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7/1/2022

Scaling the Heights for Saxophone

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Based on the bestselling Clarinet book, 'Scaling the Heights' presents 60+ original study pieces for solo saxophone by Roger Purcell 

"these are all excellent, well-written tunes, particularly the swing numbers"
- Stephanie Reeve for CASS Magazine Winter 2021
Roger Purcell's new study book presents 60+ original pieces for solo saxophone that progress in difficulty from grades 1 to 8, in addition to 5 fun & challenging duets! Check out the video above to hear a taster of the music.

Helpful information is provided throughout so you can gain maximum benefit from your practice - ideal for those practising independently or for teachers working through the study book with students.
"the pieces could serve as a weekly quick-study element to the practice routine" - Stephanie Reeve for CASS Winter 2021
Click here to find out more about this exciting new release for saxophone by Roger Purcell, or follow: ​bit.ly/STHsax

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13/8/2021

Play-along Clarinet Music

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Looking for challenging & fun duets to play individually with play-along tracks? 

Keep scrolling for a break-down of our clarinet play-along music, featuring best-selling books with challenging & enjoyable duets, all available with custom play-along backing tracks! Ideal for remote practice and teaching.


Play-along backing tracks are available for the following books by clarinettist & educator, Roger Purcell: Low Down Jazz, Scaling the Heights and Take Two Clarinets Book 1 & Book 2.
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Tracks are available to purchase separately from Bandcamp and are easily accessible - you'll find all the info you need on the shop page for each book (simply click the book titles in this post). 
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EACH TRACK CONSISTS OF THREE VERSIONS:
1. audio of both parts (complete version)
2. part 1 (with count in) for you to play along to

3. part 2 (with count in) for you to play along to
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Take Two Clarinets Book 1 & Book 2 
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Each book presents 12 duets for equal clarinets.

The parts are equal in standard and are challenging, technically and stylistically, ranging in difficulty from grades 4 - 7. 

"Purcell's aim was to produce pieces that are enjoyable to play as well as developing ability and interest in the genre and this is certainly the case ... They are well written showing a good working knowledge of the clarinet"
- CASS Magazine Review 
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​Low Down Jazz 

35 original jazz studies for solo bass clarinet, or clarinet.
24 of 35 include optional second parts to perform as duets!

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​Increasingly demanding, technically and rhythmically, the studies concentrate on the chalumeau register of the clarinet.
 

Scaling the Heights

Backing tracks are also available for the 5 duets within 'Scaling the Heights' - a firm favourite from our clarinet catalogue.

​This book presents a collection of original study pieces progressing in difficulty from grades 1 to 8 with helpful information throughout. Listen to a snippet of 'In the Groove' above! 
Our clarinet play along music is ideal for those individuals practising remotely or for educators as an online teaching resource!

Each book is also available as an instant access PDF download version, so you can access this fantastic music with play-along tracks anytime, anywhere & all online.

Check out our other online resources for Saxophone 
here

Low Down Jazz (clarinet solos & duos) by Roger Purcell

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Low Down Jazz (clarinet solo & duos) DOWNLOAD by Roger Purcell

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Scaling the Heights (clarinet) DOWNLOAD by Roger Purcell

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Take Two Clarinets Book 1 DOWNLOAD by Roger Purcell

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Scaling the Heights (clarinet) by Roger Purcell

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Take Two Clarinets Book 1 by Roger Purcell

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Take Two Clarinets Book 2 by Roger Purcell

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Take Two Clarinets Book 2 DOWNLOAD by Roger Purcell

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23/7/2021

Astute Music on new ABRSM Syllabus

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Looking for saxophone & flute pieces from the new ABRSM syllabus?

We've got you covered! Scroll down for a complete listing of all pieces published by Astute Music, on the new ABRSM syllabi...


The new ABRSM woodwind syllabuses for 2022- were recently released and we're delighted to see some new entries of works published by us at Astute Music. 

Check out our breakdown below and simply click the titles to access the sheet music shop pages!
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​To view the full ABRSM syllabi and all the fantastic music available, click here 
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GRADE 5 
Andy Scott - Mountain Dreams (from Eight Pieces for Flute & Piano)


GRADE 6 
Geraldine Green - Nocturne (from Vocalise)
Andy Scott - And Everything is Still...      


GRADE 7
Andy Scott - Respectfully Yours 
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GRADE 1
Brahms   Cradle Song, arr. Scott (from Time Travels) - Bb and Eb 
Rob Buckland   Saxi-Taxi (from Time Travels) - Bb and Eb 

In 'Time Travels', you'll also find the traditional Russian piece, Song of the Volga Boatmen arranged by Rob Buckland which appears on the grade 1 listings for both Bb & Eb Sax and is included in the ABRSM's own Saxophone Grade 1 book. 

