Teacher on Tap uses current technology to provide aural models that will allow the student to develop a good concept of playing the instrument in a range of musical styles. It is very affordable, and very effective for students studying alone, in band programs, or with a teacher. The method is fun and makes the process of learning enjoyable.

Teacher on Tap comes in three book/CD units; Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced for Eb saxophones (alto/baritone) or Bb saxophones (tenor/soprano), or Bb Clarinet, all linked to the Workshop Manual information books.

Each Book/CD unit contains:

1) A lesson Plan which shows how new material is introduced to the student systematically in absorbable amounts. Moving logically through the key cycle, new pitches, rhythms, articulations, technical challenges, musical notation, terms, styles and forms are presented, all linked to the "Workshop Manual" for further detail.

By the end of the Advanced book the student will be familiar with all standard fingerings on the instrument, most common forms of articulation, the key cycle (major and minor) up to three sharps and flats and a broad spectrum of rhythms and their notation. Also musical terms, a wide range of musical styles, and a good body of technical information about the instrument. The student will have a solid concept of tone production, and the confidence to move on, with a teacher, to study the existing repertoire in whatever style he or she chooses.

2) Practice Routines which are intended to help students to structure their practice time for maximum benefit. Coupled with the "Art of Practice" article in the "Workshop Manual" the student should be able to use what time they have for practice most efficiently.

3) A Key/Scale Outline to familiarise the student with each new key and its scale (a new key for each level from Level 4 onward). It contains the basic scale shape, the chord and extensions, and the scale in thirds.

4) Technical studies which provide the player with a thorough investigation of the challenges likely to be encountered in certain keys, finger technique, articulation, rhythmic notation and style considerations. They are designed to prepare the student for the upcoming pieces. These are all linked with the "Workshop Manual" to aid in problem solving.

5) Pieces, which are the core of the system and present challenging material in an enjoyable and palatable way. Technique, articulation, reading, control and musical challenges are presented within a wide range of styles likely to be encountered by today's saxophone/clarinet player. They contain memorable melodies, contemporary harmonies, rhythms and sonorities that are characteristic of these musical styles.

6) The CD, which is essential in helping the student to develop a concept of playing the instrument and the music itself. Each piece is presented with

(a) the piece being demonstrated and

(b) the background minus the soloist, providing the student with an accompaniment with which to practice. Besides being fun, playing with the background accompaniment should dramatically develop the student's awareness of intonation (tuning) and time (pulse). These are critical factors for a saxophone player and are often not dealt with suitably in other methods.

The Workshop Manual comes separately and contains information on most subjects of importance to the Saxophone or Clarinet student from assembling the instrument through to selecting reeds and mouthpieces. It covers the contributions made to playing by the various parts of the anatomy, problem solving hints for embouchure, articulation, tuning, tone production and finger technique as well as sound production and flexibility exercises. It also contains a very useful chapter entitled "The Art of Practising" as well as appendices that link the system to other published material and a glossary of terms, a fingering chart and much more.

To the Student

If you are studying alone, in a group situation or with a teacher, if you are an absolute beginner or have been playing for some time, Teacher on Tap will provide you with an enjoyable, structured and thorough learning system. The recorded examples will provide you with a clear concept of tone, articulation, rhythm and style and will help you understand new musical notation. The backgrounds are like having a pianist or band in your living room.

Study material will introduce you to technical aspects of playing the instrument and the "Workshop Manual" will help you to solve problems that may arise. The wide range of styles should include music that you enjoy. We encourage you to listen to as many recordings of great players, of all styles, that you can find.

This system along with some additional tools such as a mirror and a CD player should help you develop your playing abilities and increase your enjoyment. We would suggest that, when possible, you do take regular lessons with a reputable teacher in order to get further advice, support and encouragement. It is not necessary that you work through every single study and piece in the system. We would encourage you to be analytical about your playing, however, and to use the relevant information to help you with any "weaknesses" you find. We encourage you to include material from other sources, to learn melodies "by ear" and to copy recordings of good players. Mostly we hope that using this system will be fun and will deepen your love of music and saxophone/ clarinet playing. HAVE FUN.

To the Teacher

For the busy teacher this system is an enormous asset. All study material, pieces and accompaniments are contained in the one book/CD, systematically and logically presented and supported with the "Workshop Manual". The lesson plans should help the teacher target material for specific students. The large range of styles from concert pieces through to jazz, latin, rock. etc. should keep the student interested and stimulated. The recorded examples plus the "Workshop Manual" should reinforce the teacher's work when the student is practising alone. The recorded accompaniments should be of particular value to teachers who are not themselves accomplished pianists. Printed piano accompaniments are available for the "concert" pieces so that they can be used for recital, examination and contest purposes. The "Workshop Manual" should be of value to teachers who are not specialised saxophone or clarinet players.

Given the current prices of sheet music and study material Teacher on Tap makes very good economic sense for both the student and teacher. We do not feel that it is strictly necessary for the teacher to rigidly follow the format of Teacher on Tap. A wider range of pitches may be introduced earlier than the system suggests along with scales, chromatic scales and specific exercises favoured by the teacher. Teacher on Tap material can be used for in depth study of specific keys and challenges and can be supported with a wide range of material from other sources. An increasing amount of support material will become available from Teacher on Tap over time including duets, further printed accompaniments (for piano or rhythm section) and ensemble music. Please check out our Home Page (www.teacherontap.com) for regular updates. As fellow teachers we hope that Teacher on Tap will provide for you as valuable a tool as it has for us.

This book/CD unit takes the student into more advanced areas of playing. It contains:

This book/CD unit takes the student into more advanced areas of playing. It contains: