Featured Author: Tim Armacost

Inside The Jazz Saxophone Book – A Conversation on Listening, Improvisation, and Learning to Sing Through Your Horn

We're proud to shine a spotlight on saxophonist and educator Tim Armacost, whose groundbreaking Jazz Saxophone Book is one of the most comprehensive jazz education resources available today. A deep dive into the art of improvisation, this book reflects not just Tim’s technical mastery, but his lifelong dedication to listening deeply and playing with purpose.

In a recent interview with Debbie Burke, Tim shared insights into the listening habits and focused attention required to truly internalize jazz:

“If we want to learn how to play jazz, we need to have it living in our bodies... I give myself 100% to the music... Personally, I think multi-tasking is vastly overrated.”

When asked about the key to good improvisation, Tim offered this gem:

“I think the essence of good improvisation is informed singing... My goal is to sing directly through the saxophone.”

Tim also spoke to why he chose Sher Music Co. as the publisher for this ambitious project:

“Chuck [Sher] is a musician first, and he cares about putting out books that advance the music... Couldn’t be happier about having a book in Chuck’s catalog.”

You can read the full interview over at Debbie Burke’s jazz blog here:
👉 Swing Swang Swung: The Jazz Saxophone Book by Tim Armacost

For more information on The Jazz Saxophone Book or to order your copy:
🔗 Buy the Book at Sher Music Co.