Eugene Rousseau Collection

Eugene Rousseau (1932–2024) was a pioneering American classical saxophonist whose influence shaped the modern saxophone's role in both performance and education. As a student of the legendary Marcel Mule, Rousseau became a leading figure in the classical saxophone world, co-founding the World Saxophone Congress in 1969 and serving as president of both the North American Saxophone Alliance and the Comité International du Saxophone. His academic career included distinguished tenures at Indiana University and the University of Minnesota, where he mentored generations of saxophonists. Rousseau also collaborated closely with Yamaha beginning in 1972, contributing to the development of their professional saxophone line and designing his own series of mouthpieces.

In honor of Dr. Rousseau's enduring legacy, 100% of the proceeds from this auction will benefit the Eugene Rousseau Scholarship Fund. This fund supports aspiring saxophonists, ensuring that Rousseau's passion for excellence in music continues to inspire future generations.

Join us for Saxophone Day on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Ferguson Hall, University of Minnesota, as part of the Eugene Rousseau Celebration weekend. This special event will feature clinics, performances, and opportunities to connect with fellow saxophonists, honoring the legacy of Dr. Eugene Rousseau. For more information, please visit Schmitt Music's Saxophone Day page.

***To participate in the Eugene Rousseau Collection Auction, please ensure you are logged into your Schmitt Music account, bidding is only available to registered users. Your credit card will never be charged without your approval. If you win an item, you’ll receive an email notification with payment instructions. You’ll then have 24 hours to complete your purchase before the item is offered to the next highest bidder. Interested in viewing the saxophones in person? Join us for Saxophone Day at the University of Minnesota; event details here.

For questions about the instruments, please contact The Saxophone Shop. For assistance with bidding or the auction process, email us at OnlineOrders@SchmittMusic.com.