila Sunrise

Davies & Harris

Debussy
Dvorak
Ellington
Hare
Hare
Joplin
Maltby

Rondino Giocoso
Le petit Negre or Jimbos Lullaby
Lament
Sophisticated Lady
Banana Rag
Banana Rag
New Rag
Heather on the Hill

Percival & Dorich

Strauss

Hungarian Dance
Die Fledermaus

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, Boosey and

Hawkes
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Sophisticated Sax, ed Street (Boosey & Hawkes)
Tres Pezzi
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed TealSchirmer
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
66 Great Tunes for saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
Suite Plumes

Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey

Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone , Boosey and
Hawkes
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, arr. Wastall
(Boosey)
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
Blue Saxophone (Universal)
Jazzin About for Tenor saxophone, Faber

Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey

Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
Debussy Saxophone Album, arr. Rae, Universal17777/M.D.S.
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed TealSchirmer
Take Ten arr. Rae (Universal)
AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
The Magic Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
66 Great Tunes for saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, arr. Wastall
(Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP

Grade 4 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

List C - for E Flat Alto Sax

Bailey
Devil May Care
Bailey
Jumbuck Jive
Benjamin
Jamaican Rumba
Benjamin
Jamaican Rumba

First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and

Hawkes
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)

16

Grade 5
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
A, E, E, A
(a) A, E, E, A
(b) F, C, C, F
A, E, E, A
A, E, E, A

Major, Major Arpeggios, Broken Chords

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 10 - 12 seconds. p - f - p
Sustained scale Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/two slurred, two tongued
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 66, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 60, four notes per beat, tongued only
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats, tongued only

2. Pieces Three pieces to be chosen, one from each list, plus two study list pieces.
List A - for any saxophone
Davies & Harris
No 62
Davies & Harris
No 67
Davies & Harris
No 68
Parisi
Study no.1 or no.2
Rae
No 11
Rae
No 5
Rae
No 8
List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax
Bach
Arioso
Bach
Badinerie
Harvey

Rondo

Mozart
Mussorgsky, M
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Tchaikovsky

Eine Kleine Nachtmusick

The Old Castle
Scherzo
The Appoggiatura Variations
Sleigh Ride

List B - for E Flat Alto Sax

Bach
Badinerie
Feld
Handel
Lantier
Mozart
Mussorgsky, M
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Schumann
Trad/Walton

No 1 or 3
Siciliana and Allegro
Sicilienne
Sonata in C
The Old Castle
Scherzo
The Appoggiatura Variations
Fantasy Piece
Carnival of Venice

List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bailey
Wily Bossa
Benson
Cantilena
Cole, Keith Ramon

Hooligan Strain

Debussy
Dvorak
Granados

Sarabande
Lament
Andaluza

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
Forty Technical and Melodious Studies, vol 1Southern
20 Modern Studies (Universal)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)

Simply Sax, ed. Stent (De Haske)

Saxophone Solos for Tenor Saxophone Vol 2, ed Harvey
(Chester) or 66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Saxophone Solos for Tenor Saxophone Vol 2, ed Harvey
(Chester)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)

Saxophone Solos for Alto Saxophone Vol 2, ed Harvey

(Chester) or 66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Tres Pezzi
Take Ten, arr. Rae (Universal)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP

Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)

First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, arr. Wastall
(Boosey)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, arr. Teal (Schimer)
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer
Saxophone Solos for Bb Tenor Book 1, ed Harvey (Chester)

17

Grade Five: continued from previous page

Norton
Rolling Stock
Percival & Dorich
The Oily Rag
Shostakovich
Romance The Gadfly
List C - for E Flat Alto Sax
Bailey
Wily Bossa
Bouillon
Valse-Fantasie
Bozza
Debussy
Debussy
Dubois, P M

Aria for Saxophone and Piano

La fille aux cheveux de lin
Sarabande
A la Russe

Gumbly
Gumbly
Handel
Norton
Percival & Dorich
Ridout, Alan
Shostakovich
Trad/Walton
Vaughan Williams

No 5
No 7
Allegro from Suite XIV, No.3.
Hopping
The Oily Rag
1st mvmt
Romance The Gadfly
Carnival of Venice
Dance of Jobs Comforters

Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes

Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
arr. Cowles (De Haske)

Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)

First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Leduc
Debussy Saxophone Album, arr. Rae, Universal 17777/M.D.S.
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer
Pices Caratrisques en forme de suite for Alto Sax & Piano
(Leduc)
Cops & Cadillacs
Cops & Cadillacs
Saxophone Solos for B flat Tenor, ed HarveyChester
The Microjazz Alto Saxophone collection (Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Concertino for Alto saxophone, Grave Emerson
arr. Cowles (De Haske)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone, ed Walton, AWMP
Saxophone Solos for E flat Tenor, ed Harvey. Vol.2, Chester

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 5 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

18

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 3 - Grade 6
Processes require a range of developing skills within a range of familiar contexts. These are applied using relevant theoretical knowledge,
interpretative skills, discretion and judgment within a range of known responses to familiar problems. Although activities are directed by the
teacher, learners have significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 3 entrants.
Comfortable and well balanced posture demonstrating considerable ease in the relationship with the instrument.
Appropriate hand and finger shape with fingers held close to the keys and use of alternative fingerings where appropriate.
Technical facility, to allow:

Accurate and prompt performance from memory of all technical work at the minimum tempo or faster
Systematic fingering in technical work
Independent articulation of the fingers
Increasing control of co-ordination of the hands and tongue
A well developed sense of pulse to allow accurate performance of rhythmic figures.
Increased control of variations in tempo, tone and articulations
A developing sense of phrasing, style and ornamentation as appropriate to each musical period.
Increased awareness of intonation and breath support
Increased awareness of fine pitch discrimination.
Increased ability of vibrato.
Able to tune the instrument with competence.

Grade 6
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
E, B, A, D
(a) E, B, A, D
(b) C, G, F, B
E, B, A, D
E, B, A, D
E, B, A, D

Major, Major Arpeggios, Broken Chords

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds
Dominant Sevenths (in the key, arpeggio only)

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 12 - 14 seconds. p - ff - p
Sustained scale Major scales, one octave (upper octave) ascending and descending. Each note equals two beats
(tongued only). Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes
All scales, arpeggios and broken chords beginning on E to be 3 octaves ascending and descending. All
other scales and arpeggios two octaves, ascending and descending.
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/slurred pairs/two slurred,
two tongued
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 72, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 72, four notes per beat, tongued only
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Five list pieces to be chosen, one each from lists A, B and C and two from list D; plus two study list pieces.
List A
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Ed Voxman
Ed Voxman
Lyons, Graham

No 69
No 74
No 75
Study in A flat
Study in G minor, p 16
Study no. 17

Niehaus,L.
Parisi
Percival & Dorich

No.4, p.26
Study no.16
Ex 2 Pg 3

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
Selected Studies for Saxophone, Rubank
Selected Studies for Saxophone, Rubank
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone,Useful Music U55, Spartan
Press
Jazz Conceptions for Saxophone, Intermediate, Tri Publishing
Forty Technical and Melodious Studies, vol 1,Southern
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)

19

Grade Six: continued from previous page

Rae
No 17
List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax
Bach
Two Bourees
Bach, J C
Sinfonia in B Flat 2nd and 3rd mvmts
Andante and Presto
Fiocco
Arioso
Handel
Sonata No 1 (op 1 no 8) arr Londeix
complete
Percival & Dorich
Little Fugue
Singelee
Fourth Solo de Concert
Tuthill, Burnet
Sonata for Tenor Saxophone Op 56 1st
Mvmt
List B - for E Flat Alto Sax
Bach
Sicilienne and Allegro
Handel
Allegro Saxophone
Marcello
Concert in C mol, 3rd mvt for B flat
Saxophone and Piano
Mendelssohn
Song without Words
Percival & Dorich
Little Fugue
Schostakovich
Satirical Dance
Senaill, J B
Allegro Spiritoso
Weber
Petite Valse et Tyrolienne

