Alto Sax
What is the preeminent book of études and exercises for alto sax?
Most instruments have one. I am a clarinetist, and to master the clarinet, one studies and works on Klosé.
My nephew is starting junior high school and is getting serious about the alto sax, and I was wondering what the analogous book might be for that instrument.
You should get books by Larry Teal and Sigurd Rascher. Try the “Universal Method” by Paul de Ville- it’s a huge thick book crammed with exercises. There’s not much system to it, just a lot of material- if he sticks with it he’ll be able to play just about anything. There are tons of used copies available. The Saxophone Virtuoso by Ben Vereecken is useful, but out of print (his “Foundation to Saxophone Playing” is a fine book for students- and still in print) The most important thing is that your nephew has a good teacher.
Careless Whisper by George Michael – Alto sax cover