[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)
Country RoadJohn Denver
“Country Roads” is a classic American pop song.
In Japan, its popularity resurged after it was used in a Studio Ghibli film.
For beginners, I recommend practicing with this familiar tune to avoid letting the mid-to-high notes go sharp.
Forever In LoveKenny G
If you know Kenny G, it means you’re captivated by the allure of the saxophone right alongside your admiration for the player! As you surely know without me saying it, these are pieces by Kenny G, the world-famous American jazz saxophonist.
Many people, when they first heard him, must have listened over and over, thinking, “What a beautiful sound he makes.” With an instrument and sheet music in hand, you have the chance to recreate that sound yourself.
The parts not written in the score are improvised or embellished, but let’s start by mastering the simple sheet music.
From there, try adding any ornaments you can manage.
Jazz and classical differ in instrument setup and reed choices, but if you want to explore further, pay attention to your reeds, ligature, and mouthpiece as well.
Record your own sound and listen repeatedly to get closer to Kenny G’s tone.
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.
[Saxophone] Recommended practice pieces for sax beginners: Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (81–90)
The Hitachi tree—what kind of tree is this?Kobayashi Asei
“Hitachi no Ki Kono Ki Nan no Ki” is very well known as a commercial for the Hitachi Group, but when played on saxophone or clarinet it feels very cohesive, like a piece you might find in an etude collection.
It’s very short and easy to remember, so it’s great for repeated performances.
Let It BeThe Beatles
It’s the Beatles’ 13th song, released on May 8, 1970.
It features many eighth notes, making it an excellent piece for practice, and it’s a song that anyone who has listened to the Beatles has likely heard.
As one of the Beatles’ beloved tracks, it’s definitely a piece you’ll want to perform.
Adding arrangements or improvisation to your performance is sure to entertain your listeners.
Love Theme from Cinema ParadisoEnnio Morricone
The film Cinema Paradiso is one that so many people have seen that you could say any movie lover is sure to watch it.
This piece is widely known.
Even with its relaxed tempo, it carries a sense of tension.
It’s a piece that’s often performed in many styles, and it is frequently played by orchestras and wind ensembles as well.
Rhapsody in BlueGeorge Gershwin
The saxophone quartet version of Rhapsody in Blue is truly beautiful, offering a different kind of enjoyment than hearing it with an orchestra.
It may take some time before we can bring the piece to this level, but how about first practicing just the opening of the famous phrase as a short solo for self-introduction?