Sergei Rachmaninoff Russian Conservatory of Paris

The saxophone was created in the middle of the XIX century by a Belgian wind instrument maker Adolf SAX (1814-1894). This cone-shaped metallic instrument is classified as a woodwind instrument, because its design includes the single reed, alike the clarinet’s. The saxophone family has 7 members, ranging from the sopranino saxophone pitched in the key of E, to the contrabass saxophone pitched in the key of E♭. The first saxophone class in the Paris Conservatory was opened in 1857. Adolphe Sax became the first professor to teach the saxophone. Marcel Mule, Daniel Deffayet and Claude Delangle succeeded him. Since the invention of the saxophone, many composers have written music for the saxophone: H. Berlioz, S. Rakhmaninov, S. Prokofiev, C. Debussy, M. Ravel, D. Milhaud, A. Glazunov, E. Denisov. A. Cherepnin etc. Jazz, variety shows and popular music contributed greatly to success of the saxophone in the XX century.

Classes are open for students of all ages, wishing to introduce themselves to the saxophone, to extend their knowledge of this instrument or to prepare for exams and competitions. During the classes, students are familiarized with all the music styles and techniques of playing, from the baroque music in transcription to the pieces written for the saxophone, including contemporary music. Ensemble classes are organized in order to deliver this kind of experience to the students. Classes are also taught in Russian or in English.