Eugene Rousseau (saxophonist)

Eugene Rousseau (born August 23, 1932, in Blue Island, Illinois) is an American classical saxophonist and pedagogue. He is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the development of the saxophone as a classical instrument.

Rousseau received his Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Iowa, where he studied with Himie Voxman. He also studied with Marcel Mule, the legendary French saxophonist, in Paris.

Rousseau has performed extensively as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also given recitals and masterclasses throughout the world.

He is known for his elegant tone, precise technique, and musical interpretations. Rousseau is also a prolific arranger and transcriber of music for the saxophone. His transcriptions have made a significant contribution to the saxophone repertoire.

Rousseau held professorships at Indiana University from 1964 to 2000, and at the University of Minnesota from 1962 to 1964. He is now Professor Emeritus of Saxophone at Indiana University. He has taught numerous successful saxophonists who have gone on to careers as performers and educators.

Rousseau's recordings include several critically acclaimed albums on labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Delos, and Crystal Records.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including a Fulbright Scholarship and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He is also an honorary member of the World Saxophone Congress.