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13/10/2025 A Fresh Breath of Stillness: Andy Scott’s And Everything is Still... Returns in a Composer-Refined EditionRead NowIn the world of brass music, where every note balances tradition and innovation, few pieces capture quiet introspection like Andy Scott’s And Everything is Still.... Originally composed in 2008 for flute and piano and premiered by flutist Carla Sousa and pianist Lucy Colquhoun at the Royal Northern College of Music, this lyrical gem has since been transcribed for various instruments, resonating with performers who seek to explore subtle shades of expression. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil a new edition for flugelhorn and piano, carefully revised by the composer himself—crafted specifically for the exceptional flugelhornist Imogen Whitehead. At Astute Music, we’re dedicated to bringing fresh perspectives to timeless works, and this edition ensures And Everything is Still... speaks powerfully to today’s audiences.
Andy Scott, one of the UK’s most prolific and versatile composers, is celebrated for blending contemporary techniques with accessible lyricism. With over 300 commissions—from solo pieces to large-scale ensembles—his catalog spans brass, woodwinds, and more, often weaving personal reflections into music that’s both technically engaging and emotionally profound. His work as a founder of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet and his teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music have solidified his status as a leading voice in new music. Yet And Everything is Still... stands out as a meditative haven. Inspired by a poem from Lemn Sissay’s children’s book The Emperor’s Watchmaker, it paints a sonic portrait of stillness: gentle, flowing lines that unfold like a held breath, with subtle harmonic shifts that invite performers to dwell in the spaces between notes. Clocking in at around 3:30 minutes, the piece is a single, seamless movement that balances control and vulnerability—think wide, singing intervals for the flugelhorn, paired with a sparse yet supportive piano accompaniment, like echoes in a quiet hall. Written originally for flute to honor the retirement of RNCM Principal Edward Gregson, it quickly won hearts for its understated beauty. Imogen Whitehead, a trailblazing brass performer and Principal Trumpet of Britten Sinfonia, brought remarkable sensitivity to her 2024 performance of the flugelhorn version. As Andy Scott shares, “Imogen’s interpretation unlocked new dimensions—her phrasing inspired me to refine the score for even greater clarity and impact.” This new edition reflects a thoughtful collaboration between composer and performer. Drawing on Imogen’s insights, Andy Scott has fine-tuned the flugelhorn and piano score to enhance its expressive flow. The revisions highlight the instrument’s lyrical warmth, making the piece feel both fresh and timeless while staying true to its introspective heart. Whether you’re a conservatory student exploring emotional depth or a seasoned recitalist seeking a moment of quiet connection, this edition invites you to experience the music’s serene beauty in a new light. The proof is in the playing. We’ve embedded Imogen Whitehead’s captivating performance video on the product page, a rendition that sends shivers with its poised elegance. Hearing it alongside this revised score, you’ll feel how the updates amplify the music’s quiet power. It’s a reminder of why revisions matter: they keep cherished works alive, evolving with the artists who bring them to life.Ready to explore this refined edition? Visit our shop to stream the full performance video, preview the score, and secure your copy today. Digital downloads offer instant access, with print options for those who love the feel of paper under their fingers. Shop *And Everything is Still...* Now Have you played or heard And Everything is Still... before? How does a revised edition change your approach to a familiar piece? Share your thoughts in the comments—perhaps a story from your own performances! For more on Andy Scott’s expansive catalog, including his latest commissions and educational resources, visit his composer page on Astute Music.
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6/10/2025 Spotlight on Claire Cope: Introducing Through the Spiral – A New Voice in Brass Band RepertoireRead NowAt Astute Music, we’re thrilled to showcase bold new works that redefine the brass band landscape, and today, we’re proud to present Through the Spiral by the award-winning composer Claire Cope. This dynamic, narrative-driven piece, premiered by the renowned Fairey Band earlier this year, is a testament to Claire’s unique ability to weave contemporary flair into the rich tradition of brass music. We’re honored to publish some of her remarkable compositions, and Through the Spiral is a standout addition to our catalog.  Claire Cope is a rising star whose career bridges contemporary classical and jazz with seamless artistry. Celebrated for her evocative storytelling, she’s garnered accolades like the 2022 Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award and a place in the 2024 Three Choirs Festival New Voices Composer Academy, where her choral work In Its Light captivated audiences. Her selection for the 2025 Edward T. Cone Composition Institute at Princeton, where the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra premiered her orchestral piece Agita, further cements her as a major compositional voice. Claire’s work extends to her 11-piece jazz ensemble, Ensemble C, whose album Every Journey (released on Adhyâropa Records) has earned praise from outlets like Textura (“a tremendous realization of her vision”) and All About Jazz (“a powerful album”). Her collaborations with artists like saxophonists Andy Scott and Rob Buckland, trumpeter Lucy Humphris, and the Apollo Saxophone Quartet (featured at the 2024 LunArt Festival) showcase her versatility across genres.Through the Spiral embodies Claire’s signature “journeying” style, crafted specifically for brass band. This 6-minute, four-movement work takes listeners on a sonic voyage, spiraling through layers of texture and emotion inspired by the concept of growth and transformation. Picture soaring cornets weaving intricate motifs, brooding euphoniums grounding the harmony, and percussive bursts that evoke a cosmic helix. Claire’s own words capture its essence: “Spirals represent that endless cycle of reflection and renewal, much like the improvisational heart of jazz meeting the structured beauty of classical forms.”  The Fairey Band’s premiere brought Through the Spiral to life with electrifying energy, highlighting its balance of technical precision and emotional depth. Audiences were captivated by its accessible yet innovative sound, with many noting how its memorable motifs lingered long after the performance. This is a musical story that invites players to explore their own narratives through its dynamic arcs.We’re proud to publish this work as part of our commitment to championing composers like Claire, whose music pushes boundaries while resonating with performers and audiences alike. Ready to add Through the Spiral to your repertoire? Visit our shop to listen to the full audio sample (performed by the Fairey Band) and download your copy today. Whether you’re a conductor seeking fresh concert material or a player eager for a new challenge, this piece will bring a vibrant twist to your program.
