The saxophone is classified as one of the woodwind instruments we know today. Since its invention in 1846, the saxophone has evolved into different versions. For example, we have the soprano, jazz, and contrabass saxophones. They are usually made from brass; the sounds are produced when the player fingers the octaves and other keys with their fingers while blowing the saxophone.
The popularity of the saxophone can be attributed to the fact that it can be used to play different genres of music. For example, students who have a passion for jazz, pop, R&B, reggae, rock or blues, among other music genres can learn how to play their favourite songs with the saxophone.
Learning the rudiments of the saxophone is now easy, even for beginners. There are many online lessons which have been created by music scholars and legendary saxophonists for beginners. These lessons are most suitable for new learners who have never played the saxophone before.
What are the Best Saxophone Lessons for Beginners?
2) Udemy: Beginner to Pro in less than four hours
- Affordable
- Build Basic Foundation
- Special Quick Course
- Creative Premade
1)ArtistWorks: Jazz saxophone with Eric Marienthal
- High Quality Course
- Guided by Eric Marienthal
- Improve Techniques
- Great for All
3) Udemy: Alto saxophone lessons for beginners
- Affordable
- Instructional Videos
- Comfortable to Learn
- Cover Different Aspects
Selecting an online saxophone course for beginners is easy when you have a clear idea of your goals. For example, students who participate in any of the online courses can learn how to play the saxophone as a hobby, in preparation for a music exam, music auditions, or to join bands.
The saxophone lessons for beginners help students build a solid foundation to help them improve their skills during more advanced studies after completing the beginners’ course. The lessons also teach students how to tune, and care for their saxophones because they are quite expensive. A well-maintained saxophone will last for many years for understanding how to care for the saxophone is important.
It is also easy to make a choice when searching for online saxophone courses for beginners because the course descriptions indicate the skills and knowledge students will have at the end of the course. These lessons for beginners have been simplified to make it easy for students to start and complete the course. Many of the online saxophone courses for beginners also include exercises which encourage students to practice and improve their saxophone skills.
The following lessons have been created for beginners who want to learn how to play saxophones from the basics.
15 Best Saxophone Lessons for Beginners Review
1) Artistworks: Jazz saxophone with Eric Marienthal
This is a basic course for beginners who have an interest in learning how to play the saxophone. The course includes a proper blend of music theory lessons, exercises, and practice songs to help students improve their techniques while playing saxophones.
During this course, students are introduced to the saxophone through lessons which describe the proper fingering methods and how to maintain a good breathing rhythm while playing the musical instrument. There are also lessons which explain how to choose a suitable mouthpiece, the hand positions and learning the reeds. Students are also guided on how to develop their repertoire and the best improvisation methods.
The music theory included in this course helps beginners understand the process of reading music. In this area, students are introduced to the major and minor triads, the dominant and diminished chords, and augmented triads. There are also lessons dedicated to helping student’s practice ear training which helps to understand the keys and hit the right notes during practice.
The lessons are short and precise; there are tips on how to properly play the saxophone from a standing or sitting position. This course for beginners has been created by Eric Marienthal. He is a professional jazz saxophonist and a Grammy award winner. As a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Eric has presented these saxophone lessons for beginners with simple songs which students can play along and have impactful practice sessions.
Video
2) Udemy: Learn to play the saxophone- Beginner to Pro in less than four hours
The learning structure used to develop this online saxophone program for beginners includes direct lessons that cover essential areas regarding playing the saxophone. These basics give students the necessary information needed to start playing songs with the musical instrument in about four hours. It is a special course for students who need to quickly learn the basics and start jamming with friends or others who want to refresh their skills ad saxophonists.
The lessons include basic areas such as how to assemble and maintain the saxophone, instructions to read music, a focus on intonation and how it can be interpreted, introduction to the notes, and how to develop a proper embouchure with the saxophone.
This course has been created under the Music Professor brand known for creative premade online lessons to teach beginners. The entire course comprises seventy-seven lectures which have been divided into different parts to guide the students who take the course.
There are numerous tips on how to develop a proper breathing pattern and the correct hand positions to help beginners understand how to play saxophones from the first position. The lessons are simple, and extensive enough to give students a good music foundation as saxophonists.
3) Udemy: Alto saxophone lessons for beginners
Everyone who has a passion for the alto saxophone can take advantage of this course to learn how to play the musical instrument from scratch. The structure of this course offers weekly lessons which last for only thirty minutes. During this course, students are introduced to the methods of playing the saxophone as the lead in a band.
There are also instructional videos that teach students about the methods of solo improvisation with the saxophone. To get started, students who take this course are expected to have an alto saxophone for the practice sessions. The lessons feature real and animated video recordings which make the experience fun and easy for all students.
In this saxophone beginner’s course, each topic has been covered by a separate lesson. This helps students to understand the concept before progressing to another lesson. The practice videos also feature narratives from the instructor to guide students.
The aspect of music theory is presented as animated videos to help students comprehend the different aspects related to the scales, octaves, notes, and melody. This lead instructor for this course is Todd Porter; he is a music teacher with fifteen years of experience. For this beginner’s saxophone course, Todd has created well-blended lessons to help all students achieve their dreams of becoming saxophonists.
4) Udemy: Tenor saxophone lessons for beginners
The lessons in this course are for students who need to learn the basics about playing tenor saxophones. Students who are preparing for exams or auditions will find this course helpful. At the start of this course, students are introduced to the tenor saxophone with a focus on its care and maintenance. There are also tips on how to hold and play the tenor saxophone while standing or sitting.
