Matt Styles

Upcoming Dates

waapa saxophone studio

article_image_full Written on Aug 20

Photo by; Stephen Heath Photography
www.stephenheathphotography.com

Since 2002, I have been developing the classical saxophone program at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).  Since then, the program has grown having had undergraduate students in every level from single study and Diploma up to and including Honours and Post Grad Diploma.

Boasting quartets as well as the powerful sax band, Basement Saxx, the program continues to increase with Masters and Doctoral programs available to take applicants.  I welcome an invaluable addition to the cross-genre saxophone teaching staff in Erin Royer.

The Program

The aim of this program is to foster a strong understanding of what the music industry requires from each saxophonist.  Specifically, the traits of flexibility, versatility and employability are targeted and underpinned with a pedagogical focus on a strong technique.

Saxophone students studying classical saxophone at WAAPA will not only study classical technique and repertoire (from solo to ensemble), but will also have the unique opportunity to study the cross—genre repertoire, where classical meets jazz, funk, ‘world’, the avante gard and commercial music.

Other opportunities often available to WAAPA saxophones:

  • Broadway musicals
  • WAYJO
  • New music ensembles
  • Cross-discipline productions
  • Honours and post-graduate repertoire studies classes
  • Visiting artists (Rob Buckland and Andy Scott in recent years)
  • Massed saxophone events
  • Performances with Basement Saxx

The WAAPA Sax Studio would like to thank the ongoing and invaluable support of the all the saxophone teachers that have helped to prepare saxophonists for their university journey.

Basement Saxx

This saxophone band brings together all the WAAPA classical saxophones in one BIG saxophone force!   The Superlative versatility of the saxophone is demonstrated in the hands of student saxophonists, where classical meets world, jazz and contemporary music.  From delicate sonorities to a ferocious roar, any performance will be sure to surprise.

Student successes

In April of 2011, Honours students Jesse Dean and Erin Royer performed the Australian premiere of the very difficult and wonderful cross-genre piece, Dark Rain, by Andy Scott.  Click here to listen.  Both students graduated with First-class honours. For more information about graduates, click on David Gioia, Michael Bednall, Erin Royer, Keith McGowan and Luke Pownall.

Some student successes and employment opportunities:

  • Winner of the Fremantle Eisteddfod and Warana concerto competitions
  • Acceptance into elite post graduate schools in France
  • Director of Music (Mercedes College)
  • Executive Orchestral Manager (WASO)
  • Founder of a Junior Saxophone School
  • Marketing and PR Manager (Adudiofly, WASO)
  • Operations coordinator (WAYJO)

If you have any further questions please contact Dr. Matt Styles: m.styles@ecu.edu.au or click here for more information.

 

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Aug 20
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