[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 sax beginners: Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (81–90)
The decisive battle is on Friday.DREAMS COME TRUE
This saxophone piece is a popular song by DREAMS COME TRUE.
It has a good tempo and is a tune everyone knows.
It’s also a popular choice for club practice, and many people have probably heard it performed by brass bands cheering at baseball games.
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.
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLDLouis Armstrong
A classic song by Louis Armstrong from 1967.
It’s nice to have videos with sheet music when you’re looking for pieces you want to play.
Feeling the meter is important when you play, and this piece is in 12/8—a four-beat meter with twelve eighth notes per measure.
Since there are three notes per beat, keep counting “1, 2, 3” even during rests to maintain your sense of time.
Be careful, as it feels different from rests in 4/4.
Once you get used to the feeling of three notes per beat, play along with the tempo.
If you’re unsure about the rhythm, listen to the original vocal recording to get the feel.
Where notes are tied, don’t hold them too long or too short—aim for the correct note values.
It’s easy to drift there at first, so check yourself to make sure you’re staying in time while riding the rhythm!
Full of SunNino Rota
The theme song from the film Purple Noon starring Alain Delon.
It’s a somewhat melancholy piece that evokes the final scene of the movie.
Because it doesn’t rely heavily on technique, it’s often chosen as a practice piece for beginners.
However, precisely because it doesn’t use many techniques, issues like pitch waver during breaths, the reed squeaking, or unstable intonation will stand out, so take your time and practice carefully.
The Olive NecklacePaul Mauriat
The tune known for its use as background music in magic shows, “El Bimbo,” is also one of the pieces often played on tenor sax.
It’s perfect for sultry, mood-rich improvisation practice, so it’s great to gradually loosen it up and finish it in your own style.