[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 Songs for Saxophone Beginners: Famous Tunes You’ll Want to Play (111–120)

My Dear EllieKUWATA BAND

Beloved Ellie COVER by Uru

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.

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MistySarah Vaughan

Misty :Sarah Vaughan / ﾐｽﾃｨ :ｻﾗ･ﾎﾞｰﾝ

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.

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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.