Multiphonics are effects in music where an instrument typically designed to play a single pitch at a time, like the saxophone, produces two or more notes simultaneously. This is achieved by modifying the instrument’s traditional playing techniques, often through methods such as venting or overblowing.

 

This database’s development emerged from a need for both composers and performers to have demonstrations and documentation of various multiphonics. My work with contemporary composers often involves a frequent exchange of demonstrations, questions, and resources. In particular, composer Jeremy Howard Beck and I sought a way to share and filter potential multiphonics for an upcoming work we are creating together.

 

This collection draws from and references well-known texts including Daniel Kientzy’s Les Sons Multiples: New Methods of Sound - Saxophone and Marcus Weiss & Giorgio Netti’s The Techniques of Saxophone Playing.

 

Through my research and experimentation I discovered numerous fingering combinations that had not been previously documented, especially since my Yanagisawa soprano saxophone was modified with a low A key, which opened a new dimension of sonic possibilities.

 

My goal with this database is to provide a valuable resource for the music community and to facilitate access to the expanded sonic potential of the saxophone. If this resource has been helpful to you or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me - I would love to hear from you!