About
Meet Big John Babine.
Music theory researcher, saxophonist, minister, performer and composer. From his first recorder at age 11 in Warri to PhD-level performance research today.
Propelling Musicians to the Promise through the Process.
The journey
Big John Babine grew up in Warri, Delta State, where he began playing the recorder at the age of 11. This was the beginning of a long and exciting musical journey that would result in a wide variety of musical experiences.
During his high school years, he lost his way from music and entered the sciences class, planning to become an electrical engineer. But the love for music kept pulling him back to play his recorder.
After high school, he found his way back to music at Delta State University after taking the bold step to change from electrical engineering to Music Education. His university years were followed by serious study of the flute and the saxophone — paying off with a B.A. in Music Education and an M.A. in Music Performance, both from Delta State University.
He is currently pursuing his PhD in Music Performance and has written articles and books — yet to be published — on melodic patterns in music. Beyond the classroom, Big John is a performer and minister whose saxophone has graced stages, weddings, churches and television.
Timeline
From recorder to research.
Age 11
First recorder in Warri
Picks up the recorder in Warri, Delta State — the spark that starts a lifelong musical journey.
High School
Detour through the sciences
Enters the sciences class hoping to become an electrical engineer, but the love for music keeps pulling him back to the recorder.
University
Switch to Music Education
Takes the bold step to change from electrical engineering to Music Education at Delta State University.
B.A.
Bachelor of Music Education
Earns his B.A. in Music Education with serious study of flute and saxophone.
M.A.
Master of Music Performance
Completes an M.A. in Music Performance at Delta State University.
PhD
Doctoral research in progress
Currently pursuing a PhD in Music Performance, researching melodic patterns in music.
Today
Big John Music +
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate and Master classes online while performing and ministering globally.
Research Highlights
Ideas Big John is exploring and writing about.
Melodic Patterns in Music
Ongoing research and book-in-progress on how melodic patterns shape improvisation, composition and pedagogy.
Altissimo Technique
Practical fingerings and embouchure systems for extending the saxophone's expressive upper range.
Theory for Improvisers
Bridging classical harmony with jazz/gospel vocabulary for working performers.
Worship & Performance
The role of the saxophone as a ministering instrument — sound, intention and spiritual presence.
B.A. Music Education
Delta State University
M.A. Music Performance
Delta State University
PhD in Progress
Music Performance
Performer & Minister
Saxophone & Flute