List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Harvey, P
Contest Solo No 1
Harvey, P
Contest Solo No 4
Moszkowski, M
Spanish Dance No 2
Paul, G
Estilian Caprice
Percival & Dorich
Turn Etude
Ravel, M
Pice en Forme de Habanera

Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer

Classical Saxophone Solos arr Both (B flat Tenor edition)
Schott
Saxophone Solos for Tenor saxophone Vol 2 (Chester)
Leduc
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Molenaar
Southern Music

Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer

Solos for Alto Saxophone Vol 2, ed Chester
arr Joosen, Molenaar
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed TealSchirmer
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
(Southern)
Famous Classical Pieces for Saxophone and Piano,bk 2,arr
Mule Leduc

for Tenor Saxophone (Studio)

for Soprano Saxophone (Studio)
Solos for the B flat Saxonphone, arr Teal (Schirmer)
(Rubank)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
for Tenor Saxophone & Piano (Leduc)

Debussy Saxophone Album, arr. Rae, Universal 17777/M.D.S.

arr Voxman (Rubank)
Pieces Caracterisques en forme de suite, Leduc
(Leduc)
Cinq Danses Exotiques for Alto Saxophone & Piano (Schott)
Two Pieces from Peer Gynt, Masters M2159
Two Pieces from Peer Gynt, Masters M2159
Saxophone Solos for E Flat Alto, Vol 2, ed Harvey (Chester)
(Salabert)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Pice en Forme de Habanera for Alto Saxophone & Piano
(Leduc)

List D - Orchestral excerpts - where there is more than 1 line, the top line only needs to be learned
Bizet, G.
Larlsienne, First Orchestral Suite
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Gould
Latin America
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Khachaturian
Sabre Dance
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Moussorgsky, M
Tableaux dune Exposition
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 6 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

List C - for E Flat Alto Sax

Debussy
Golliwoggs cake walk
Demersseman, J
Allegretto Brillante Op 46
Dubois
A LEspagnole
Dukas, P
Alla Gitana
Francaix, J
Any two dances
Greig
Anitras Dance
Greig
Solveigs Song
Gumbly
The Girl from Sark
Harvey, P
Caprice Anglais P 11
Milhaud, D
Scaramouche Suite, 2nd mvt
Percival & Dorich
Turn Etude
Ravel, M
Pice en Forme de Habanera

20 Modern Studies (Universal)

20

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 4 - Grades 7 and 8
Processes require a wide range of technical skills involving a considerable choice of procedures in a variety of familiar and un-familiar contexts.
The learning demands a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts and analytical interpretation of information. The
learning demand requires informed judgment within a range of innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems. Learners have
complete responsibility for the quantity and quality of output under broad guidance and evaluation from their teacher.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 4 entrants.
In addition to those criteria at level 1, 2, & 3 the entrants will demonstrate:

Accurate and fluent performance throughout

Rhythmic stability and vitality
A full exploration of the dynamic range of the instrument.
A confident projection of the style and character of chosen works
Sensitivity to subtleties of nuance, rubato and ornamentation
A well developed aural awareness and reliable intonation.
A well developed awareness of fine pitch discrimination.
A competent use of vibrato for musical expression.

Grade 7
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
B, F, Ab, D
(a) B, F, Ab, D
(b) C, G, F, B
B, F, Ab, D
B, F, Ab, D
C
B, F, Ab, D
B, F, Ab, D

Major, Major Arpeggios, Broken Chords

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds
Whole Tone Scale
Dominant Sevenths(arpeggio only)
Diminished Sevenths (arpeggio only). Beginning on the note.

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 12 - 14 seconds. pp - ff - pp
Sustained scale Major scales, 1 octave (upper octave) ascending and descending. Each note equals two beats
(tongued only). Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over three octaves
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/slurred pairs/two tongued,
two slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:



Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 72, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 72, four notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Five list pieces to be chosen, one each from lists A, B and C and two from list D; plus two study list pieces.
List A
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Karg- Elert
Lyons, Graham

No 76
No 79
In modo lidio No 11
Study no. 23

Niehaus, L
Percival and Dorich
Rae, J
Voxman, H

No 12 Pg 24
Ex 2 Pg 29
Study No 20
Study in F minor Pg 38

List B - for B Flat Tenor Sax

Cowles
Of Spain

80 Graded Studies for Saxonphone Book 2 (Faber)

80 Graded Studies for Saxonphone Book 2 (Faber)
25 Capricen und Sonata for Saxophone Solo
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone,Useful Music U55Spartan
Press
Jazz Conceptions for Saxophone, Advanced (Tri Publ)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Twenty Modern Studies (Universal)
Selected Studies for Saxophone (Rubank)

for Tenor Saxophone Studio

21

Grade Seven: continued from previous page

Fiocco
Allegro arr Cordeiro
Handel
Sonata in G minor (Op.1 no.6), arr
Londieux, 1st and 2nd mvmts
Millars
Andante & Rondo
Percival & Dorich
Courante
Villa Lobos
Fantasia 2nd Mvmt
List B - for E Flat Alto Sax
Bach
Sonata No 4, 1st mvmt
Eccles, H
Sonata
Fiocco
Allegro
Handel
Ist and 2nd mvmt from Quatrieme Sonata
(Flute)
Handel
Sonata no.1 (Op 1, no.12), arr. Mule 1st
and 2nd, or 2nd and 3rd mvmts
Haydn
Gypsy
Percival & Dorich
Courante
Thierry
Escaich Amelies Dream No5
List C - for B Flat Tenor Sax
Bennett
Concerto in G minor for Bb Saxophone
and Piano
Percival & Dorich
Polonaise dAcciaccatura
Ravel
Piece en Forme de HabaneraBflat edition
Saint-Saens
Allegro Appassionata
List C - for E Flat Alto Sax
Bonneau, Paul
2 Caprices en Forme de Valse No 1
Debussy
Danse Bohemienne No 5
Percival & Dorich
Polonaise dAcciaccatura
Villa Lobos
Fantasia, 2nd mvt Soprano or Tenor
Saxophone

for Tenor Saxophone and Piano Dorn

Le Duc /U.M.P.
Tenor Saxophone Solos Vol 2 ed Harvey (Chester)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)

ed Mule (Leduc)
arr Rascher for Alto Saxophone and Piano Elkan-Vogel
arr Cordeiro for Tenor Saxophone and Piano Dorn
for E Flat Alto Saxophone and Piano Leduc, AWMP
Le Duc /U.M.P
Rondo Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player arr Teal (Schirmer)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)

Fischer
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Le Duc/U.M.P.
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player arr Teal, (Schirmer)

Ledec
Debussy Saxophone Album arr Rae, Universal
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Peer Southern

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 7 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

List D - Orchestral excerpts - where there is more than 1 line, the top line only needs to be learned
Bizet
Larlsienne, Second Orchestral Suite
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Gershwin
I got Rhythm
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Khachaturian
Dance of Ayshe
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Prokofiev
Romeo & Juliet, Suite No 1
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Rachmaninov
Symphonic Dances
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Ravel
Bolero pg 38
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Ravel
Lieutenant Kij
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

22

Grade 8
1. Scales
Choose one set:
1. B, E, G
2. F, B, G
3. E, D, G

Major
Harmonic Minor
Melodic Minor
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds
Major Arpeggios and Broken Chords
Minor Arpeggios and Broken Chords
Dominant Sevenths of the major keys (arpeggio only)

B, B, C
C, C

Diminished Sevenths (arpeggio only). Beginning on the note.

Whole Tone Scale beginning the lowest C of the instrument.

Sustained note
Sustained scale

Any one note of the G major scale held for 14 - 16 seconds.

