Our Teachers' Review
Paul DeVille's Universal Method for Saxophone has been a cornerstone of saxophone pedagogy since its publication over a century ago, and it remains one of the most comprehensive single-volume methods available. Our teachers use it in two primary contexts: as an accelerated method for adult beginners, and as a gap-filling resource for intermediate students.
For adult beginners, the Universal Method offers a more direct, no-frills approach compared to band method books like Essential Elements. It assumes adult learning capacity and moves efficiently through fundamentals, making it ideal for motivated adults who want to progress quickly without the pedagogical scaffolding designed for younger students.
For intermediate students, this book serves as an encyclopedic reference and technical resource. It covers scales in all keys, intervals, articulation patterns, and technical exercises that address every aspect of saxophone technique. Our teachers assign specific sections based on each student's needs — if a student struggles with a particular interval or articulation pattern, there's almost certainly a relevant exercise in the Universal Method.
The enduring value of this book lies in its comprehensiveness. It's not flashy or modern, but it's thorough, well-organized, and proven effective across generations of saxophonists. Most of our intermediate-advanced saxophone students own a copy and return to it regularly throughout their studies.
