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

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

[Saxophone] Recommended practice pieces for saxophone beginners. Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (91–100)

Part of Your WorldAlan Menken

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

Part of Your WorldAlan Menken

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let It BeThe Beatles

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

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ButterflyKimura Kaera

Butterfly – Kaela Kimura (Full)

ButterflyKimura Kaera

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu

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

Let's become a familyFukuyama Masaharu

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

SpainChick Corea

Spain

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem