[Saxophone] Recommended practice songs for saxophone beginners: Famous tunes you’ll want to try playing

SummertimeGeorge Gershwin

Summertime – Easy Solo Example for Alto Sax -1

George Gershwin was a composer who pioneered a new frontier in American music by fusing jazz, classical, and popular styles.

His signature piece “Summertime” appears as a lullaby sung by the heroine to her child in the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess.

With its universal melody, the song has been cherished by artists around the world and continues to be covered in many forms.

For beginning saxophonists, this piece is technically approachable and offers an excellent opportunity to express the beauty of jazz.

While gaining a sense of accomplishment, you can develop fundamental phrasing, breath control, and a feel for rhythm.

It also serves as an inviting entry point into improvisation, making its performance a fun and rewarding challenge.

Country RoadJohn Denver

Country Road Country Road Saxophone Trio CRYSTAL

“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.

The Hitachi tree—what kind of tree is this?Kobayashi Asei

I tried playing “Hitachi no Ki: Kono Ki Nan no Ki” as an ensemble for B-flat clarinet and soprano saxophone♪

“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.

Part of Your WorldAlan Menken

Part of Your World (Tenor Sax Solo) The Little Mermaid WMT-13-007

The Disney film The Little Mermaid was released on November 17, 1989.

In Japan, it premiered on July 21, 1990.

It was adapted for the stage in 2008 and performed as a musical on Broadway, and in Japan it has been performed by the Shiki Theatre Company since 2013—proof that it’s a song loved all around the world.

Many Disney fans say this is their favorite song.

Try expressing the underwater world with the saxophone.

Let It BeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Let It Be – Let It Be (STEREO REMASTERED)

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.

ButterflyKimura Kaera

Butterfly – Kaela Kimura (Full)

It’s a song that singer Kaela Kimura wrote for a friend’s wedding, and it’s still performed at many weddings today.

Used as the theme for Recruit’s “Zexy” commercial, this track pairs beautifully with saxophone and is sure to make listeners feel happy.

Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu

Let's Become a Family – Alto Saxophone Selmer Series III Mouthpiece Concept

This piece is often performed at weddings.

It also features many wide interval leaps.

To play it well, you’ll need to practice arpeggios.

Depending on the fingering, some notes may flip or crack, so take care with those passages.

The high notes won’t speak properly unless you really support them with air, so be sure to blow firmly.