[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 (101–110)
QuartetGuy Lacour
This piece is often used as an introduction to the saxophone.
I think it’s perfect for practicing the sax.
It seems to be a piece where individual differences in ability show up easily, and it’s said that when you hear someone perform it, you can clearly tell the weak points in their saxophone playing.
HEROMariah Carey
This is also a piece that’s often performed at weddings, so I’d love for you to practice it and master it on the saxophone.
It’s a truly grand and uplifting classic, so I want you to play it slowly and with feeling.
If you can pull this one off, it might mean you’ve improved quite a lot.
My Funny ValentineMiles Davis
Known for Miles Davis’s trumpet performance, this piece is a quintessential jazz standard.
Its richly expressive melodic lines and wistful atmosphere are distinctive, giving it a deep, resonant appeal for listeners.
A live recording made in New York in February 1964 was released the following May as the album “My Funny Valentine: Miles Davis in Concert,” earning high praise among jazz fans.
It’s also approachable for beginning saxophonists, who can enjoy practicing its relaxed tempo and beautiful harmonies.
Perform this song, imbued with an adult sophistication, and you’re sure to captivate your audience.
Early Spring OdeNakada Akira
Early Spring Ode is a piece whose phrases resemble both Shiretoko Ryojo and Home on the Range, evoking a nostalgic feeling.
Even when performing it, it’s a deeply wistful piece that makes you feel as if you’ve heard it somewhere long ago, so you can take your time and practice it carefully.
Joy of LoveFritz Kreisler
In a sense, the final track is an ideal pop song.
It sings about everyday life, and it’s become a song I want to listen to before heading to work each day.
For office workers around the same age, I think playing it during breakfast will help you get through the day somehow.
[Saxophone] Recommended Practice Songs for Saxophone Beginners: Famous Tunes You’ll Want to Play (111–120)
My Dear EllieKUWATA BAND
Known as one of Southern All Stars’ signature songs, this work is a gemlike ballad that sings of a bittersweet love.
Released as the band’s first ballad single, it marked an adventurous departure from their previously cheerful, comedic image and pointed to a new direction.
Released in March 1979, the song’s lyrics—expressing deep affection and compassion for a loved one—captured many hearts and have remained cherished for years.
It also gained popularity as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi” (“Uneven Apples”), and became a key track that propelled Southern All Stars to superstardom.
With a melody line that’s easy even for beginners to pick up, it’s also recommended as a practice piece.
MistySarah Vaughan
A richly emotional world woven by Sarah Vaughan’s singing voice.
She expresses the trembling heart of someone falling in love with a lush, powerful vocal.
The lyrics, which sing of a heart lost in the fog, resonate deeply with listeners.
Composed in 1954, a vocal version was released the following year by Johnny Mathis.
It went on to become a classic covered by many artists.
It was also used in the 1971 film “Play Misty for Me,” which further boosted its popularity.
When performing it on saxophone, it’s recommended to preserve the melodious lines while keeping the lyrical worldview in mind as you play.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, “saxophone” is a broad term that includes types like alto sax and tenor sax, and each has its own corresponding sheet music—so be sure to pay attention to that.
Remember that soprano and tenor saxophones are in Bb, while alto and baritone saxophones are in Eb.
Soprano sax and alto sax can’t read the same sheet music, but alto and baritone are the same transposing instrument, so they can play from the same transposed parts! First, check what type of saxophone you have, and I hope you can find a piece from the list in this article that you’d like to try! Keep improving, learn to play lots of songs, and amaze everyone around you.