Major scales, 1 octave (upper octave) ascending only. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over three octaves otherwise two octaves only are
necessary.
All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred/two tongued, two slurred/slurred pairs
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 80, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 80, four notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Five list pieces to be chosen, one each from lists A, B and C and two from list D.
List A
Davies & Harris
Karg-Elert, S
Koechlin
Percival & Dorich

No 80
Corrente, Op 153 No 4
Etude No 9, or No 15
Ex 3 Pg 58

80 Graded Studies (Faber)

25 Capricien und Sonate for Saxophone Solo
15 tudes pour Saxophone et Piano
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)

List B - for B flat tenor sax

Gould
Diversions Recitatives & Preludes
Handel
Sonata no. 13 (Op 1, no.13) arr.
Marcello
Concerto in C minor arr Joosen
Martin
Ballade for Tenor
Villa Lobos
Fantasia, 1st mvt

(Schirmer)
Rascher 1st and 2nd mvmts, Elkin-Vogel/U.M.P
(Molenaar)
UniversalUE 11250
Soprano/Tenor Saxophone (Peer Southern)

List B - for E flat alto sax

Bach, J S
Sonata No 6, (flute) 1st & 2nd mvt
Bach, JS
Sonata No 4
Bonneau, Paul
Suite, complete
Heiden
Sonata, 1st mvt

trans Mule, Leduc

arr Mule Leduc
Leduc
Schott

List C - for E flat alto sax

Bozza
Impromptu & Dance
Debussy, C
Rapsodie for Saxophone arr Rousseau
Dubois, PM
A lHongroise or A la Parisienne
Elmsley, John
Grovlez, G
Jolivet
Martin
Milhaud, D
Noda
Shostakovich, D
Spiewak, T
Tcherepnin
Villa-Lobos, H
Woods

Sonata, slow mvt

Saraband et Allegro pour Clarinet
Fantasie-Impromptu
Ballade Tenor Saxophone
Braziliera 3rd mvmt Scaramouche Suite
Improvisation No 1
Three Fantastic Dances
Sonatina, any two mvts
Sonatine Sportive, 2nd & 3rd mvt
Fantasia, 1st mvt
Sonata, 1st mvt

(Etoile)
Pices Caratrisques en forme de suite for Alto Sax &
Piano(Leduc)
Sounz
Leduc
Leduc
(Universal)
(Salabert)
(ed Musicus)
Spiewak/AMC
Leduc
(Southern)
Advance

23

Grade Eight: continued from previous page

List D - Orchestral excerpts - where there is more than 1 line, the top line only needs to be learned
Gershwin
Porgy & Bess
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Honegger
A Symphony No 3
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Rachmaninoff
Symphonic Dances
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Shostakovich
The Age Of Gold
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Villa-Lobos, H
Uirapuru
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Walton, W
Facade
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 8 NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

24

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 5 - Associate Diploma
Processes require a wide range of specialised technical skills involving a wide choice of standard and non standard procedures in a variety of
routine and non-routine contexts. The learning demands a broad knowledge base with substantial depth in some areas, employing analytical
interpretation and the determination of appropriate methods and procedures in response to a range of concrete problems, with some theoretical
elements. Learners have full responsibility for the nature, quantity and quality of outcomes under broad general guidelines in self directed and
sometimes directive activity.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 5 entrants.
From a programme of four works the entrant will demonstrate

A well developed aural awareness and secure intonation with fine pitch discrimination.
understanding of the works as to their structure, musical content and their particular character
technical and stylistic mastery leading to a coherent, expressive performance
command of special effects appropriate to the instrument
ability to differentiate between a broad range of musical styles
familiarity with the accompanying parts in items requiring accompaniment, with a consistent and integrated sense of ensemble between
soloist and accompanist.
a developing sense of professional presentation, with attention to posture, appearance and normal performance conventions.
a detailed knowledge of the structure, keys and modulations of each work
a knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of each work
familiarity with general repertoire of chosen composers, particularly their clarinet works
some knowledge of the historical development of the instrument as it relates to the chosen works.

Diploma AMUSNZ
1. Pieces Four works to be chosen, one from each list.
List A - for any saxophone
Bozza, E
No 12, pg 15-17
Couf, H
Introduction, Dance & Furioso
Karg-Elert, S
Ciaccona No 12
Koechlin
Samyn, N

Any 2 Etudes
No 2 or No 4

12 tudes - Caprices for Saxophone (Leduc)

Solo Saxophone (Belwyn Mills)
25 Capricen und Sonate for Solo Saxophone Op 153, Heft 1
(Zimmermann)
15 tudes pour Saxophone et Piano
9 tudes Trascendantes (Billaudot)

List B - for B flat tenor sax

Bach, JS
Sonata in A minor
Bach, JS
Violincello Suite IV, any four mvts
Telemann
Sonata arr Londeix 1st and 2nd mvmt

Classic Sax for Soprano or Tenor (Currency)

arr Ricker (Dorn)
Leduc

List B - for E flat alto sax

Bach, JS
Sonata in A minor
Bach, JS
Sonate (flute), any four mvts of 6
Bach, JS
Violincello Suite IV, any four mvts
Handel
First Sonata

Classical Saxophone for Alto (Currency)

Trans Mule (Leduc)
arr Ricker (Dorn)
Leduc

List C - for B flat tenor sax

Feld, J
Sonate pour Saxophone
Glick, S I
Suite Hebraique
Harvey, P
Concertino Soprano
Harvey, P
Concertino Tenor

Soprano Sib et Piano (Leduc)

B flat Tenor Saxophone (Clarinet) & Piano (Boosey & Hawkes)
(Maurer)
(Maurer)

List C - for E flat alto sax

Binge, R
Concerto
Bozza, E
Prlude et Divertissement
Bozza, E
Scaramouche Op53 No 2
Defaye, J M
Amelopsis
Dubois, P M
Sonatine
Glazounov, A
Concerto
Harvey
Contest Solo No 2 for Alto
Harvey
Contest Solo No 5 for Baritone
Heiden, B
Sonata Alto
Milhaud
Scaramouche

Alto Saxophone & Piano (Weinberger)

(Leduc)
(Leduc)
Alto Saxophone & Piano (Leduc)
(Leduc)
(Leduc)
Studio
Studio
Saxophone & Piano (Schott)
Salabert

25

Diploma AMUSNZ: continued from previous page

List D - for B flat tenor sax
Hevlik
Two Lyric Pieces
Noda, R
Ma
Schmitt
Song de Coppelius

Southern
(Leduc)
Lemoine

List D - for E flat alto sax

Franais
Cinq Danses Exotiques
Jacob
7 Miscellanies (choose any 5)
Noda, R
Ma

(Schott)
Emerson
(Leduc)

2. Musical Knowledge

Diploma AMUSNZ NZMEB PERFORMANCE SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

26

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 7 - Licentiate Diploma
Learners will carry out processes that require a command of wide ranging highly specialised technical skills involving a wide choice of standard
and non standard procedures often in non standard combinations. They are employed in highly variable routine and non-routine contexts. The
learning demands employ a specialist knowledge base with depth in more than one area, employing the analysis and evaluation of a wide range
of information and the formulation of appropriate responses to resolve both concrete and abstract problems. Learners have full responsibility
in managing the learning processes and complete accountability for determining and achieving personal outcomes within broad parameters for
defined activities.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 6 entrants.
From a programme of four works the entrants will demonstrate
A well developed aural awareness and secure intonation and fine pitch discrimination.
their ability to build a varied and coherent programme worthy of public performance
understanding of the works as to their structure, musical content and their particular character
technical and stylistic mastery leading to a coherent, expressive performance,
command of special effects appropriate to the instrument,
ability to differentiate between a broad range of musical styles,
a convincing presentation showing a developing sense of professional presentation, with attention to posture, appearance and normal
performance conventions
performance from memory as required in the syllabus.

