I’ve been using 80 Graded Studies for saxophone and clarinet, and 76 Graded Studies for flute for many years now, and I think these books are great for students who are needing material outside of their band books (Essential Elements, Standard of Excellence, etc.), and looking for a faster paced method that allows them to focus on all elements of the musical pyramid.

I love that the melodies are singable. This makes it easier for myself to help guide my students through sound, rhythm, notes, articulation, dynamics, and overall musicality. It also allows the student to reinforce the fundamentals while focusing on each element.

The introduction to articulation is particularly important to me. Most band books don’t have enough material that requires both articulated, and slurred passages, and I find that students either become over, or under-articulators. When I introduce this book, the varied articulation patterns get the student to work to control their tongue muscles, and the control that they are able to gain works well in their band situations.

The books are paced well – half notes to quarter notes, add articulation, and dynamics. Then, quarter notes to eight notes, add articulation, and dynamics. They also include some good melodies that introduce syncopation, and triplets as the student progresses.

Although you need to add a separate book for technique, the Graded Studies series allows the student to focus on the fundamentals while digging deeper into musical concepts that give them more tools for their musical toolbox.