Master Teacher Eugene Rousseau

[jbtsax]

Dr. Eugene Rousseau, Steps to Excellence

For anyone learning to play the saxophone or wanting to teach the saxophone at a higher level, Dr. Rousseau provides a superb model to emulate. Notice how every statement he makes is clear and concise. There is never any wasted language or statements going off track to distract from the central message of his lesson. When necessary a visual is given on screen to reinforce what is being taught, as well as examples performed by Dr. Rousseau to further demonstrate what he is describing.

As a professional music educator I know how challenging it is to teach with this level of focus and clarity. I once had the opportunity to study with one of Dr. Rousseau's students, and was able to experience first hand the profound effect Dr. Rousseau has had on not only the playing ability, but the teaching ability of the hundreds of students he has taught in his career of over 50 years.

 

[jrintaha]

I've watched through all of the listed videos now, and he indeed wastes no words.

On a side note, his soprano tone sounds incredibly mellow and serene, very un-saxophonelike, but fantastic nonetheless.

 

[getjamming]

I was also fortunate to study under one of his pupils.

 

[Andrew Sanders]

And his mouthpieces aren't too shabby.

 

[jbtsax]

I appreciate the renewed interest in this link. Dr. Rousseau is the "real deal". Regardless of what style of music one chooses to play, the information he provides about the fundamentals of playing the saxophone is essential to becoming an accomplished player IMO. He was in Utah recently giving a masterclass at BYU. Even though he is in his 80's, he is still an incredible player.

 

[ProfJames]

And great mouthpieces. Really happy with mine.

 

[getjamming]

My teacher recounted the following story -
Once, when as a student of Rousseau, he turned up to one of his lessons and found his teacher in tears. Rousseau had dropped and cracked his precious Selmer mouthpiece and was devastated for weeks afterwards. Apparently this was the reason for creating his own mouthpieces!

 

[ProfJames]

My teacher recounted the following story -
Once, when as a student of Rousseau, he turned up to one of his lessons and found his teacher in tears. Rousseau had dropped and cracked his precious Selmer mouthpiece and was devastated for weeks afterwards. Apparently this was the reason for creating his own mouthpieces!

Have you tried one of his mouthpieces? So easy to use and helps produce a great sound. Great for intermediates like me

 

[getjamming]

Have you tried one of his mouthpieces? So easy to use and helps produce a great sound. Great for intermediates like me

I am the proud owner of a Rousseau 4R
Beautiful mouthpiece.

 

[ProfJames]

I am the proud owner of a Rousseau 4R
Beautiful mouthpiece.

Snap! Some great sounds to be heard in a certain part of Aus then?

 

[getjamming]

Depends on what time of the day it is!!
The 4R is a sweet classical piece - compares nicely to similar Selmer models. Hasn't had a great deal of use lately but does make an appearance from time to time.

 

[Nick Wyver]

My classical alto mouthpiece is a 5R. More interesting than a Selmer.

About 40 years ago my brother bought me an lp of Rousseau playing the Ibert, Glazounov, Dubois and Villa Lobos concertos (this one). The Dubois is probably still my favourite saxophone work. Wish I could play it like he did.