Diploma LMUSNZ
1. Pieces Four works required, one from each list, and at least one work from memory.
List A Bozza, E
Karg-Elert, S

No 6 P 9 & No 7 P 10
Sonata Atonal

Matitia
Samyn, N
Sitsky, L

The Devils Rag

No 3, 5, 6, 7, or 8
Armenia

List B - for B flat tenor sax

Bach/Harle
Sonata in G minor
Fiocco, J H
Concerto
Platti,G
Sonata in G for B Flat Saxophone and
Piano
List B - for E flat alto sax
Handel/Rascher
Sonata No 13
Leclair, J M
Sonata in G minor
Mayeur,L
Grande Fantasie Brilliante sur Le Carnival
de Venise
List C - for B flat tenor sax
Hartley
Sonata for Tenor Saxophone and Piano
Heath,D
Rumania
Villa-Lobos, H
Fantasia
List C - for E flat alto sax
Bozza, E
Concertino
Creston
Sonata
Feld, J
Sonate pour Alto Saxophone et Piano
Ibert, J
Concertino da Camera
Milhaud, D
Scaramouche Suite
Muczynski, R
Sonate

12 tudes - Caprices for Saxophone (Leduc)

25 Capricen und Sonate for Solo Saxophone Op 153, Heft 1
(Zimmermann)
9 tudes Trascendantes (Billaudot)
Suite Solo Alto Saxophone (Seesaw)

(Universal)
(Schott)

(Elkan-Vogel)
Alto Saxophone & Piano, arr Garner (Southern)
Leduc

Southern
Chester
Soprano Saxophone (Southern)

(Leduc)
(Leduc)
(Leduc)
Alto Saxophone & Piano (Salabert)
Alto Saxophone & Piano (Schirmer)

List D - Own Selection - the choice of work should balance the entrants programme

2. Musical Knowledge

27

Saxophone
In compiling this syllabus the New Zealand Music Examinations Board has endeavoured to use readily available and affordable editions as
indicated in the text. The Board has used each book to the fullest extent possible, however any edition is acceptable. Editions are mentioned
solely as a means of identification, and any standard edition will be accepted.
New Zealand music is available from SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music, Level 1, 39 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington, 6001.Tel
04-801 8602, Fax 04-801 8604, info@sounz.org.nz

Examination Music
Entrants may not use photocopies for performance (other than for facilitating page turns) in examinations, as this is prohibited by the Copyright
Act. When Entrants enter the examination room they must hand copies of all list pieces being performed, to the examiner, together with their
examination slip. Copies for examiner use of study list pieces in the Performance syllabuses are optional.
Entrants should not play repeats in examinations, however any da capo must be played.

Scales
Dominant Seventh arpeggios are to be played in the key.
Diminished seventh arpeggios are to start on the key note.

Co-Requisites
There are no additional theory requirements for Grades 6-8.

Improvisation
Credit will be awarded for appropriate improvisation. It is acknowledged that within some of the styles presented improvisation will be
appropriate. Care however must be taken to maintain the works musical integrity and level of difficulty. A copy of the work with the
improvisation section marked must be brought to the examination for use by the examiner.

Entrants changing from Performance Saxophone to Saxophone

Entrants in Performance Saxophone are permitted to swap to the Saxophone syllabus by presenting three pieces by three different composers
two of which must be in the Performance Saxophone syllabus of the same grade. Entrants should advise the examiner of the change when they
enter the examination room and mark the appropriate box on their examination slip.

Syllabus Repertoire
Three pieces are to be presented. The programme must show a variety of styles by three different composers. A minimum of two pieces are to
be from the NZMEB syllabus list. The third piece may be an own choice piece and should be at a similar level to those already in the syllabus.
The syllabus repertoire lists below may be used as a source for an own choice piece. Entrants must bring a copy of the own choice piece to the
examination for the examiner to refer to.

Accompanist
Entrants must provide their own accompanists who remain in the room only while accompanying. A teacher may act as accompanist.
Entrants should not play repeats in examinations, however any da capo must be played.

NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

28

Scales
Scales in 3rds to be played as follows
Example (C major):

44

Dominant 7th arpeggio to be played as follows

Example (C):

44

Diminished 7th arpeggio to be played as follows

Example (A):

44 

Broken chords to be played as follows

Examples in A major and C minor:

 

 44



 44




29

Musicianship
For clapping tests entrants may count aloud using any recognised system. A steady pulse at a moderate speed is expected. Interval recognition
is by number only.

LEVEL ONE
Preliminary
To join in and clap the beats in simple duple or triple time, to a harmonized passage played by the examiner and to continue clapping the
beats when the music stops.
To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time.
Example:

4
4

To visually recognize step or skip movement (seconds and thirds) over three notes within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use
their own pieces to develop fluency.
Example:

43

Grade One
To recognize written combined step/skip movements over 3 notes within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces
to develop fluency.
Example:

43

To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time.

Example:

3
4



To play the same pattern as a given melody using only 2nds and 3rds within the compass of a fifth in the keys of C or G major.
Example:

43



2
4

Grade Two
To visually recognize any written interval within the compass of a fifth. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency
Example:

43

To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm in simple time. May include crotchet rests and quavers.
Example:

4
4



To play the same pattern as a given melody in the keys of G or F major.

Example:



44



Musicianship NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

To aurally identify major seconds and major thirds (number only), played twice by the examiner. Entrants may sing or hum the notes
before answering.
To echo clap a short rhythm pattern clapped once by the examiner. A second attempt will be allowed if necessary.
Example:

30

Grade Three
To visually recognize written intervals within the octave at sight. We suggest entrants use their own pieces to develop fluency.
Example:

43

To clap or tap at sight, a simple written rhythm, in simple time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, dotted crotchets,
quavers and minim rests may be included. Example:


4
4

To play the same rhythm pattern as a melody within the compass of an octave in the keys of F or Bb major.
Example:

44

LEVEL TWO
Grade Four
To clap or tap at sight, a written four bar rhythm, in simple time or compound duple. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades,
semiquavers, dotted quavers and quaver rests may be added.
Examples:


4
4
86

To name the tonic key.

To play a given melody in the keys of E or B major.
Examples:

44

86

Grade Five
To clap or tap at sight, a written four bar rhythm, in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades,
triplets and tied notes may be added.
Examples:

4
4

86

To name the tonic key.

To play a given melody in the keys of A major or E major.
Saxophonists are required to name the letter names for both triads in the perfect cadence as marked *.
Examples:

44

86 



*

To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.

LEVEL THREE
Grade Six
To clap or tap at sight, a written eight bar rhythm, in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades,
syncopation may be added.
Examples:

31

4 
4

5





86








To name the tonic key.

To play the same rhythm pattern as a given melody in the keys of C or A major. Saxophonists are required to name the final cadence as
perfect or plagal and to name the letter names for both triads as marked *.
Examples:

44  

 





86





To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.

LEVEL FOUR
Grade Seven
To clap or tap at sight, a written rhythm in simple or compound time. In addition to the rhythmic figures in previous grades, syncopation
may be added.
Examples:

3
4


89
4


 





To name the tonic key.

To play given melody in the keys of D major or B major/minor. Saxophonists are required to name the an imperfect or interrupted cadence
at the end of the first phrase and a perfect or plagal cadence for the final cadence, and to name the letter names for both triads as marked *.
Examples:



 43
5






 89 
3



6



  

 






To transpose the melody from concert pitch, for alto up a major sixth and for tenor up a major second.

Musicianship NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11





32

Grade Eight
To clap or tap at sight, a written eight bar rhythm, in any time signature.
Examples:


89
5

5
4




  









Entrants will be given half a minute to sight an orchestral excerpt provided by the examiner and then to play it from the score
Examples:



3
4

44
5



 




Entrants will be given an additional minute and a half to memorize the excerpt before replaying it.

33

Musical Knowledge
In practical examinations examiners will ask entrants questions on the following aspects of list pieces (excluding study list)

Level One - Preliminary to Grade 3

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.
Keys or tonalities in which the pieces are written.

Level Two - Grades 4 and 5

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys or tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces at main cadence points.
Broad formal structure of pieces.
Name the period and give its time frame.
Give the nationality of composers.

Level Three - Grade 6

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys or tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Broad formal structure and analysis of the pieces.
Some knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics.
Some knowledge of the composers.

Level Four - Grades 7 and 8

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys and tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Broad knowledge of the structure and analysis of the pieces.
Broad knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of the pieces.
Some knowledge of the composers of the pieces presented for examination including range of repertoire and major contributions to the
development of musical style.

Level Five - Associate Diploma

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.
Keys and tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the structure and analysis of the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of the pieces.
Knowledge of other works by the composers of the pieces presented for examination with emphasis on the repertoire for the entrants
instrument/voice.
Knowledge of the development of the entrants instrument through the various musical periods, and how the development of the instrument
affected the composers writing.

The notes, rests, signs, terms and titles of pieces.