GRADE 2
Rob Buckland   Paris (from Time Travels) - Bb and Eb 

GRADE 3
MacDowell  To A Wild Rose, Op.51 No.1, arr. Buckland (from Time Travels) - Bb and Eb 

GRADE 5
Rob Buckland  Scaredy Cat (from Saxophone Solos Book 1) - Bb and Eb      
GRADE 6
Andy Scott   And Everything is Still... - for Bb click here and Eb click here
Andy Scott   I Know You! (from Changing Times) - Bb and Eb
Andy Scott   Zebra Crossing - Tenor Saxophone 

GRADE 7
Chick Corea   Children's Song No. 7 (from Children's Songs, arr. Buckland) - Soprano Saxophone
Andy Scott   Fujiko - Bb Saxophone
Andy Scott    King of Astoria - Bb Saxophone 

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GRADE 8 
Andy Scott   Respectfully Yours - for Alto Sax click here and Tenor Sax click here 
Geoff Eales   Farewell Patagonia - Tenor Saxophone
Chick Corea   Children's Song No. 6 (from Children's Songs, arr. Buckland) - Soprano Saxophone
Rob Buckland   Songs Without Words - Bb Saxophone
 
Have a listen below to 'King of Astoria', a new addition to the syllabus (grade 7 Bb Sax), influenced by the wonderful vibrancy, swing and energy of the Big Band era!
AstuteMusic · Andy Scott - King of Astoria

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7/7/2021

Jukebox for Solo Harp

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Introducing a major new work for solo harp, inspired by the retro vinyl Jukebox...


The 1950's were the heyday of the vinyl record jukebox, and this new 14-minute work for Solo Harp mirrors the concept of the jukebox, playing short 'singles' that vary in style & feel. 

Jukebox was composed by Andy Scott for harpist Sioned Williams.
​Enjoy the full, premiere performance above by harpists Sioned Williams, Keziah Thomas, Lauren Scott, Alex Rider, Elizabeth Bass & Eleanor Turner, with each harpist playing one movement of this six-movement work: RPM, Jump, Vinyl, Groove, Stylus & Turntable. 
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Jukebox by Andy Scott - a unique, multi-movement work for solo harp

​Harpist Sioned Williams spoke to HarpColumn prior to Jukebox's online premiere in May 2021. Commissioned for her 60th birthday, Sioned worked with Andy to create a piece reminiscent of her teenage years and “jukeboxes were popping up everywhere, bringing color and fun.”
Learn more about the piece & its background by clicking here 
Jukebox is "great fun and worth the many hours of practice" 
The sheet music for Jukebox is available as a PDF download at Harp Column Music here 
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Find out more about this unique, challenging and fun multi-movement work for solo harp & view the hard copy version on our website here

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23/6/2021

'Paquito' reviewed in CASS Magazine

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"a fantastic and very welcome addition to the B flat saxophone repertoire" 

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We're delighted to see that Paquito (for Bb Sax & Piano) has received a great review in the latest, summer edition of CASS Magazine.

'Paquito' is a fast salsa based around a two-three clave pulse, that pays homage to the brilliant musician, Paquito D’Rivera!

Stephanie Reeve reviewed the latest re-working of Andy's popular piece, for Tenor or Soprano Saxophone & Piano. Originally written for clarinet ensemble, 'Paquito' has seen various re-workings for different instrumentations and is a popular piece with performances by artists like Timothy McAllister.

For a flavour of the piece, have a listen below to an excerpt from the Westland album recording, with Timothy McAllister and pianist Liz Ames playing the Alto Saxophone & Piano version of 'Paquito'.
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AstuteMusic · Paquito by Andy Scott - Tim McAllister (alto sax)
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"Anyone familiar with earlier versions will need no convincing of the brilliance of the piece ... the well-crafted melody explores the full range of the saxophone"
- Stephanie Reeve for CASS Magazine
Check out the CASS website here for more on the magazine

The sheet music for 'Paquito' is available as a hard copy here, and as an instant access download here 

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17/5/2021

New Tenor Sax Masterclass

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Introducing a brand new masterclass! 

Join composer Andy Scott as he discusses his piece Westland, a virtuosic & thoughtful work for Solo Tenor Saxophone, in this online saxophone tutorial 


Westland for tenor saxophone is an exploration of soundscapes that integrates carefully chosen multiphonics into the harmonic and melodic language, creating a musical journey that is at times fragile and at times robust.

