If you're picking up a horn for the first time, you've probably been told to get the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 by your band director. It's that familiar red book you see sticking out of almost every middle schooler's backpack, and for a good reason. It has pretty much become the "gold standard" for beginning band programs across the country. But is it actually any good for a solo learner, or is it just something schools buy in bulk because it's tradition?
I've spent a lot of time looking through different method books, and honestly, the Standard of Excellence series by Bruce Pearson has a specific way of doing things that just clicks for a lot of people. It's not just a collection of songs; it's a structured system. If you're a total beginner, you don't want to be overwhelmed by complex music theory on day one, and this book does a solid job of drip-feeding information so you don't feel like your brain is melting.
Why Everyone Starts with the Red Book
The first thing you'll notice about the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 is how it looks. It's bright red, and the layout inside is very clean. For a kid (or an adult) who is already nervous about putting a reed on a mouthpiece without breaking it, a clean layout matters.
The book starts right at the absolute beginning. I'm talking about how to open the case—which sounds silly until you realize how many people try to open their sax case upside down and spill their horn onto the floor. It covers assembly, embouchure (how you set your mouth), and the very first notes you'll ever play. Usually, that's B, A, and G. By the time you finish the first few pages, you're already playing "Hot Cross Buns," and while that's not exactly a jazz masterpiece, it's a huge confidence booster.
The Way the Lessons Flow
One thing I really appreciate about this method is the pacing. Some books move way too fast, throwing five new notes at you in two pages. This one stays in the "comfort zone" long enough for your fingers to actually learn where the keys are.
It uses a three-pronged approach: music theory, music history, and actual performance. Every few pages, there are these little "Excellence in Theory" boxes. They teach you about things like time signatures, flats, and sharps right when you actually need to use them in a song. It makes the "boring" stuff feel relevant. Plus, they throw in bits of music history, so you aren't just playing notes; you're learning where the music came from. It's a nice touch that makes the learning process feel more well-rounded.
It's Not Just for Band Class
While it's designed for a classroom setting, the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 works surprisingly well for people teaching themselves at home. Since the instructions are so literal and the diagrams are clear, you aren't left guessing what a "quarter note" is or where your left thumb goes.
That said, if you're using it alone, you have to be disciplined. In a band room, a teacher is yelling at you to keep the beat. At home, it's easy to rush through the exercises. That's where the accompaniment tracks come in. Most versions of the book now come with access to online audio or a CD. Don't skip these! Playing along with a professional recording helps you realize when you're out of tune or out of time, which is the biggest hurdle for new sax players.
The Famous Fingering Chart
Can we talk about the fingering chart in the back? It is arguably the most used part of the entire book. Even after you move on to Book 2 or start playing "real" sheet music, you'll find yourself flipping back to the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 just to remember how to play a high F# or a low Bb. It's laid out logically with a picture of the saxophone keys next to the note on the staff. It's simple, it's effective, and it's a lifesaver when you hit a note you've never seen before.
How It Compares to Other Books
You might be looking at other options like Essential Elements or Tradition of Excellence. To be totally honest, they all cover similar ground, but the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 feels a bit more "classic."
Essential Elements is great and very modern, but some people find the page layout a bit cluttered. Standard of Excellence feels a bit more focused. It doesn't have as many "bells and whistles," but the progression of difficulty feels more natural to me. It builds your range slowly. You won't be jumping into the extreme high or low notes until you've developed the lung capacity to actually handle them without turning blue.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
If you've just bought your copy, here are a few things that might help you get through it without getting frustrated:
- Don't skip the "boring" stuff: Those long tone exercises at the top of the pages? They're there for a reason. They help you build a tone that doesn't sound like a dying goose.
- Use a metronome: Even if you aren't playing with the tracks, use a metronome. The book introduces rhythms progressively, and if you cheat on the timing now, you'll pay for it later.
- Write in the book: It's yours! Circle the sharps and flats. Write the names of the notes if you have to (though try to stop doing that after a few weeks so you actually learn to read the staff).
- Listen to the demos: The saxophone is a very "vocal" instrument. Listening to how the pros play the simple melodies in the book will help you understand how to phrase your notes.
The Not-So-Great Parts
No book is perfect. If I had to nitpick, I'd say the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 can feel a bit "old school." Some of the song choices are very traditional folk songs—think "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" or "Lightly Row." If you're a teenager or an adult hoping to play Top 40 hits right away, this might feel a bit childish.
However, you have to walk before you can run. You can't play a Charlie Parker solo if you can't play a C major scale, and this book ensures your foundation is solid. It's like eating your vegetables before you get dessert.
Is It Worth the Money?
In the world of music gear, where a single box of reeds can cost thirty bucks, this book is a steal. It usually runs between $10 and $15, and it'll keep you busy for at least six months to a year, depending on how fast you practice.
The physical quality is also decent. The covers are slightly glossy, so they can handle a bit of water or the inevitable coffee spill, and the binding is usually pretty sturdy. It can take a beating in a locker or a gig bag, which is good because you'll be lugging it around a lot.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the standard of excellence alto sax book 1 is a classic for a reason. It doesn't try to be flashy; it just tries to teach you how to play the saxophone correctly. It covers the basics of breath control, fingerings, and music reading in a way that just makes sense.
Whether you're a parent buying this for your kid's first year of band or an adult finally fulfilling that lifelong dream of playing the sax, you really can't go wrong here. It's the starting point for thousands of musicians, and it's a solid investment in your musical future. Just remember to practice your scales, and maybe apologize to your neighbors in advance for the first few weeks of squeaking!