[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 (91–100)
SpainChick Corea
This piece is classified as jazz.
However, while based on jazz, it weaves in elements of bossa nova, rock, and classical music, and you can feel Latin rhythms in various sections.
When performing it, it’s important to breathe more on the offbeats and keep the offbeats in mind.
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.
[Saxophone] Recommended practice pieces for saxophone beginners. Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (101–110)
MistyErroll Louis Garner
This piece is also a well-known jazz standard performed by artists like Stan Getz.
Released in 1954, it became part of the jazz standard repertoire, and it is often arranged for saxophone quartet.
A common setup frequently performed features two alto saxophones, a tenor saxophone, and a baritone saxophone.
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?
The Girl from IpanemaGilberto
It’s a classic by Gilberto from Brazil.
The lyrical vocals and beautiful melody are striking, and it’s a piece that lets you fully experience the charm of bossa nova.
It was included on the 1964 album Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz and João Gilberto and became a worldwide hit.
In 1965, it also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
The lyrics, which portray a bittersweet longing for a girl walking along the seaside in Rio de Janeiro, are lovely as well.
If you’re practicing it on saxophone, try to play with a graceful atmosphere, riding a relaxed rhythm.
BurlesqueRobert Planel
This piece is often used for practice.
When actually playing it in an ensemble, it can be confusing whether it’s in triple meter or duple meter, and I remember practicing with a metronome to lock in the tempo.
I practiced at 200.
Many people get a feel for the tempo through this practice.
Aura Lee / Love Me TenderElvis Persley
“Aura Lee (Love Me Tender)” is a piece often included in saxophone practice collections.
It’s very easy to play and familiar to the ear, so you’ll likely improve quickly.
First, finish it straight without any embellishments, then try adding your own personal touches.