Keys and tonalities in which the pieces are written.
Modulations which occur in the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the structure and analysis of the pieces.
Detailed knowledge of the period and stylistic characteristics of the pieces.
Knowledge of other works by the composers of the pieces presented for examination with special reference to their major works.
Knowledge of the development of the entrants instrument through the various musical periods, and how the development of the instrument
affected the composers writing.

Musical Knowledge NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

Level Six - Licentiate Diploma

34

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 1 - Preliminary to Grade 3
Processes are limited in range, repetitive and familiar, employing recall and a narrow range of knowledge and cognitive skills. These are applied
in activities which are closely supervised by the teacher.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 1 entrants.
Comfortable and well balanced posture
Appropriate hand and arm position with fingers held close to the keys.
Beginning to acquire:

Independent articulation of the fingers

Systematic fingering in scales
Accurate and prompt performance from memory of all technical work
Performance of the technical work at the minimum tempo or faster
Awareness of underlying pulse in the pieces
Awareness of the dynamic range of the instrument
Accurate and fluent performance of pieces
Awareness and control of dynamics, tempo and articulations
Awareness of intonation and breath support
Awareness of clear and even tone

Preliminary
1. Scales
G major scale, 1 octave, all tongued
G major arpeggio, 1 octave, all tongued

2. Pieces
Any 3 pieces froma recognised saxophone tutor book comprising a minimum of 5 different notes and a minimum of 12 bars length. Piano
accompaniment is optional. Recommended tutor books E 2000 for Saxophone Book 1, Abracadabra for Saxophone Book 1

3. Musical Knowledge

Grade 1
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
G, F
Major, Major Arpeggios
(a) G, F
Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
(b) A, E
Minor Arpeggios
G
Chromatic
Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 6 seconds, mf
Ascending and descending one octave only. All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 100, one note per beat

35

Grade One: continued from previous page

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers.

Sweet Nightingale
Minuet
Study in C

Bullard
Davies & Harris
Demnitz

Crotchety Sax
Study No 1
Study no.9

Garnier

Study no.8

Harris
Lyons, Graham

Study
No. 5 or No.7

ONeill, John

K.O.

Percival & Dorich

Percival & Dorich
Rae
Walton

Ex 3 Pg 43
Ex 8 Pg 33
Autumn Clouds
Bunderberg

Starters for Saxophone, arr. Lewin, ABRSM

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone, Bk 1, ed Davies and Harris
(Faber)
Sixty For Sax, ABRSM
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone, Bk 1, ed Davies&
Harris(Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone, Bk 1, ed Davies&
Harris(Faber)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone, Useful Music U55 Spartan
Press
Selected Pieces from the Jazz Method for Saxophone
Schott12488/M.D.S
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Style Workout for Solo Saxophone, Universal
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

for B Flat Tenor Sax

Beethoven
Beethoven
Cowles
Glazunov
Gretry
Gurlitt
Haydn
Haydn
Hyde
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Rae
Rae
Reeman
Schubert
Tchaikovsky
Trad

Choral Symphony Theme

Theme
Tri-Time
Theme and Variations
Air
Andante Pg 23
Allemande
Minuet
Soliloquy
Last Tango in Coonabarrabran
Pavane
A Slice of the Action
Passin Thru
Promenade
The Trout
Grandfathers Dance
The Dying Stockman

66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Sax Grades 1-3 (Faber)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Learn As You Play Saxophone, ed Wastell (Boosey & Hawkes)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
Time Pieces for B Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Time Pieces for B Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Time Pieces for B Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

Choral Symphony Theme

Theme
Sunday
Tri-Time
Blue Moon or Waltz of the Clown
Judges Dance
No 4, Theme from Pomp and
Circumstance
Air
Dance Time
Waltz of the Clown
Minuet
Last Tango in Coonabarrabran
Pavane
A Slice of the Action
Passin Thru
Promenade
Advance of the Alto
The Trout
Grandfathers Dance
The Dying Stockman

66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
Learn As You Play Saxophone, ed Wastell (Boosey & Hawkes)
The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
The Magic Saxophone, arr Hare. ( Boosey),

for E Flat Alto Sax

Beethoven
Beethoven
Brahms
Cowles
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Elgar
Gretry
Harris
Harris
Haydn
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Rae
Rae
Reeman
Rousseau
Schubert
Tchaikovsky
Trad

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)

The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
The Really Easy Sax Book (Faber)
Time Pieces for E Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Easy Jazzy Saxophone, Universal
Time Pieces for E Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Time Pieces for E Saxophone, vol.1, ABRSM
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

Grade 1 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

for any saxophone

Anon
Bach
Brod

36

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

37

Grade 2
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
F, B
(a) F, B
(b) D, G
E
Sustained note
Sustained scale

Major, Major Arpeggios

Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Harmonic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Chromatic
Any one note of the G major scale held for 8 - 10 seconds. p - f - p
Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves.
All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 60, two notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers.

Study no. 12

Brad
Chdeville
Davies & Harris
Lyons, Graham

Study
Gavotte
No 6 80
No. 9 or No.12

ONeill, John

The Way of All Things

Percival & Dorich

Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Walton

Canzonetta
Ex 5 Pg 44
Ex 6 Pg 4
Ex 6 Pg 44
Ex 7 Pg 4
Ex 9 Pg 45
Study in F

for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bailey
Bailey
Cole
Handel

Riff Raff Rock

Scoobie Du Wup
Granite
Trio

Harris

Pirates Ahoy

Haydn
Haydn
Kinyon
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Pogson
Rameau
Schumann
Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky
Traditional
Wastall

Allegro
Minuet
Folk Song Blues
Papagenos Aria
Adagio
Canzonetta
Ska-face
La Tambourin
The Merry Peasant
Old French Song
The Old French Song
Jamaican Folk Song or The Mango Walk
Midnight in Tobago

for E Flat Alto Sax

Bailey
Bailey
Byrd

Riff Raff Rock

Scoobie Du Wup
Pavane for Earl of Salisbury

Cole
Czerny

Granite
Sunrise

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone,Bk 1,ed Davies and

Harris(Faber)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Learn as you Play Saxophone (Boosey)
Graded Pieces for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone,Useful Music U55(Spartan
Press)
Selected Pieces from the Jazz Method for Saxophone,Schott
12488/M.D.S
Teacher on Tap Book ?? (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)

Jazz Incorporated Vol 2 (Bailey)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Up Grade Grades 2-3
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)

Jazz Incorporated Vol 2 (Bailey)

Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Saxophone Solos for Alto Saxophone Vol 1, ed Harvey
(Chester)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey)
The Magic Saxophone, arr Hare (Boosey and Hawkes )

Grade 2 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

for any saxophone

Baermann, C

38

Grade Two: continued from previous page

Gumbly
No 2 Cop
Handel
Trio from Water Music
Mozart
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Schumann
Stravinsky
Sullivan
Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky
Traditional
Traditional
Wastall

L, ci darem la mano
Papagenos Aria
Adagio
Canzonetta
The Merry Peasant
Shrovetide Fair Themes
The Policemans Song
Chanson Triste
The Old French Song
Jamaican Folk Song or The Mango Walk
The Wearin o the Green
Midnight in Tobago

Caps & Cadillacs

First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, arr Harris and
Calland (Faber)
Bravo Saxophone arr. Barrat (Boosey)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, (Universal 17772/M.D.S)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Up Grade Grades 2-3
What Else Can I Play? Grade 2 (IMP)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 3
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
D, E
(a) D, E
(b) B, C
B
Sustained note
Sustained scale

Major, Major Arpeggios

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Chromatic
Any one note of the G major scale held for 8 - 10 seconds. p - f - p
Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves.
All scales and arpeggios to be: all tongued/all slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:

Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 72, two notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers

for any saxophone
Davies & Harris
Hinke
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Walton
Wastall/Hyde

No 12 80
Study
Ex 10 Pg 22
Ex 7 Pg 20
Ex 8 Pg 21
Ex 9 Pg 22
Study in B minor
Brazilian Beat

Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)

AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
Learn as You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)

for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bailey
Finzi
Harris
Harris

Snappy Rag
Carol
Foxtrot
Showtime

Haydn, F
Martini
Norton
Norton
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich

