Why Julian Argüelles’ 12 Etudes Are Worth Adding to Your Saxophone Practice

Julian Argüelles, one of the UK’s most respected jazz saxophonists and composers, wrote these 12 Etudes for the Modern Saxophonist as genuine solo pieces that you can perform. Each etude explores a particular area of saxophone technique while keeping a strong musical character. The result is material that works equally well for focused practice and as performance repertoire.

​These etudes work on any saxophone, whether alto, tenor, soprano or baritone. They cover areas such as intervals, rhythm, articulation, melody and extended techniques, making them particularly useful for university and conservatoire students as well as advancing players who want to develop both contemporary and traditional skills while building their solo saxophone repertoire.

​About Julian Argüelles

Julian Argüelles first gained wider recognition as a teenager with the European Community Big Band and as a member of the influential Loose Tubes. He has since built a substantial international career, collaborating with leading artists including Dave Holland, John Taylor, Steve Swallow, Larry Grenadier, Jorge Rossy and Django Bates.

​Over the years he has released a strong catalogue of albums as a leader and received notable recognition, including the Fellowship of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for Services to Jazz in 2017 and a Parliamentary Jazz Award for his album Let It Be Told. He currently serves as Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the KUG Jazz Institute in Graz, Austria.

​A Standout Performance

​Joshua Hyde gives a clean and expressive performance of Etude No. 1. It shows how naturally the music flows when played with attention to phrasing and control.

You can buy the full score here:
12 Etudes for the Modern Saxophonist by Julian Argüelles