A workbook relies on the magic of music

Nicole Johänntgen, a saxophonist from the Saarland who lives in Zurich, impressively illustrates on her website that it is possible to combine stage, studio, composition studio, radio presenting and teaching with ease. Her authentic, uninhibited and inspired musical personality is also evident in the first volume of her Saxophone Workbooks. With 39 songs, she meanders in a moderate way through various musical landscapes of jazz and pop, borrowing from other styles.

The colorful work package begins slowly, but picks up speed after the third piece. Sound of a Dream in straight, brisk quavers: Weevil is played staccato and, with sixteenth-note figures and large interval leaps, introduces quite attractive but also challenging hurdles that can be mastered in depth over three pages in varied sections. This is easy fare for advanced players - beginners may have to deal with the following Backfisch Song make do. This was prepared at a leisurely pace on the basis of a shuffle beat, coated with a crispy "blues dough" and refined with a few spicy suggestions. Many pupils will probably find this - as well as other songs in the collection - a feast for the ears!

A play-along version is available for all pieces to support learning at home. The accordion plays the melody over a subtle rhythmic accompaniment. The short practice notes and tips for low notes, intonation, sound and posture are also useful for home use. At this point, some readers may wish for a little more depth in the methodical steps in words, notation and pictures. However, the focus of this workbook seems to be anchored in the concluding motto: "Music is magic!" At any rate, this is the title of the final "homework", which encourages students to compose their own song on a blank page. Whether this magic is as easily accessible to the learner as it is to the author remains to be seen. Perhaps it is indeed the case that detailed instructions in printed words and ultimately also spoken language - no matter how rich in images it may be - tend to dampen curiosity and bubbling creativity. Instead, sound creations from the pen of a teacher may be much more likely to arouse immediate feelings that promote expressive instrumental playing and unfold the effect of mystery - especially if they come across as humorous, groovy and warm-hearted.

A workbook is a companion for the time away from lessons. With this workbook you will undoubtedly enjoy your next lesson, and many a young student will be proud that their saxophone teacher has composed the songs herself and is also a successful, "cool" concert musician.

Nicole Johänntgen: Saxophone Workbook Vol. 1, 39 songs with playbacks for Eb, Bb and C instruments, PDF and MP3 files, Fr. 42.00, Zurich 2020, https://www.nicolejohaenntgen.com/blog/