Serenade
Plasir damour
Puppet Theatre
The Pioneer
Polka in G
Romance

Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)

Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone (Boosey)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)

39

Grade Three: continued from previous page

Pogson
Down at the Drive In
Purcell
Trumpet Voluntary
Rae
Waltz for Emily
Saint-Saen
The Swan
Schubert
Schubert

March Militaire
Serenade

Trad
Vivaldi

The Red Pipers Melody

Cantabile from II Gardellino

Wedgwood
Wedgwood

Free Fall
Rosie

for E Flat Alto Sax

Alford
Bach
Bailey
Bailey
Bozza
Davies & Harris
Finzi
Gumbly
Harris
Haydn, F
Louiguy
Martini
Norton
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Purcell
Rae
Rossini
Rossini
Schubert
Schubert

Colonel Bogey
Menuet
Little Brown Feet
Snappy Rag
Petite Gavotte
Walking in the Air
Carol
No 1 or 4 or 5
Foxtrot
Serenade
La vie en rose
Plasir damour
Straight-faced
Polka in G
Romance
Trumpet Voluntary
Waltz for Emily
The Barber of Seville
William Tell
March Militaire
Serenade

Street

Waves and Lets Get Away

AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans

66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Blue Saxophone (Universal)
Saxophone Solos for Tenor Saxophone, vol.1, ed. Harvey,
Chester
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Sax Solos for Tenor Vol 2 (Chester)
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)
Jazzin About for Tenor Saxophone, Faber
Selected Solos for Soprano/Tenor Saxophone Grades 1-3
(Faber)

The Magic Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes

Sax Solos for Alto Vol 1 (Chester)
Jazz Incorporated, Vol 1 (Bailey)
Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)
for Alto saxophone and PianoLeduc
The Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
Learn As You Play Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Cop Caps & Cadillacs
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone (Boosey)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
What Else Can I Play? Grade 3 (IMP)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
The Microjazz Alto Saxophone Collection vol.1 (Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 1 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
Blue Saxophone (Universal)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
10 Easy Tunes (De Haske)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone (ed Walton) (AWMP)
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Streetwise (Boosey)

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 3 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

40

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 2 - Grades 4 and 5
Processes are moderate in range, established and familiar, employing basic operational skills using readily available information. These are
applied in directed activities which are supervised by the teacher. Learners have some responsibility for quantity and quality.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 2 entrants.
Comfortable and well balanced posture and comfortable relationship with the instrument.
Appropriate and comfortable hand and arm position with fingers close to the keys.
Technical facility, sufficient to allow:

Developing independence of the fingers

Rhythmic stability
Systematic fingering in scales and arpeggios
Developing controlled co-ordination of the hands and tongue
Controlled, clear, even legato and tone
Accurate and prompt performance from memory of all technical work
at the minimum tempo or faster
A developing sense of pulse to allow accurate performance of rhythmic figures
Accurate and fluent performance of pieces with appropriate breath control and tone
Awareness and control of dynamics and tempo
The ability to articulate legato and staccato textures as required
Awareness of phrasing
Generally secure intonation and breath support.
A developing awareness of fine pitch discrimination.
A developing ability of vibrato.
To demonstrate the ability to tune the instrument.

Grade 4
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
A, E
(a) A, E
(b) F, C
A, E
E

Major, Major Arpeggios

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 10 - 12 seconds. p - f - p
Sustained scale Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/two slurred, two tongued
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 92, two notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 88, two notes per beat, tongued only
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers

for any saxophone
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Gumbly
Gumbly
Harris
Lyons, Graham

No 22
No 33
No 47
No 50
No 1
No 6
Study
Study no. 11

Percival & Dorich

Rae
Walton

Ex 4 Pg 64
No 1 or 2
Study in E flat

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 1 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
Crazy Jazz Studies
Crazy Jazz Studies
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone, Useful Music U55Spartan
Press
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)
AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans

41

Grade Four: continued from previous page

Musette

Bailey
Bailey
Benjamin

Devil May Care

Jumbuck Jive
Jamaican Rumba

Benjamin
Boccherini
Brahms
Maltby

Jamaican Rumba
Minuet & Trio
Hungarian Dance
Heather on the Hill

Mozart
Mozart
Norton
Norton
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Rae
Ravel
Wedgwood

Minuet and Trio

Turkish Rondo
Hot Potato
Swing Out Sister
Hungarian Dance
Serenade
Mr Creek or Rachel
Bolero
Tequila Sunrise

for E Flat Alto Sax

Bach, J.S.

Musette

Bailey
Bailey
Benjamin

Devil May Care

Jumbuck Jive
Jamaican Rumba

Benjamin
Brahms
Davies & Harris
Debussy
Desmond
Dvorak
Ellington
Feld
Hare
Hare
Haydn
Joplin
Maltby

Jamaican Rumba
Hungarian Dance
Rondino Giocoso
Le petit Negre or Jimbos Lullaby
Take Five
Lament
Sophisticated Lady
No 2
Banana Rag
Banana Rag
Minuet
New Rag
Heather on the Hill

Mozart
Mozart
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Ravel
Strauss
Strauss
de Faye, Jean-Michel

Minuet and Trio

Turkish Rondo
Hungarian Dance
Serenade
Bolero
Die Fledermaus
Die Fledermaus
Print Hamelle 4, 5, or 6

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and

Hawkes
Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey
Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone , Boosey and
Hawkes
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, arr. Wastall
(Boosey)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone (Boosey & Hawkes)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
Blue Saxophone (Universal)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Jazzin About for Tenor saxophone, Faber

First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, Boosey and

Hawkes
Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey
Jazz Incorporated, vol. 1. Bailey
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Saxophone Grade Book 1st to 4th Grades (Allans)
Really Easy Saxophone Book (Faber)
Debussy Saxophone Album, arr. Rae, Universal17777/M.D.S.
Sophisticated Sax, ed Street (Boosey & Hawkes)
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed TealSchirmer
Take Ten arr. Rae (Universal)
Tres Pezzi
AMEB Saxophone Grade Book Series 1, Allans
The Magic Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed TealSchirmer
66 Great Tunes for saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
First Repertoire Pieces for Alto Saxophone, arr. Wastall
(Boosey)
Classical Album, arr. Harle, Universal 17772/M.D.S
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival and Dorich)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
66 Great Tunes for saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
66 Great Tunes for saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
Suite Plumes

Grade 4 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bach, J.S.

42

Grade 5
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
A, A
(a) A, A
(b) F, F
A, A
A, A

Major, Major Arpeggios, Broken Chords

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 10 - 12 seconds. p - f - p
Sustained scale Major scales, 1 octave (lower octave) ascending. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/two slurred, two tongued
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 66, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 60, four notes per beat, tongued only
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats, tongued only

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers.

for any saxophone
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Parisi
Rae
Rae
Rae

No 62
No 67
No 68
Study no.1 or no.2
No 11
No 5
No 8

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
Forty Technical and Melodious Studies, vol 1Southern
20 Modern Studies (Universal)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)

for B Flat Tenor Sax

Bach
Bach

Arioso
Badinerie

Bailey
Benson

Wily Bossa
Cantilena

Cole, Keith Ramon

Hooligan Strain

Debussy
Dvorak
Granados
Harvey

Sarabande
Lament
Andaluza
Rondo

Mozart
Mussorgsky, M
Norton
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Shostakovich
Tchaikovsky

Eine Kleine Nachtmusick

The Old Castle
Rolling Stock
Scherzo
The Appoggiatura Variations
The Oily Rag
Romance The Gadfly
Sleigh Ride

Simply Sax, ed. Stent (De Haske)

