Saxophone

Regardless of whether you are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree, you always have the option of choosing an artistic or artistic-pedagogical focus. The profiles also give you the opportunity to broaden your horizons or strengthen a particular direction.  

• Individual lessons in saxophone as the main subject: individual technical and musical development; continuous work on tone production, stylistics, interpretation and artistic presence; regular recitals and masterclasses
• Chamber music and ensemble practice:  Work in different ensembles, independent rehearsal methodology, stylistic diversity, projects with new music
(including chamber music exams with contemporary repertoire at higher levels
• Orchestral experience:  Rehearsal and concert phases in the university orchestra, register work, professional working methods; orchestra studies, audition training, relevant orchestra positions
• New music: engagement with innovative playing techniques, forms of notation and contemporary repertoire concepts in two module parts; participation in ensembles such as Sinfonietta or Donaueschingen OFF

• Historical performance practice:  Introduction to stylistic and technical fundamentals of historical interpretation practice 
• Music Pedagogy (IGP Profile): Didactic and methodological foundations of instrumental teaching, teaching practice, classroom observation, class music-making, written thesis
• Theory and Science: Music theory, composition, form, aural training, musicology, acoustics, instrumentology

• The core area of saxophone is shaped by the special structure of the HfM Trossingen: as a small university, it enables an unusually high degree of individual support, personal artistic guidance and close mentoring.

• Mental training & performance coaching for confidence in auditions and concerts.
• Regular orchestra projects with the university symphony orchestra and project-based ensembles.
• Chamber music and ensemble work to develop sound balance, communication and musical responsibility.
• Support and preparation for competitions, orchestra academies and auditions.

Would you like to deepen and reflect on the tonal, technical and interpretative possibilities of the saxophone? Then you've come to the right place.

• A successful entrance exam in saxophone as a major subject is required, along with a willingness to engage in intensive artistic exploration, independent practice and continuous reflection on the musical process.

The exact regulations for the individual degree programmes can be found in the enrolment regulations

In the artistic core area, you will learn key artistic, methodological and reflective skills that are essential for musical practice in a professional environment.

These include:

• Instrumental technique:  differentiated tone and sound production; mastery of many playing techniques; confident technical fundamentals

• Interpretative and stylistic confidence:  understanding of historical periods, genres and stylistic traditions; analytical and interpretative skills; interpretation of works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary periods
• Ensemble and orchestral skills: confident handling of complex ensembles; understanding of roles in orchestral settings; preparation for auditions
• Artistic independence: independent repertoire development; reflective creativity; stage presence and performance skills

• Pedagogical competence (in the IGP profile): teaching strategies, teaching diagnostics, teaching observation experience, professionalism in music education 

Due to its size, the Trossingen University of Music offers an above-average level of personal support, individual learning paths and flexible profile design. We are also happy to support you if you would like to spend a semester abroad.

Saxophone can be chosen as a main subject in all degree programmes offered.

Bachelor Podium and Orchestra
Bachelor Music Pedagogy
Bachelor Secondary School Education
Master Podium and Orchestra
Master Music Pedagogy
Master Secondary School Education
Master Stage and Orchestra Practice (Part-time Master, 120 ECTS, 6 semesters)
Master Chamber Music (Part-time Master, 120 ECTS, 6 semesters)
Master Creative Arts Practice (Part-time Master, 60 ECTS, 4 semesters)
Master Music and Society (Part-time Master, 60 ECTS, 4 semesters)

But of course, young students are also welcome, 
and those who are still looking for that ‘final polish’ can apply for the Konzertexamen.