This project presents an article “Considerations for Transcribing Classical Solo Works, A Resource for Fellow Saxophonists” and audio recordings of three new transcriptions for tenor saxophone: Serenade by Adrienne Albert, originally written for bassoon; Ackerbatics by Rebecca Burkhardt, originally written for clarinet; and Sonata voor violoncel en piano by Henriette Bosmans.

This paper highlights a method for jazz transcription, comprehension, and practice to be implemented primarily in applied saxophone instruction with undergraduate students. The purpose is the identify and mend the divide between jazz and classical that appears in academia. This divide is one that came about by necessity in the saxophone’s relative youth in the academic world as it found solid footing in conservatories around the world. A literature review establishes the current state of dialogue between both jazz and classical in the academic saxophone community, including the current state of crossover scholarship that discusses the interaction between multiple genres. This review investigates what serves as pedagogical material in an aural discipline like jazz. A thorough approach to transcription is crucial change to the standard practice of jazz transcription typically employed in applied saxophone studios. This approach takes the focus away from the product and places it on the process. This process is demonstrated through a transcription and deconstruction of Charlie Parker’s “Cheryl.” Though this approach is presented through the perspective of a saxophonist, this process can be applied to any number of instrumental disciplines seeking to understand jazz transcription and improvisation more fully.

The versatility of the bassoon has always been a signature trait, noticeable both inthe diversity of canonic works conceived for the instrument and in transcriptions. While Russian composer and pianist, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), is well-known for his orchestral and piano compositions, outside from moments in his compositions for orchestra, most woodwind musicians have been unable to experience his solo repertoire and writing style. Prokofiev did not write any solo compositions for the bassoon. In fact, his only solo work for woodwinds is his Sonata for Flute and Piano, Op. 94. The purpose of this project is to transcribe Prokofiev’s Sonata for Flute and Piano, Op. 94 for bassoon and piano as an addition to the bassoon solo literature. The project begins with an historical overview of both composer and composition, then turns into a description of the rationale and process of transcription, followed by the transcription for bassoon and piano itself as well as a complete recording.