An introduction and analysis of Henry Lindeman’s Method for saxophone

In the early twentieth century, the saxophone was a new instrument in the United States. However, its popularity quickly grew as the instrument was featured in many genres of music, most notably military bands and jazz bands. Instrumental manufacturers sold millions of saxophones as demand for the instrument increased. However since the saxophone was so new, there was a lack of quality instruction. As a result, the general playing level of saxophonists was low.

Saxophonist Henry Lindeman published one of the first comprehensive method books for the instrument in the United States in 1934. The book was the product of Lindeman’s extensive research into the fundamentals of saxophone playing. The book was a success after it was published, and Lindeman’s reputation as a teacher grew.

The Lindeman Method discusses all of the fundamental aspects of saxophone playing in great detail including the following: breathing, posture, embouchure, tone production, finger technique, vibrato, melody playing, and articulation.

Lindeman’s book had a lasting effect on how saxophone is taught, as all of his fundamental concepts are generally still approached in the same manner in modern saxophone pedagogy. Lastly, the method book itself continues to be used, thanks to Lindeman’s students and their students and so forth.