Welcome to the UT Classical Saxophone Studio!
The Classical Saxophone Studio at the University of Tennessee is a dynamic and supportive community where students are encouraged to grow as musicians, educators, and collaborators. With a strong emphasis on both individual artistry and ensemble playing, the studio provides a well-rounded experience rooted in technical development, musical versatility, and pedagogical excellence.
Academics
Saxophone students at UT can pursue a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree options. All students receive weekly private instruction and participate in chamber music, studio ensemble, and large ensembles. A strong focus is placed on saxophone pedagogy and developing a diverse repertoire, from classical solo literature to contemporary works.
Undergraduate Programs
Students in the Saxophone Studio may pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Music Performance, or Theory & Composition.
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music also offers Bachelor of Arts in Music concentrations, and BA students have the option to take applied lessons as part of a studio experience.
Graduate Programs
Graduate students may pursue a Master of Music in Music Education or Music Performance with saxophone as their primary area of study.
Graduate Artist Certificate
Designed for highly accomplished performers seeking to refine their artistry, the Graduate Artist Certificate offers advanced study as a stand-alone program.
Meet Professor Allison Adams
Allison Adams, DMA, is Professor of Saxophone at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she shares her excitement for music with the next generation of music educators and performers.
She has been a featured soloist at venues across the country, from the Dallas Latino Cultural Center, to San Diego’s Athenaeum Music and Arts Library. She has also a frequent performer at conferences such as The World Saxophone Congress, The International Saxophone Symposium, and The North American Saxophone Biennial Conference, and the International Clarinet Association Conference.
Private Lessons
All music majors in the classical saxophone studio receive weekly one-on-one instruction with Professor Adams. These lessons follow a classical foundation and are designed to build a strong base in fundamentals, refine technique, and develop confident, expressive performers.
Students work on essential elements such as tone production, vibrato, articulation, breath control, and alternate fingerings. Technical development includes major and minor scales, arpeggios (major, minor, diminished, and augmented), interval patterns, chromatic scales, and advanced patterns like whole tone and diminished scales. Technique requirements are clearly outlined at the start of each semester and assessed through a skills test at the end.
In addition to technical training, students study a wide range of etudes and solo repertoire, allowing them to apply their skills musically and grow into well-rounded saxophonists.
Repertoire
Repertoire study in the classical saxophone studio is rooted in the standard literature of the instrument while actively expanding to include works by composers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Students engage with music from a wide range of styles and eras – from Baroque transcriptions to contemporary compositions and newly commissioned works.
Because most of the classical saxophone repertoire is written for alto saxophone, all majors are required to own a professional-level alto sax. While students typically focus on alto literature, they are strongly encouraged to explore and perform works written for soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones as well. This well-rounded approach broadens technical fluency and musical versatility across the full saxophone family.
Solo Class
Each week, the saxophone studio comes together for Solo Class, held on Tuesdays from 12:55–2:10 p.m. This collaborative setting offers students a valuable platform to perform, receive feedback, and engage in professional development beyond private lessons.
Throughout the semester, students present one to two solo performances, which are video recorded for self-review and growth. Peer feedback, both verbal and written, is an important part of the process, fostering a supportive and constructive studio environment. In addition to solo performances, the class also features chamber music presentations, student-led talks, guest artist masterclasses, and lectures on pedagogy and saxophone history led by Professor Allison Adams.
Solo Class is a cornerstone of the studio experience, designed to build performance confidence, critical listening skills, and a deeper understanding of the saxophone’s evolving role in classical music.
Recitals
Recitals are a vital part of the saxophone studio experience, offering students the opportunity to showcase their growth and artistry in a formal performance setting. Undergraduate performance majors present both a 30-minute junior recital and a 60-minute senior recital, while music education majors are required to give one 30-minute recital.
Students in other music degree tracks are also encouraged to present elective recitals during their senior year. In addition to degree-required performances, students are welcome to explore additional recital opportunities, whether solo, chamber music, or collaborative programs with fellow musicians.
Repertoire for each recital is selected in collaboration with Professor Allison Adams, ensuring a program that is both artistically fulfilling and appropriately challenging.
College-Owned Saxophones
The University of Tennessee provides access to a range of professional-level saxophones and accessories for student use in ensembles, chamber groups, and occasionally private lessons. Available instruments include Selmer and Yamaha soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones, which may be checked out at no cost with approval from Professor Allison Adams. The school also maintains a collection of professional mouthpieces and ligatures available for student use with these instruments.
While these resources enhance the studio experience, each student is expected to own a professional-level alto saxophone for use in private lessons. Students are also responsible for supplying their own reeds.
Performance Opportunities
Students in the classical saxophone studio at UT have access to a wide range of performance opportunities that support artistic growth, ensemble collaboration, and real-world experience. Every saxophone student is encouraged to participate in a saxophone quartet, which rehearses weekly, receives regular coaching from Professor Allison Adams, and performs throughout the year at studio recitals, community events, schools, and local venues. Quartets often take on their own personality, choosing performance opportunities that reflect their interests—including competitions, retirement communities, or even independent recital programs. This chamber experience strengthens listening, leadership, and ensemble independence—all while having a lot of fun.
In addition, the UT Saxophone Ensemble, made up of the full studio, performs an eclectic mix of original and transcribed works for large saxophone ensemble. This group appears regularly on studio recitals and special events.
Classical saxophone students may also audition for one of UT’s premier concert bands: the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band. These ensembles are selective, with auditions held at the start of each semester and only four saxophonists accepted per group.
Together, these opportunities offer a well-rounded, performance-rich environment that prepares students for both professional settings and collaborative musical life.
Interested in the UT Classical Saxophone Studio?
Schedule a Music Major for a Day Experience or Building Tour!
Get a true sense of what it’s like to be a music major at UT! Sit in on classes, attend rehearsals, meet with Professor Adams, and tour our beautiful facilities.
Learn How To Apply
Whether you’re applying as a first-time college student, transfer student, or graduate student, admission to the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is a multi-step process that includes applying to the University of Tennessee and to our college. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music offers a number of graduate teaching assistantships each academic year.
Assistantships carry a waiver of the university tuition, pays for mandatory university fees, medical coverage, and carries a monthly stipend.