Saxophone

The saxophone is one of the ‘coolest’ instruments out there and one of its main advantages is that it’s possible to reach a good level within a relatively short space of time (depending if enough practise is done!). There are 4 main types of saxophone, varying in size from fairly small to very large – the Soprano (smallest), the Alto, the Tenor and the Baritone (largest). There is also a Bass Saxophone which is ocasssionally used which is even larger! The Tenor and the Alto are the most used and the ones most commonly played as Solo Instruments.

The sax is predominantly played in Jazz and Popular Music but is also used in Classical Music with lots of beautiful music in this genres. Sometimes it is also used in other types of music such as Scottish Folk Bands.

The saxophone is recommended from age 9 upwards – the Alto is the best to start on at this age or there are smaller starter Saxophones especially made for this age or slightly younger if this is still too big. For older teenagers or adults, the Alto or Tenor are best to start on depending on preference (although the Soprano or Baritone can be started on also) – the Alto is higher and easier to play faster and also cheaper to buy, the Tenor is lower and can sound more mellow.

The saxophone is great to learn as an adult because it doesn’t take as long as some other instruments to learn and, as it is very popular, there are thousands of tutorials, clips and so much advice on the web that are good for self-teaching along with lessons.

There is also a vast amount of beginner music out there for saxophone – here are some beginners books I recommend:

Abracadabra Saxophone by Rutland/Pinder/Sebba (very suitable for children but can also be used by adults)

Saxophone Basics by Andy Hampton

A Tune A Day by Paul Herfurth

It is possible to sit Grade exams on Saxophone and Jazz Saxophone. Here are links to information from the main Exam Boards:

https://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/woodwind-exams/saxophone-exams/

https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/music/grade-exams/woodwind

https://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/jazz-exams/jazz-sax-exams/