UT Music Graduate Student Partners with UT Libraries to Modernize Saxophone Repair

Access to innovative technologies at the University of Tennessee Libraries is helping students turn creative ideas into real-world tools, including a 3D-printed saxophone assembly board designed by graduate student Alex Singleton. 

Singleton, a graduate student in saxophone performance, collaborated with UT Libraries to design and 3D-print a custom tray that organizes saxophone screws during instrument disassembly. The tray provides a clear, step-by-step layout that helps students safely disassemble and reassemble their instruments while learning the mechanics behind how they function. 

The project grew out of Singleton’s interest in pedagogy and his desire to address common challenges musicians face with instrument maintenance. 

“Many musicians don’t really understand the mechanics of what they play. People think of instrument repair as something you only do when the instrument stops working, instead of something that’s part of regular upkeep,” Singleton said. “Do you only take your car to the shop when it completely breaks down and expect the cost of an oil change to fix it? That’s how some musicians treat their instruments.” 

While similar repair trays have existed for decades, many were designed for older instruments and no longer reflect modern saxophone construction. Singleton’s 3D-printed design rethinks the layout, so parts are placed in the exact order they are removed, reducing confusion, preventing lost components, and making the process more accessible for beginners. 

“The layout itself becomes the guide,” Singleton said. “If you take the instrument apart in order and put it back together in reverse, you’re not going to get anything out of place.” 

The project began when Singleton connected with Chris Durman, associate professor and director of the George F. DeVine Music Library, and was introduced to UT Libraries’ 3D printing services at Pendergrass Library. There, he worked closely with Richard Sexton, makerspace and technology coordinator, Dr. Bob Eason, professor of saxophone at Stephen F. Austin State University, meeting regularly over several weeks to test designs, refine layouts, and navigate software and printer limitations. 

Singleton’s faculty mentor, Allison Adams, director of undergraduate studies and professor of saxophone, said the initiative reflected both student drive and institutional support. 

“To be quite honest, Alex reached out to UT Libraries completely on his own. He worked on the 3D-printing design with them directly, and then our saxophone studio students were able to request and pay for the boards at low cost,” Adams said. “That opportunity through UT Libraries is huge in moving innovative student projects forward. There is a breadth of support available to our students, and it provides the ability to dream big.” 

The tray also became a hands-on teaching tool in studio instruction. Adams incorporated Singleton’s expertise into studio classes through presentations on acoustics and horn mechanics, followed by a Special Topics independent study focused on writing step-by-step instructions for saxophonists to disassemble, clean, oil, and reassemble their instruments. Students participated in workshop days using the boards, and many went on to complete the maintenance independently. 

The project demonstrates how student initiative, faculty mentorship, and campus-wide collaboration can intersect in meaningful ways. What began as a question about instrument mechanics has become a practical teaching tool and a model for how innovation can shape the future of music education. 

“As long as students are creative enough, the possibilities are really endless,” Singleton said.