Saxophone Solos for Tenor Saxophone Vol 2, ed Harvey
(Chester) or 66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, arr. Wastall
(Boosey)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, arr. Teal (Schimer)
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer
Saxophone Solos for Bb Tenor Book 1, ed Harvey (Chester)
Saxophone Solos for Tenor Saxophone Vol 2, ed Harvey
(Chester)
66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)
Microjazz for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and Hawkes
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
arr. Cowles (De Haske)
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)

for E Flat Alto Sax

Bach

Badinerie

Bailey
Bouillon

Wily Bossa
Valse-Fantasie

Bozza
Debussy
Debussy
Dubois, P M

Aria for Saxophone and Piano

La fille aux cheveux de lin
Sarabande
A la Russe

Saxophone Solos for Alto Saxophone Vol 2, ed Harvey

(Chester) or 66 Great Tunes, ed. Walton (AWMP)
Jazz Incorporated Vol 1 (Bailey)
First Repertoire Pieces for Tenor Saxophone, Boosey and
Hawkes
Leduc
Debussy Saxophone Album, arr. Rae, Universal 17777/M.D.S.
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer
Pices Caratrisques en forme de suite for Alto Sax & Piano
(Leduc)

43

Grade Five: continued from previous page

Feld
No 1 or 3
Gumbly
No 5
Gumbly
No 7
Handel
Allegro from Suite XIV, No.3.
Handel
Siciliana and Allegro
Lantier
Sicilienne
Mozart
Sonata in C
Mussorgsky, M
The Old Castle
Norton
Hopping
Percival & Dorich
Scherzo
Percival & Dorich
The Appoggiatura Variations
Percival & Dorich
The Oily Rag
Ridout, Alan
1st mvmt
Schumann
Fantasy Piece
Shostakovich
Romance The Gadfly
Trad/Walton
Carnival of Venice
Trad/Walton
Carnival of Venice
Vaughan Williams
Dance of Jobs Comforters

Tres Pezzi
Cops & Cadillacs
Cops & Cadillacs
Saxophone Solos for B flat Tenor, ed HarveyChester
Take Ten, arr. Rae (Universal)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)
The Microjazz Alto Saxophone collection (Boosey)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 2 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Concertino for Alto saxophone, Grave Emerson
Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed. Teal (Schimer)
arr. Cowles (De Haske)
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone, ed WaltonAWMP
66 Great Tunes for Saxophone, ed Walton, AWMP
Saxophone Solos for E flat Tenor, ed Harvey. Vol.2, Chester

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 5 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

44

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 3 - Grade 6
Processes require a range of developing skills within a range of familiar contexts. These are applied using relevant theoretical knowledge,
interpretative skills, discretion and judgment within a range of known responses to familiar problems. Although activities are directed by the
teacher, learners have significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 3 entrants.
Comfortable and well balanced posture demonstrating considerable ease in the relationship with the instrument.
Appropriate hand and finger shape with fingers held close to the keys and use of alternative fingerings where appropriate.
Technical facility, to allow:

Accurate and prompt performance from memory of all technical work at the minimum tempo or faster
Systematic fingering in technical work
Independent articulation of the fingers
Increasing control of co-ordination of the hands and tongue
A well developed sense of pulse to allow accurate performance of rhythmic figures.
Increased control of variations in tempo, tone and articulations
A developing sense of phrasing, style and ornamentation as appropriate to each musical period.
Increased awareness of intonation and breath support
Increased awareness of fine pitch discrimination.
Increased ability of vibrato.
Able to tune the instrument with competence.

Grade 6
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
E, B
(a) E, B
(b) C, G
E, B
E, B
E, B

Major, Major Arpeggios, Broken Chords

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds
Dominant Sevenths (in the key, arpeggio only)

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 12 - 14 seconds. p - ff - p
Sustained scale Major scales, one octave (upper octave) ascending and descending. Each note equals two beats
(tongued only). Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes
All scales, arpeggios and broken chords beginning on E to be 3 octaves ascending and descending. All
other scales and arpeggios two octaves, ascending and descending.
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/slurred pairs/two slurred,
two tongued
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 72, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 72, four notes per beat, tongued only
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers.

Bizet, G.
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Ed Voxman
Ed Voxman
Gershwin
Gould
Khachaturian
Lyons, Graham

Larlsienne, First Orchestral Suite

No 69
No 74
No 75
Study in A flat
Study in G minor, p 16
Rhapsody in Blue
Latin America
Sabre Dance
Study no. 17

The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxophone Book 2 (Faber)
Selected Studies for Saxophone, Rubank
Selected Studies for Saxophone, Rubank
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone,Useful Music U55, Spartan
Press

45

Grade Six: continued from previous page

Moussorgsky, M
Tableaux dune Exposition
Niehaus,L.
No.4, p.26
Parisi
Study no.16
Percival & Dorich
Ex 2 Pg 3
Rae
No 17
for B Flat Tenor Sax
Bach
Bach, J C
Fiocco
Handel
Harvey, P
Harvey, P
Moszkowski, M
Paul, G
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Ravel, M
Singelee
Tuthill, Burnet

for E Flat Alto Sax

Bach
Debussy
Demersseman, J
Dubois
Dukas, P
Francaix, J
Greig
Greig
Gumbly
Handel
Harvey, P
Marcello

Two Bourees
Sinfonia in B Flat 2nd and 3rd mvmts
Andante and Presto
Arioso
Sonata No 1 (op 1 no 8) arr Londeix
complete
Contest Solo No 1
Contest Solo No 4
Spanish Dance No 2
Estilian Caprice
Little Fugue
Turn Etude
Pice en Forme de Habanera
Fourth Solo de Concert
Sonata for Tenor Saxophone Op 56 1st
Mvmt

Mendelssohn
Milhaud, D
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Ravel, M

Sicilienne and Allegro

Golliwoggs cake walk
Allegretto Brillante Op 46
A LEspagnole
Alla Gitana
Any two dances
Anitras Dance
Solveigs Song
The Girl from Sark
Allegro Saxophone
Caprice Anglais P 11
Concert in C mol, 3rd mvt for B flat
Saxophone and Piano
Song without Words
Scaramouche Suite, 2nd mvt
Little Fugue
Turn Etude
Pice en Forme de Habanera

Schostakovich
Senaill, J B
Weber

Satirical Dance
Allegro Spiritoso
Petite Valse et Tyrolienne

Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer

Classical Saxophone Solos arr Both (B flat Tenor edition)
Schott
Saxophone Solos for Tenor saxophone Vol 2 (Chester)
Leduc
for Tenor Saxophone (Studio)
for Soprano Saxophone (Studio)
Solos for the B flat Saxonphone, arr Teal (Schirmer)
(Rubank)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
for Tenor Saxophone & Piano (Leduc)
Molenaar
Southern Music

Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player, ed Teal, Schirmer

Debussy Saxophone Album, arr. Rae, Universal 17777/M.D.S.
arr Voxman (Rubank)
Pieces Caracterisques en forme de suite, Leduc
(Leduc)
Cinq Danses Exotiques for Alto Saxophone & Piano (Schott)
Two Pieces from Peer Gynt, Masters M2159
Two Pieces from Peer Gynt, Masters M2159
Solos for Alto Saxophone Vol 2, ed Chester
Saxophone Solos for E Flat Alto, Vol 2, ed Harvey (Chester)
arr Joosen, Molenaar
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player, ed TealSchirmer
(Salabert)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Pice en Forme de Habanera for Alto Saxophone & Piano
(Leduc)
(Southern)
Famous Classical Pieces for Saxophone and Piano,bk 2,arr
Mule Leduc

Grade 6 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

Jazz Conceptions for Saxophone, Intermediate, Tri Publishing
Forty Technical and Melodious Studies, vol 1,Southern
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
20 Modern Studies (Universal)

46

CRITERIA and DESCRIPTORS

Level 4 - Grades 7 and 8
Processes require a wide range of technical skills involving a considerable choice of procedures in a variety of familiar and un-familiar contexts.
The learning demands a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts and analytical interpretation of information. The
learning demand requires informed judgment within a range of innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems. Learners have
complete responsibility for the quantity and quality of output under broad guidance and evaluation from their teacher.
Examiners will use these criteria in assessing all level 4 entrants.
In addition to those criteria at level 1, 2, & 3 the entrants will demonstrate:

Accurate and fluent performance throughout

Rhythmic stability and vitality
A full exploration of the dynamic range of the instrument.
A confident projection of the style and character of chosen works
Sensitivity to subtleties of nuance, rubato and ornamentation
A well developed aural awareness and reliable intonation.
A well developed awareness of fine pitch discrimination.
A competent use of vibrato for musical expression.

