[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 songs for saxophone beginners. Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (51–60)
you would be so nice to comehome to.Art Pepper
Let me introduce a jazz number where the saxophone really shines: “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” by American jazz saxophonist Art Pepper.
You’re probably just starting out and still finding your bearings with the instrument, but with tunes like this there often isn’t a written score—you’ll need to challenge yourself to learn it by ear and play along.
Jazz prioritizes feel over sheet music, so study chord progressions while also digging into books on improvisation.
Don’t stick to just one version or one player; listen to multiple recordings and immerse yourself in the jazz vibe.
That said, there are some patterns to it.
Take your time picking out the notes—being able to play even a single bar is a great start.
It’s okay to make mistakes; if you keep playing boldly and stick with it, after a year you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come!
Dead LeavesJoseph Kosma
Beloved around the world, this piece beautifully depicts autumn scenes and lost love.
It’s a melody almost everyone has heard at least once.
It’s also a great choice for beginner saxophonists.
There are many simplified arrangements published, so give it a try.
Recorded in March 1991 by Stan Getz and Kenny Barron, this work became one of Getz’s final recordings.
The key is to play the refrain with deep feeling.
Highly recommended for those who want to experience a jazz classic or feel the changing seasons through music.
HallelujahLeonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen was a legendary singer-songwriter from Canada.
His most famous song, “Hallelujah,” was included on his 1984 album Various Positions and, over time, became a beloved classic around the world.
“Hallelujah” carries a profound message about life’s joys and struggles, as well as faith and redemption, and it has been covered by many artists.
Jeff Buckley’s version, in particular, is highly acclaimed.
For beginner saxophone players attempting this piece, it’s important to focus on breath control and tone to convey the song’s emotion.
Practice slowly and steadily, refer to tutorials on YouTube, and try to perform your own rendition of “Hallelujah.” This song is an excellent practice piece for expressing deep feeling.
Take FivePaul Desmond
“Take Five,” a standard jazz number with enduring popularity.
For beginners, this piece can lead to rushing ahead of the beat, losing the groove, or getting flustered and falling apart midway.
Start by choosing a beginner-friendly score, and focus on firmly placing each note on the rhythm at a slow, steady tempo.
[Saxophone] Recommended practice pieces for saxophone beginners. Famous songs you’ll want to try playing (61–70)
Under the Sea from The Little MermaidAlan Menken
The theme song of the Disney film The Little Mermaid, “Under the Sea.” It’s the piece Haruka Shimazaki of AKB48 performed on the opening day of the Tokyo run of Blast!.
I hear she played saxophone in her middle school brass band.
Try practicing the lively rhythms in this piece.
A-TrainBilly Strayhorn
It’s a piece that makes you feel as if you’re performing while pulling a train behind you.
The music captures a steam locomotive departing from New York.
Performance note: if the offbeats become weak, the atmosphere of the piece will change.
Keep the offbeats in mind and play in a way that keeps the train from stopping.
Stand By MeBen E. King
It falls under American modern horror films.
Four boys set off on a journey along the railroad tracks.
It’s a piece where you can bring out the atmosphere by playing with a slightly stronger attack to capture that youthful spirit in sound.
You can change the mood by varying the volume of the same phrase.