[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 (71–80)
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.
The night fog stings my eyes.Jerome Kern
The jazz standard “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” First, try finishing the opening section while making sure the reed doesn’t squeak.
If it’s difficult to give the middle arrangement an improvised feel, it’s fine at first to just add the trills as written in the score.
My Favorite ThingsJohn Coltrane
This might be a little difficult.
Even so, it’s a famous jazz standard, and since the melody is very straightforward and easy to listen to, I think it’s easy to play.
It seems to be often performed at year-end parties and other gatherings, and this piece has a lot of atmosphere, so it would be a good one to add to your repertoire.
When the Saints Go Marching In
The American jazz classic “When the Saints Go Marching In.” It’s a popular standard used for solo performances on various wind instruments, but saxophone renditions in particular have many different arrangements, often packed with improvisation.
Start by playing it straight, then try adding ad-lib sections.
Bark at the Sun!Ōno Katsuo
The theme song of “Taiyo ni Hoero!” This tune is so familiar that many of you have probably tried playing it by ear—or thought about giving it a try.
If you’re going to do it, go ahead and finish it off in a solid, stylish way.
what do you mean?Justin Bieber
It’s also a song known from the upbeat “What do you mean?” commercial.
For beginner saxophonists, it’s a dream piece you’ll want to practice.
Since it has a catchy, singable feel, make sure to focus on the tempo when practicing it on sax as well.
Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline
It’s the theme song from the Disney film Pinocchio, and it features large interval leaps.
As a saxophone practice piece, it can be performed by players from beginners to advanced.
Because it can be arranged and improvised to suit the performer’s level, this piece is one of the very popular ones.