▼ Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano by Phil Woods combines Western classical and jazz traditions, including improvisation. A crossover work in this style creates unique challenges for the performer because it requires the person to have experience in both performance practices. The research on musical works in this style is limited. Furthermore, the research on the sections of improvisation found in this sonata is limited to general performance considerations. In my own study of this work, and due to the performance problems commonly associated with the improvisation sections, I found that there is a need for a more detailed analysis focusing on how to practice, develop, and perform the improvised solos in this sonata. This document, therefore, is a performer's guide to the sections of improvisation found in the 1997 revised edition of Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano by Phil Woods. This guide will aid in the successful rehearsal and performance of well developed improvised solos that are solidly based in the harmony, and that incorporate melodies and rhythms found in the sonata. For each movement the harmony is analyzed to determine one or more scales that are commonly used with each chord. Second, I wrote exercises based on methods found in The Jazz Theory Book by Levine, A Creative Approach to Practicing Jazz by David Baker, Inside Improvisation, vol. 1 and 2 by Jerry Bergonzi, The Jazz Handbook by Jamey Aebersold, How to Practice Jazz by Jerry Coker, The Modern Sound: A Step Beyond Linear Improvisation by Walt Weiskopf, and a guide-tone exercise by Brad Goode. Finally, I composed example solos for the first and third movements that not only incorporated the scales, arpeggios, and exercises, but that are also based on the themes, rhythmic ideas, and the harmony of each movement. Advisors/Committee Members: Bunte, James.