[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.
- [Beginner] Start with this song! A collection of practice tunes for jazz beginners
- The Profound Allure of the Saxophone: Iconic Songs Featuring Saxophone [2026]
- Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners
- [Brass/Wind Band] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Classics and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Practice pieces for beginner flutists. Recommended practice pieces.
- Famous Japanese saxophonists
- [For Piano Beginners] Play Right Now with Free Sheet Music! A Roundup of Recommended Practice Pieces
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- [Winter Break Intensive Practice] A roundup of easy cover songs recommended for beginner bands
- Practice pieces for beginner trumpet players
- Recommended practice pieces for beginner keyboard players
- [Beginner] Start Here: Classic Practice Pieces Recommended for Adult Piano Beginners
[Saxophone] Recommended Practice Pieces for Sax Beginners: Famous Songs You’ll Want to Try Playing (21–30)
Lupin the Third Theme / Theme From Lupin III ’78Ōno Yūji
The anime theme “Lupin the Third”—if you can polish it to this level, it becomes an incredibly cool piece.
Songs composed in a jazz style suit the saxophone well.
Since it’s a familiar tune, let’s start by practicing the main theme melody.
There are probably many versions of sheet music, but first aim to play the simple melody.
For the ad-lib sections, you’ll need knowledge of chords and improvisation.
At first, listen carefully and try to imitate by ear—you probably won’t be able to play it the same way right away and it’ll be tough, but it’d be great if you can manage even just one phrase! As you listen to various ad-libs and learn to copy them, you’ll want to improve even more, and you’ll keep increasing the number of phrases you can play fluently.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
This is a song by Fei-Fei Ouyang, a singer from Taiwan.
When you see someone playing a vocal tune stylishly, or watch performance videos, it makes you want to play it yourself, right? You’re probably no exception if you’re reading this.
Ballads pair very well with the saxophone—they feel great both to listen to and to play! For songs with vocals, it’s important to listen carefully to the original singing.
When you play it on an instrument, the lyrics disappear, so make sure to closely imitate the lyrics’ intonation.
The rhythm can also differ between the first and second verse; since the number of words changes, the number of notes changes too, so it’s good if you clearly differentiate verse 1 and verse 2.
It might not always come across when you perform it instrumentally, but it’s important to play with conviction so it doesn’t become a monotonous repeat.
PythagoraSwitch Opening ThemeKurikōdā Karutetto Kurihara Masaki
This is the opening theme of NHK’s educational program “PythagoraSwitch.” The charming recorder melody by the Kuricorder Quartet leaves a strong impression.
When you don’t know much about music, it’s surprising to realize that an elementary school recorder can do this kind of movement, and that BGM from games can be performed live.
You might be amazed that “PythagoraSwitch” can be played on saxophone, but of course it’s possible if you have the sheet music.
If you can, it’s also fun to try multi-tracking.
It’s a short piece—only 30 seconds—but make sure the dotted-eighth-and-sixteenth “ta-ta, ta-ta, ta-ta” rhythm doesn’t fall apart each time you play.
Keep tempo and rhythm precise so it doesn’t speed up or slow down, and so you don’t tire and drag in the second half.
It’s a fun tune, so play it with joy.
It really makes you want to say, “PythagoraSwitch!”
EnglishmanSting
This is Sting’s “Englishman” with a soprano saxophone playing the obbligato.
Jazz often brings to mind alto or tenor sax, but pop-tinged, jazz-flavored tunes played on soprano sax like this are really great too.
By the way, where can you get sheet music for songs like this? It’s something we all wonder about.
It’s common to get inspired by an instrument and pick one up, only to find there’s no sheet music available.
If you’ve got a good ear, try transcribing by ear; otherwise, work with someone who can arrange and notate it for you.
Often only the lead melody is published, so for the saxophone solo sections, do your best to tackle them by ear.
At first you might not be able to identify any of the notes, but the thrill when you finally figure them out and can play them isn’t something everyone gets to experience.
A lot of jazz charts are learned by ear anyway, so listen repeatedly with patience and pick out the notes.
And once you can really play it, you’ll have something to brag about!
Hey JudeThe Beatles
Known as one of The Beatles’ signature songs, this piece was written as a message of support to John Lennon’s son, Julian.
Composed by Paul McCartney, it was first released as a single by Apple Records in August 1968.
Its lyrics are notable for their strong message of encouraging those in sorrow and giving them the courage to move forward.
Despite running over seven minutes, it became a massive hit, holding the number-one spot on the charts in both the UK and the US for an extended period.
For beginner saxophonists, its relaxed tempo makes it easy to play and ideal for practicing phrases that rise from flat notes.
Give it your all and play it from the heart.
The Splendor of YouthCarpenters
The Carpenters’ “I Need to Be in Love” and “Yesterday Once More” are very popular pieces both as saxophone and flute solos.
This very gentle song is also recommended for those who aren’t ready yet to tackle arrangements that require a lot of technique.
It’s often performed at school band concerts, so many people may have heard it live—or even started playing the saxophone after hearing a performance of this piece.
Because it’s played so frequently, joining a wind ensemble or school band may give you the chance to perform it, making it a great piece to practice in advance and showcase your ability.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire!
Treasure IslandT-SQUARE
Takarajima is one of T-SQUARE’s signature pieces, composed by Hirotaka Izumi.
Thanks to an arrangement by Toshio Mashima, a leading composer and arranger for wind bands, it is performed by many school and community wind ensembles and is a very popular piece.
It’s a familiar tune for wind band players, a piece many aspire to perform at least once, and there are likely many saxophonists who first picked up the instrument wanting to play Takarajima.
In the featured video, in addition to the main melody, sheet music for the ad-lib section in the middle is provided, making it possible to practice.
It tests the player’s musical sensibility, and it’s also important to listen closely to the percussion to avoid falling behind the rhythm.