Saxophone Studio

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Lamont offers an exceptional environment for saxophonists, combining individualized instruction with world-class resources and performance opportunities. Our studio is vibrant and collaborative, where saxophonists challenge and support one another in pursuit of artistic excellence. Guided by Prof. Grant Larson, students engage in intensive private lessons, chamber music, performance class, large ensembles, and masterclasses with renowned guest artists. In Lamont’s saxophone studio, students celebrate each other’s successes and push one another to reach new artistic heights.

Audition Requirements

Saxophone Auditions

Studying Saxophone at Lamont

As a saxophone student at Lamont, you’ll join a supportive community dedicated to musical excellence. As one of the most dynamic instruments in Western music, the saxophone offers a broad spectrum of styles and traditions, and at Lamont, you will have the opportunity to explore this diversity in depth. Our alumni graduate equipped with the skills, repertoire, and historical understanding necessary to perform confidently and professionally in a variety of musical settings.

The saxophone curriculum emphasizes building a strong foundation of clean technique and sound, which serves as the basis for developing each student’s individual musicality. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Grant Larson, students learn to develop a characteristic sound and a comprehensive musicianship by exploring historical context, theory, styles, genres, and more. Prof. Larson's goal is to build a strong student/teacher relationship with each student and to consider each individual's background, skill set, and goals while teaching.

Your weekly schedule will be centered on personalized private lessons, complemented by rehearsals and performances with at least one large ensemble each quarter. Chamber music plays a vital role, offering diverse opportunities to collaborate with other woodwind players and musicians across various instrumentations. Regular saxophone studio classes focus on repertoire study and pedagogy, preparing students to establish their own teaching studios. Additionally, frequent woodwind performance class offer regular opportunities to perform for peers, learn to give constructive feedback, and gain insight from our full woodwind faculty.

If you’re looking for a place to grow as a musician, artist, and individual, the Lamont’s saxophone studio offers a vibrant and supportive home.

3-4 classical saxophone students at Lamont

Over 5 ensembles to participate in each quarter

300+ performance opportunities per year

Faculty

Lamont's saxophone studio is led by Prof. Grant Larson. As a multifaceted artist, Prof. Larson is equally at home in classical and jazz settings, performing with the Colorado Symphony, Cheyenne Symphony, and Colorado Music Festival Orchestra. A dedicated recitalist and champion of new music, he has premiered works by Paul Hanson, Philip Wharton, Chiayu Hsu, Steven Makala, and John Drumheller at regional and national conventions.

Grant Larson

Adjunct faculty, saxophone

Learn More

Saxophone section performs in Lamont Jazz Orchestra

Degree Programs

Saxophone section rehearses with the Lamont Wind Ensemble

Auditions

Applicants may choose to either audition in person in Denver OR submit a recorded video audition.

Applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You may indicate your preference for a live or virtual audition on the Lamont application.

Click here to view the current year’s audition dates and the full steps for how to apply.

In-Person Audition Requirements
All auditions are approximately 15 minutes in length. The applicant will choose one of their prepared works to perform. The faculty will choose the second of the prepared works and possibly an additional work as well.
Undergraduate (BM, BA-Applied Music, and Minor)
- All major and minor scales
- Two (2) Ferling etudes
- One (1) solo work of the student's choice
Graduate (MM and certificate in performance)
Student's choice of any two (2) major solo works for the saxophone

Review Requirements for Artist Diploma
Video Audition Requirements
Applicants unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit a video audition via the Lamont application. Repertoire may be recorded separately in multiple takes; editing within each take is prohibited.
Undergraduate (BM, BA-Applied Music, and Minor)
- All major and minor scales
- Two (2) Ferling etudes
- One (1) solo work of the student's choice
Graduate (MM and certificate in performance)
Student's choice of any two (2) major solo works for the saxophone

Review Requirements for Artist Diploma

View Jazz Requirements

Life After Lamont

Notable Saxophone Alumni

Lamont students have worked with some of the most prestigious music organizations in the world. Alumni have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Wolf Trap, Vancouver Symphony, Broadway, the West End, and San Francisco Opera. Lamont composers have premiered works at Carnegie Hall and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and conductors have led orchestras from Brazil to Hungary. Graduates of our Musicology and music theory programs hold posts at prestigious institutions nationwide. And our recording and production students have launched careers in Hollywood, editing soundtracks for films like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.