Grade 7
1. Scales - as shown; choose either set (a) or set (b)
F, D
(a) F, D
(b) G, B
F, D
F, D
C
F, D
F, D

Major, Major Arpeggios, Broken Chords

Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Minor Arpeggios, Broken Chords
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds
Whole Tone Scale
Dominant Sevenths(arpeggio only)
Diminished Sevenths (arpeggio only). Beginning on the note.

Sustained note Any one note of the G major scale held for 12 - 14 seconds. pp - ff - pp
Sustained scale Major scales, 1 octave (upper octave) ascending and descending. Each note equals two beats
(tongued only). Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes.
Ascending and descending within the required range, over three octaves
All scales and arpeggios (except scales in thirds) to be: all tongued/all slurred/slurred pairs/two tongued,
two slurred
Range - Inclusive as shown:



Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 72, four notes per beat
Scales in 3rds 72, four notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers.

Bizet
Davies & Harris
Davies & Harris
Gershwin
Karg- Elert
Khachaturian
Lyons, Graham

Larlsienne, Second Orchestral Suite

No 76
No 79
I got Rhythm
In modo lidio No 11
Dance of Ayshe
Study no. 23

Niehaus, L
Percival and Dorich
Prokofiev
Rachmaninov
Rae, J
Ravel
Ravel
Voxman, H

No 12 Pg 24
Ex 2 Pg 29
Romeo & Juliet, Suite No 1
Symphonic Dances
Study No 20
Bolero pg 38
Lieutenant Kij
Study in F minor Pg 38

for B Flat Tenor Sax

The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

80 Graded Studies for Saxonphone Book 2 (Faber)
80 Graded Studies for Saxonphone Book 2 (Faber)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
25 Capricen und Sonata for Saxophone Solo
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
24 Melodic Studies for Saxophone,Useful Music U55Spartan
Press
Jazz Conceptions for Saxophone, Advanced (Tri Publ)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Twenty Modern Studies (Universal)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
Selected Studies for Saxophone (Rubank)

47

Grade Seven: continued from previous page

Bennett
Concerto in G minor for Bb Saxophone
and Piano
Cowles
Of Spain
Fiocco
Allegro arr Cordeiro
Handel
Sonata in G minor (Op.1 no.6), arr
Londieux, 1st and 2nd mvmts
Millars
Andante & Rondo
Percival & Dorich
Courante
Percival & Dorich
Polonaise dAcciaccatura
Ravel
Piece en Forme de HabaneraBflat edition
Saint-Saens
Allegro Appassionata
Villa Lobos
Fantasia 2nd Mvmt
for E Flat Alto Sax
Bach
Bonneau, Paul
Debussy
Eccles, H
Fiocco
Handel
Handel
Haydn
Percival & Dorich
Percival & Dorich
Thierry
Villa Lobos

Sonata No 4, 1st mvmt

2 Caprices en Forme de Valse No 1
Danse Bohemienne No 5
Sonata
Allegro
Ist and 2nd mvmt from Quatrieme Sonata
(Flute)
Sonata no.1 (Op 1, no.12), arr. Mule 1st
and 2nd, or 2nd and 3rd mvmts
Gypsy
Courante
Polonaise dAcciaccatura
Escaich Amelies Dream No5
Fantasia, 2nd mvt Soprano or Tenor
Saxophone

Fischer
for Tenor Saxophone Studio
for Tenor Saxophone and Piano Dorn
Le Duc /U.M.P.
Tenor Saxophone Solos Vol 2 ed Harvey (Chester)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Le Duc/U.M.P.
Solos for the Tenor Saxophone Player arr Teal, (Schirmer)

ed Mule (Leduc)
Ledec
Debussy Saxophone Album arr Rae, Universal
arr Rascher for Alto Saxophone and Piano Elkan-Vogel
arr Cordeiro for Tenor Saxophone and Piano Dorn
for E Flat Alto Saxophone and Piano Leduc, AWMP
Le Duc /U.M.P
Rondo Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player arr Teal (Schirmer)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
Peer Southern

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Grade 8
1. Scales
Major
Harmonic Minor
Melodic Minor
Chromatic
Major Scales in thirds
Major Arpeggios and Broken Chords
Minor Arpeggios and Broken Chords
Dominant Sevenths of the major keys (arpeggio only)

B, B, C
C, C

Diminished Sevenths (arpeggio only). Beginning on the note.

Whole Tone Scale beginning the lowest C of the instrument.

Sustained note
Sustained scale

Any note of the G major scale held for 14 - 16 seconds or more. pp - ff - pp

Major scales, 1 octave (upper octave) ascending only. Each note equals two beats (tongued only).
Breathe every 8 beats or 4 notes
Ascending and descending within the required range, over two octaves otherwise one octave only is
necessary.
All scales and arpeggios to be played all tongued/all slurred/two slurred, two tongued/slurred pairs
Range - Inclusive as shown:


Tempo - ascending and descending minimum metronome speed 80, four notes per beat
Scale in 3rds 80, four notes per beat
Sustained scale 60, one note per two beats

Grade 8 NZMEB SAXOPHONE SYLLABUS ed 3.11

Choose one set:

1. B, G
2. B, G
3. F, G

48

Grade Eight: continued from previous page

2. Pieces Three to be chosen, by three different composers.

Davies & Harris
Gershwin
Honegger
Karg-Elert, S
Koechlin
Percival & Dorich
Rachmaninoff
Shostakovich
Villa-Lobos, H
Walton, W

No 80
Porgy & Bess
A Symphony No 3
Corrente, Op 153 No 4
Etude No 9, or No 15
Ex 3 Pg 58
Symphonic Dances
The Age Of Gold
Uirapuru
Facade

80 Graded Studies (Faber)

The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
25 Capricien und Sonate for Saxophone Solo
15 tudes pour Saxophone et Piano
Teacher on Tap Book 3 (Percival & Dorich)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)
The Orchestral Saxophonist, ed Ronkin & Frascotti (Roncorp)

for B flat tenor sax

Gould
Handel
Marcello
Martin
Villa Lobos

Diversions Recitatives & Preludes

Sonata no. 13 (Op 1, no.13) arr.
Concerto in C minor arr Joosen
Ballade for Tenor
Fantasia, 1st mvt

(Schirmer)
Rascher 1st and 2nd mvmts, Elkin-Vogel/U.M.P
(Molenaar)
UniversalUE 11250
Soprano/Tenor Saxophone (Peer Southern)

for E flat alto sax

Bach, J S
Bach, JS
Bonneau, Paul
Bozza
Debussy, C
Dubois, PM

Sonata No 6, (flute) 1st & 2nd mvt

Sonata No 4
Suite, complete
Impromptu & Dance
Rapsodie for Saxophone arr Rousseau
A lHongroise or A la Parisienne

trans Mule, Leduc

arr Mule Leduc
Leduc

Elmsley, John
Grovlez, G
Heiden
Jolivet
Martin
Milhaud, D
Noda
Shostakovich, D
Spiewak, T
Tcherepnin
Villa-Lobos, H
Woods

Sonata, slow mvt

Saraband et Allegro pour Clarinet
Sonata, 1st mvt
Fantasie-Impromptu
Ballade Tenor Saxophone
Braziliera 3rd mvmt Scaramouche Suite
Improvisation No 1
Three Fantastic Dances
Sonatina, any two mvts
Sonatine Sportive, 2nd & 3rd mvt
Fantasia, 1st mvt
Sonata, 1st mvt

(Etoile)
Pices Caratrisques en forme de suite for Alto Sax &
Piano(Leduc)
Sounz
Leduc
Schott
Leduc
(Universal)
(Salabert)
(ed Musicus)
Spiewak/AMC
Leduc
(Southern)
Advance

3. Musicianship
4. Musical Knowledge

Performance Certificate
Entrants will submit their programme for approval with their entry form.

1. Pieces
The entrant will select a programme of pieces with a playing time of between twenty-five and thirty-five minutes. The programme must show
a variety of styles and be of sufficient technical/musical challenges to fulfill the criteria for Level Four.

2. Musical Knowledge