[Saxophone] Recommended practice songs for saxophone beginners: Famous tunes you’ll want to try playing
When it comes to star instruments that shine across genres from jazz and classical to pop, the saxophone surely comes to mind.
Whether it’s the tenor sax or the alto sax, many people have been inspired by the sight of someone masterfully playing sax in a band or ensemble and thought, “I want to give it a try too.” Some may first encounter the instrument after joining a school wind band.
In this article, we introduce recommended practice pieces for brand-new saxophonists who are ready to start working on songs, regardless of genre.
These are all famous tunes with plenty of beginner-friendly sheet music available, and if you can perform even a bit of a melody everyone knows, you’re sure to bring down the house with applause! Take a look.
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[Saxophone] Recommended practice pieces for saxophone beginners. Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (61–70)
ConfirmationCharles Parker Jr
Speaking of jazz saxophone, this is the song—the signature work of Charlie Parker, the father of modern jazz sax.
If you play jazz sax, it’s one of the pieces you’ll want to practice.
Many jazz sax players study this tune.
The playing technique is quite different from classical or pop.
The most important thing is to lock into the rhythm.
Ave MariaFranz Schubert
While many composers have published their own works titled “Ave Maria” in various forms, the piece by Franz Schubert introduced here is known for its unhurried flow and wistful melody.
Chosen time and again for occasions such as weddings and funerals, it continues to convey a message of hope and love to listeners.
For beginner saxophonists, “Ave Maria” is an ideal piece to develop a wide range of skills—from breath control to expressive phrasing.
Its long, sustained lines produce a beautiful tone and allow the performer’s emotions to be reflected in the music.
Beginners might start by practicing holding long, clean notes, and then gradually explore the breadth of expression this piece offers.
Dear DukeStevie Wonder
This is a song by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder.
The piece was sent as a tribute to the legendary jazzman Duke Ellington, and it has a great groove—it’s really fun to play.
It’s also frequently performed by wind ensembles, so some of you in band might have played an arrangement of it.
Whether you’re on the melody or the backing parts, it’s undeniably cool.
Of course you’ll want to practice the melody, but it’s also worth mastering the unison lines between the brass section and the saxophone section in the interlude.
It’s a groovy tune, but there are a lot of notes, so be careful to keep the rhythm accurate.
If you don’t lock into the groove, it will feel off, so make sure to sit firmly in the rhythm and play it with confidence!
Over the RainbowHarold Arlen
Harold Arlen’s “Over the Rainbow,” sung by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, is a classic that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
From a technical standpoint, the main melody naturally lends itself to practicing scale fingerings, and its rich melody and harmony are ideal for developing expressive skills.
Beginning at a slow tempo and gradually increasing the speed also helps improve rhythm and articulation.
“Over the Rainbow” conveys a message of dreams and hope through music, resonating with both performers and listeners.
For beginners, mastering this piece is not only a way to improve performance technique but also a first step toward understanding the deeper essence of music.
Mickey Mouse MarchJimmie Dodd
It’s the theme song of the Disney character Mickey Mouse and one of Disney’s signature pieces.
Although this song may seem simple, performing it faithfully to the score is difficult; in 4/4 time, you must play the dotted eighth notes and sixteenth notes precisely, or the performance will end up sounding drawn out.
SonataDavid Maslanka
It’s one of the pieces that everyone learning the saxophone inevitably practices.
It’s a standard practice piece that’s easy for students to play.
I’ve often heard this piece at parades and concerts by groups like the Self-Defense Forces.
By playing it, I think you can develop tone control and skills that help with coordination.
Jingle BellsJames Lord Pierpont
During the Christmas season, this song feels cozy and exciting, and it’s a fun piece.
The sound is straightforward, everyone can sing along, and the melody is easy to understand, making it simple to practice.
If you remember this song, it seems like you can use it in many different situations.