Westland is the title piece from Andy's recent album - a stunning collaboration with grammy-award winning Saxophonist Timothy McAllister & duo-partner, pianist Liz Ames, playing various works for Saxophone & Piano by Andy.

In this new saxophone masterclass, Andy will be talking through the piece from both a composers and saxophonists point of view. Check out the masterclass here 
"An experimental celebration of the capabilities of the saxophone's tenor voice" 
​
- Lara C James 'Westland' album review for CASS 
Andy performing Westland at the RNCM Sax Day 2017

The sheet music for Westland is available here 

And keep an eye out for the Westland section of our website, where you'll find our special offer Westland pack, providing the sheet music for six popular pieces from the album at a discounted rate - check it out!





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30/4/2021

Rediscover your love for the flute!

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Are you returning to the flute after a break? In need of some support to ‘blow those playing cobwebs away’? Or are you a flute player wanting new ideas?
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Flute Reboot is your friend!

This complete workbook by Clare Southworth is designed to help you rediscover & reignite your love for the flute. Whether you’re returning to the instrument after a break, or are already in the swing of things, there will be something in this tutorial for you.

​Flute Reboot consists of 12 lessons that cover a range of topics, from building your technique
through tone development, to style,
communication & how to best practise a piece.


'There is a wealth of valuable information within each of the lessons, drawing on Southworth's extensive teaching experience' - PAN Magazine
​Clare’s tutorial will guide you through the process with each lesson presenting instruction, practice tips, exercises & more!

​The emphasis is on learning 
through the enjoyment of playing, so Flute Reboot is packed with extracts of fantastic flute music, including old classics and new music by contemporary composers.
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Snapshot of Lesson 7 on Articulation
Flute Reboot will give you the tools and skills to
​build the solid foundations needed for successful flute playing


Find out more about this extensive, flute music book here

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26/3/2021

Introducing Kickstart Flute

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Give your flute practice a kickstart with this unique approach to learning!


Kickstart Flute is a unique flute method by Clare Southworth, based around 24 duets in a wide range of musical styles, with custom, play-along backing tracks so you can play with Clare and rhythm section.

There are 24 lessons, one for each duet, that take you through all the keys and are spread over two books - Kickstart Flute Book 1 & Book 2. Each lesson will introduce you to all the basics of learning the flute, with special emphasis on the material required to play the duets: notes, rhythms, articulations, dynamics & more... 


Explore a wide range of genres from ambient & chilled, folk rock, samba to swing (and that's just in Book 1!), all written by versatile composer Andy Scott. Simply scan your QR codes throughout the book to access your custom, play-along tracks for each duet.

Kickstart Flute is ideal for the beginner flute player, or those wishing to kickstart their practice, with a fun way to learn & develop their playing, immersing themselves in an exciting range of genres and styles.
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Lesson 11 preview from Book 1 (E flat major key & Ambient Music)
In addition to hard copy books, the Kickstart Flute series is also available in instant access, download form - for more information, click here. We'd love to see your copies on social media too, so feel free to tag us or use #kickstartflute 
"I hope you enjoy these wonderful duets as much as I do. Learning should be fun as well as educational.
​Let me Kickstart your love for all things flute!" - Clare Southworth

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17/3/2021

'Ket' performed by WTAMU Saxophone Studio

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Check out this fantastic performance of Jenni Watson's piece 'Ket' for Saxophone Ensemble...

Recently performed by the West Texas A&M University Saxophone Ensemble as part of the 2021 North America Saxophone Alliance - Region 4 Conference on March 12th - 14th. 

Composed by Jenni Watson, Ket aims to show the versatility of the saxophone in timbre & style, through quasi-medieval chorales, flowing lyrical lines, heavy funk-based grooves and reflective, soaring melodic qualities.

Sheet music available as an instant access, PDF download here 

Read more on Jenni and her Astute published works here 
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29/1/2021

'Signposts' ahead for Solo Mandolin Music

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Are you looking for a book of solo mandolin music to help develop your playing?
 
Suitable for the advanced beginner – intermediate player, Signposts presents eight fun pieces varying in style from the charming Calypso to the popular, traditional tune Scarborough Fair

Composer Hugh Boyde has curated a playlist of videos, performing each piece from the book here 
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In addition to helping develop technique...

​These pieces aim to place those techniques within the context of pieces which typify particular genres & to spark (or ‘signpost’) ideas for the more adventurous player as to how other, similar pieces might be arranged for solo mandolin.

For an instant access PDF download version of Signposts click here & for a hard copy book here

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