[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 (101–110)

BurlesqueRobert Planel

Saxophone -Burlesque – Emille Lelouch

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.

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QuartetGuy Lacour

Lacour – Quatour – Mvt. 1 – Frost Saxophone Quartet

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.

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My Funny ValentineMiles Davis

Miles Davis – My Funny Valentine 1964 Milan, Italy

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.

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Early Spring OdeNakada Akira

I tried playing “Soshunfu” on the alto saxophone.

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.

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Joy of LoveFritz Kreisler

Liebesfreud – Kreisler – Perlman

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.

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