SCOTTISH
SAXOPHONE
ACADEMY
Forthcoming events
The Big Blaw! - 7th April 2024
The Big Blaw! - 26th May 2024
Saxophones at the Burn - 6th to 8th September 2024
THE BIG
BLAW!
Join us for a fun, informal afternoon playing music in a large saxophone ensemble!
The Big Blaw! gives you the chance to play with other musicians in a large saxophone ensemble, with original tunes and innovative arrangements provided by SSA tutor Mike Brogan.
You can expect a fun and relaxed atmosphere, with great music, tips on reading, tone and technique, and much more!
For all saxophonists Grade 3 - 7 approx.
Selected Sundays / 2pm to 5pm
7th April 2024
26th May 2024
22nd September 2024
27th October 2024
8th December 2024
Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church (access via East Scotland St Lane)
12 Bellevue Crescent
Edinburgh
EH3 6NE
SAXOPHONES
AT THE BURN
Enjoy a weekend of music making at The Burn, a beautiful 17th Century country house near Edzell.
The Burn is situated at the foot of Glenesk, one of Scotland’s most scenic glens, north of Edzell and Brechin. The house sits in its own estate and offers visitors a peaceful environment and the chance to reflect and relax.
Our saxophone weekends give you the opportunity to take part in a variety of sax ensembles, quartets, trios, and workshops. Expect technique tips, innovative arrangements, expert advice, and much more!
Saxophones at The Burn will take place on the following dates -
6th to 8th September 2024
INTERNATIONAL MASTERCLASS SERIES
The Scottish Saxophone Academy
The Scottish Saxophone Academy is committed to hosting saxophone education and performance events across Scotland, including residential weekends, week long courses, play days, school workhops, masterclasses, and concerts.
Keen to build upon the success of the 16th World Saxophone Congress that took place in St Andrews, 2012, Directors Sue McKenzie and Mike Brogan founded the SSA to cater for the growing number of young musicians and keen amateurs seeking further learning and performance opportunities within Scotland. Our events are suitable for all ages and playing abilities, from beginners through to advanced students. As well as providing opportunities to rehearse and perform in large and small ensemble settings, study repertoire in a range of styles, and develop your reading and improvisation skills, we can provide expert one-to-one or online tuition for all aspects of your saxophone playing.
We are proud to host the International Masterclass Series, an initiative which provides Scottish saxophonists with the opportunity to learn from guest tutors from around the world. Whether you wish to perform in a masterclass, or simply watch as an audience member, you can receive expert advice and see some of the world's top saxophonists in action. Past IMS guests include Dr Jennifer Bill (USA), Jose A. Zayas Caban (USA), Philippe Geiss (France), David Milne (USA), Konrad Wiszniewski (UK), and Lynn Klock (USA).
Sue McKenzie
Sue McKenzie is a Yanagisawa UK and D’Addario Woodwinds Artist. She was a recent guest artist at the RADD Jazz Series (University of Wisconsin River Falls, US) and her UK/USA trio, Multifarious, has performed internationally and will be releasing their debut album in 2020.
Sue has recently given masterclasses at University of Tennessee (US) , Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Music, Georgia Southern University (US) and Friends University (Kansas, US). As well as workshops for London Jazz Festival, Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival and the Youth Music Initiative.
Sue regularly performs with the internationally renowned Salsa Celtica, Grupo Magnetico, Glasgow Improvisor's Orchestra and Australian DJ, Hot Dub Time Machine. Recent gigs include Jazz Cafe / 606 Club (London) and West Holts Stage (Glastonbury). As part of the McKenzie Sawers Duo, she has released two albums with Delphian Records and was an Assistant Director of the 16th World Saxophone Congress (2012). She is also the leader and founder of the Scottish Saxophone Ensemble.
She studied with Kyle Horch at Royal College of Music, Eugene Rousseau (Japan), Lynn Klock (University of Massachusetts) and David Murray (World Saxophone Quartet), and also holds a postgraduate degree in Jazz from Edinburgh Napier University.
Mike Brogan
Michael Brogan BMus (Hons) is a professional musician based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began his studies at the junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, then London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has since enjoyed a freelance career as a performer and educator. Mike is a Henri Selmer Paris Performing Artist, and D'Addario Woodwinds Performing Artist.
Upon graduation, Mike was appointed Chairman and Principal Baritone of the National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain. and led their tours of China, Holland, Thailand, and their appearance at the Prague Fringe Festival. He was Assistant Director of the 16th World Saxophone Congress, and is a member of the Scottish Saxophone Ensemble and the Apollo Saxophone Orchestra, and gigs regularly with the Soul Establishment.
Mike is saxophone tutor at Napier University and Edinburgh University, and has tutored extensively on courses and workshops across the UK for the Youth Music Initiative and the Live Music Now! schemes.
Mike is co-Director of Transgressive North, a music and film collective which has worked with artists including Jarvis Cocker, Four Tet, Son Lux, Irvine Welsh, Owen Pallett, Deerhoof, Sheila Stewart, and Alexander McCall Smith.