How to Learn to Play the Saxophone

From jazz clubs and marching bands to solo performances and orchestras, the saxophone is one of the most popular and versatile instruments in the world. Adolphe Sax created it during the 1840s in a Paris workshop to combine the best features of brass and woodwinds into a single instrument. Since that time, the saxophone remains a favorite through the music of John Coltrane, Kenny G and Charlie "The Bird" Parker.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Saxophone and case
• Sheet music and books
• Reeds
• Saxophone recordings

1. Familiarize yourself with the background and structure of the saxophone before you start. The saxophone is a single-reed, woodwind instrument made of brass. It comes in 10 different types. Ranging from the highest to lowest in sound these include sopranino, C soprano, soprano, F mezzo-soprano, alto, C melody, tenor, baritone, bass and contrabass.

2. Listen to a wide variety of saxophone recordings to discover the range of music you can play on the instrument. The jazz stylings of John Coltrane or Charlie Parker are good places to start. Then for comparison, check out the soft rock and classical sounds of Kenny G.

3. Research ads or contact a local school and music store to find a teacher. The saxophone is a complex instrument and a professional coach provides vital feedback you can't get by learning on your own.

4. Explore the fundamentals of music, including how to read it, rhythm patterns and note values before your first lesson. This will help you to focus exclusively on the specifics of the saxophone and increase the speed of your training. The music articles under Related eHows are good sources especially "How to Read Music," "How to Read Music (The Notes)" and "How to Read Rhythm Basics."

5. Review the other aspects of music that apply to the saxophone. Breathing, using the reed and fingering patterns are featured in the Related eHow, "How to Begin to Play the Saxophone." You'll also cover these more in-depth as your lessons progress.

6. Employ similar techniques you would use in beginning any new instrument. These techniques include regular practice (daily if possible), learning notes and scales, practicing songs and finally memorizing and performing them.

Tips & Warnings

• After each use, clean, disassemble and then store your saxophone in its case.
• Reeds break periodically. Keep extra ones on hand.
• If you buy a saxophone online, make sure it includes a satisfaction guarantee or warranty in case of defects or damage.

Resources

• To buy, sell or trade saxophones, visit SaxQuest.
• Check out 8 Notes for saxophone music, supplies and resources.
• Go to Bookchamp to learn about famous saxophonists.