Aspects influencing the tuning balance in saxophone performance practice

Abstract

Tuning is a crucial factor in any musical performance on saxophone. It is a skill related to auditory perception and can be taught and developed trought the flexibility of the embouchure and air column or using auxiliary fingerings on the instrument to compensate and adjust the tuning. This paper aims to understand the concept of temperament in tuning, as well as the various factors that can affect its stability in saxophone performance. Identifying and being aware of the theoretical functioning of the key opening and closing mechanism and how it affects the rise and fall of frequencies is essential for using correction strategies for these frequencies and, thus, the use of alternative fingerings as a fundamental resource for the saxophonist to improve their tuning. Finally, some study books have been compiled that provide various fingering charts that can be used for tuning correction on the saxophone.