An Ascii Tree Based Approach to Mastering Saxophone Harmony, Melody and Rhythm
Executive Summary
The single most important factor in my improvement is the quality of my focus during practice. Better focus equals a greater return on every minute I invest with my horn. I created the ASCII tree below to engineer that high-quality focus, making my practice time as efficient and productive as possible.
The tree’s power is in its simplicity. It provides a clear map of the three pillars of musicianship (Harmony, Melody, and Rhythm) without the information overload of a textbook. This clarity allows me to dedicate an entire session to just one of these pillars with intense, single-minded attention.
By rotating this deep focus across all three branches over time, I am building a complete and balanced foundation. The goal of this system is to build each pillar so strongly that they begin to integrate naturally during performance. This method maximizes improvement for the time spent, which lets me focus less on mechanics and more on the music I want to create.
Keywords: music practice, focused practice, practice efficiency, skill development, musicianship, harmony, melody, rhythm, skill integration, learning model, structured practice, saxophone, time management, deliberate practice
An Ascii Tree Based Approach to Mastering Saxophone Harmony, Melody and Rhythm
│
[Saxophone Mastery]
│
├─ [Harmony]
│ ├─ Scales
│ │ ├─ Major & Minor
│ │ ├─ Modes
│ │ ├─ Pentatonic
│ │ └─ Blues
│ │
│ ├─ Chords & Arpeggios
│ │ ├─ Triads
│ │ ├─ 7th Chords
│ │ └─ Extensions
│ │
│ └─ Chord Progressions
│ ├─ ii-V-I
│ ├─ 12-Bar Blues
│ └─ Rhythm Changes
│
├─ [Melody]
│ ├─ Phrasing
│ │ ├─ Articulation
│ │ ├─ Dynamics
│ │ └─ Melodic Contour
│ │
│ └─ Improvisation
│ ├─ Licks & Patterns
│ ├─ Motivic Development
│ └─ Call & Response
│
└─ [Rhythm]
├─ Time Signatures
│ └─ 4/4, 3/4, 5/4, etc.
│
├─ Subdivisions
│ ├─ Quarter, 8th, 16th
│ └─ Triplets
│
├─ Syncopation
│
└─ Feel / Groove
├─ Swing
└─ Straight