Shop *Through the Spiral* Now What do you love about contemporary brass band music? Have you performed or heard Claire Cope’s work before? Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your stories! Follow Claire’s journey at clairecopemusic.com for updates on her upcoming premieres, including a flute and piano duo for the 2025 National Flute Convention. ‘Three Letter Word’, commissioned by the Park Lane Group, was premiered in 2010 by renowned saxophonist Huw Wiggin and pianist Timothy Abel at the Southbank Centre in London for the PLG Young Artists New Year Series. The piece is dedicated to the Swedish composer/pianist Esbjorn Svensson, who tragically died in a diving accident in June 2008. “I was fortunate enough to hear Esbjorn Svensson in concert at the IAJE Conference in New York City in January 2006, where I was also performing with duo partner, percussionist Dave Hassell. In the afternoon he practised for two hours, playing classical music, and in the evening his trio, E.S.T., produced an amazing show of virtuosity and creativity, coupling inventive compositions with daring improvisations within very individual sound worlds…The title of this piece, Three Letter Word, came about from coincidence and names or phrases that may be abbreviated: Esbjorn Svensson's group, the commissioning body, the players that the piece was written for, and maybe most importantly given the dedicatee, the words 'rest in peace’.” Andy Scott ’Three Letter Word’ is proving to be an extremely popular piece among saxophonists worldwide, and the flute and piano version was recorded by the brilliant Paul Edmund-Davies (flute) and Peter Lawson (piano) on the ‘Bad Tempered Flute’ album. Many performances of ‘Three Letter Word’ can be found online from musicians all over the world, including the performance shown above featuring Kenta Saito & Aki Matsumoto, and below featuring Chad Lilley & Liz Ames. The piece features on the album ‘Westland’ a collaboration between Andy Scott, Timothy McAllister & Liz Ames. Visit astute-music.com to pick up your hard copy or PDF copy of the score for ‘Three Letter Word’ as well as the recorded version on the album ‘Westland’. With upcoming Royal Mail strikes set to impact deliveries on the 8th and 9th of September (and likely more to occur within the coming months), downloadable PDF sheet music is a great alternative to combat any delays in receiving your music in the future. It's also a great paperless alternative to hard copy music and can be a useful addition to any practice routine:  Nothing beats hard copy scores, especially when working with students and performing/gigging live: making notes on the fly and building up a personal library and repertoire over years is extremely rewarding. However, with the rise of instant downloads, PDF music definitely has an array of benefits. For the travelling and working musician, having an entire library of scores available on a tablet, phone, laptop or iPad can be extremely useful for any quick set changes as well as studying pieces and making notes remotely or on the go. Many of the pieces available at Astute music also include live band backing tracks, soundbites and QR codes to compliment the studies, so using an iPad/laptop would absolutely enhance that experience and bridge the gap between paper and technology. In addition to these benefits of quick, remote note taking and having an abundance of sheet music at your fingertips, going paperless is a great eco friendly alternative to paper copies, especially when learning a piece for a one off performance or quick study.  PDF’s can also be a great enhancer to any hardcopy pieces of music, especially for longer term study or preparing for an exam: having a digital copy of the music with you wherever you go can be extremely beneficial for quick reading or note taking/ annotations on the go, which can easily be erased or adapted so you can keep your hard copy clean of notes to be passed onto other musicians or students. In Addition, helpful notes can be shared remotely through email or airdrop style transfers without the need of a scanner, perfect for sharing quick notes with students in our out of lesson time!
You can find downloadable/printable PDF versions of our publications on our website on the product page, and downloading a digital copy will also save you 25% off the hard copy price!
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 | Take Two Clarinets Book 1 & Book 2 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 |
Low Down Jazz
35 original jazz studies for solo bass clarinet, or clarinet.
24 of 35 include optional second parts to perform as duets!
Increasingly demanding, technically and rhythmically, the studies concentrate on the chalumeau register of the clarinet.
35 original jazz studies for solo bass clarinet, or clarinet.
24 of 35 include optional second parts to perform as duets!
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
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
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!
To view the full ABRSM syllabi and all the fantastic music available, click here
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
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
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
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!
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
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!
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.
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"
"a fantastic and very welcome addition to the B flat saxophone repertoire"
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'.
'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'.
"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
The sheet music for 'Paquito' is available as a hard copy here, and as an instant access download here
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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