Beginners will find it easy to start and complete this course because there are introductory instructions which help students to understand how to get value for this saxophone music course. In total, students will be taking forty-four lessons in this course. These lessons are presented in a structure that allows students to participate for only thirty minutes every week.
The music theory lessons in this course cover a variety of areas that help students develop a good foundation as new saxophonists. The music theory areas covered in this course include learning about the scales, different chords, melody, developing rhythm and harmony.
At the end of this course, students will know how to tune the saxophone, understand the notes and scales, as well as to improvise with the saxophone for solo performances. The lead instructor for this course is Todd Porter; he is an instrumentalist whose recordings have reached the top charts in the Canadian music scene. Todd has converted his knowledge of the saxophone into simple lessons to teach students the basics.
5) Udemy: Jazz saxophone for beginners
The step by step approach used in the creation of this online saxophone course for beginners is suitable for everyone. The lessons are presented in the English language, and they cover music theory and practice sessions for students. During this course, students can learn the first four phrases to play jazz saxophones, how to read and memorize music, as well as understanding the right notes needed to produce melodious sounds with the saxophone. The exercises which follow each lesson aim to help students become more confident while playing the saxophone.
The entire scope of this online saxophone course for beginners is covered in five lessons which last for a total duration of one and a half hours. At the end of the course, students are expected to understand the basic methods of improvising with the saxophone.
Students will also have a basic idea of the skills needed for playing solos with the musical instrument and understanding how the blue scale is applied to improving the sounds while playing the jazz saxophone. The lessons help students to master saxophone skills and relax during practice sessions. This course was put together by Simon Currie; he is a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Simon started playing the saxophone at the age of eleven. He has also released two solo albums. Through this course, Simon Currie provides a simple approach to teach new learners and help them become saxophonists.
6) Udemy: Beginner Alto saxophone lessons
The approach used in creating this saxophone lessons for beginners to educate the students about the musical instrument and presenting repetitive lessons to help students master the right skills. The first lessons are used to introduce students to the scales, notes, and the chords.
Students are also taught the proper hand positions and fingering methods to get the right notes. There are also lessons that help students understand how to play the saxophone by ear. The lessons in this course have been simplified to make it easy for students as young as ten years and older to learn and master saxophone techniques.
This course features instructional videos, MP3 files and PDF files which contain useful information to help beginners understand all about the saxophone. In total, the lessons for twenty-four lessons for this course last for about three hours. Students are also allowed to download the videos to help them have better practice sessions even after completing the course.
The lead instructor for this course is named Matthew; he has over thirty years of experience as a saxophonist and music teacher. Matthew has added fun features, games and simple exercises to help students remain engaged during the course.
7) Udemy: Learn how to play the saxophone- For beginners
Everyone who wants to learn how to play saxophones from scratch can achieve their dreams with this course. The curriculum is designed to teach students how to play songs with the saxophone in only two hours. This short course guides students through the basics about holding and playing the saxophone, the right fingering patterns, breathing exercises and tips as well as the basic steps to reading and interpreting music notation.
Students are also taught about the reeds and the steps to play the alto saxophone while using all the notes. There are also focus lessons that focus on teaching students how to play saxophone by ear.
This course has been created by Michelle Ski, her experience as a saxophonist has lasted for about ten years. Michelle has numerous recordings, and she is a part of the 17 piece jazz big band. Michelle teaches students the simple tips they need to play saxophones by ear. Her expertise in this area helps students develop confidence while playing the musical instrument.
At the end of this course, students should know how to develop their embouchure, the right breathing and fingering patterns, understanding the timing concept and basic time signatures.
8) Udemy: Learn alto saxophone- The complete beginner course
This is a simplified online course for beginners who have a passion for the saxophone. The lessons in this course are short, and students have access to extra learning materials to improve the impact of this study. In this course, new learners are introduced to the first steps to improvisation with the alto saxophone.
Other lessons help students understand the stave, notes, slurs, and rests; there are also tips on how to apply this knowledge to playing the saxophone. Included in this course is a comprehensive focus on the ten phrases which all saxophonists should learn.
Other aspects of this course are focused on teaching the students about the blues scales, the major and minor pentatonic scales, and how to develop their embouchure during saxophone practice sessions. This course is suitable for all learners; people who have never played the saxophone before can learn the basics and quickly improve their techniques by following the guidelines. This course features a total of seventy-one lectures; it has been coordinated by Simon Currie, a professional and multi-instrumentalist.
Simon has worked with notable musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Liza Minelli, The Temptations and Sammie Davis Jnr. Students can have access to Simon’s vast experience and knowledge about the saxophone through this course.
9) Taming the Saxophone: Saxophone lessons for beginners
Students who are searching for an online saxophone course for beginners which feature an organized practice schedule will find this course helpful. The curriculum features a blend of music theory and exercises to help students understand the basics about the saxophone and develop their repertoire.
During this course, students are taught how to assemble and maintain the saxophone. There are also repetitive lessons that teach students how to master the right fingering methods to hit the notes and octaves. Students are also introduced to the basic steps needed to read the fingering charts.
The instructions presented to beginners in this course are quite extensive. With this knowledge, students who complete this course will find it easy to perform confidently in bands or solo performances on a stage. There are also lessons that teach students the technique of transposition while playing the saxophone. Also, areas such as rhythm, the blues scales, and melody are covered in these lessons.
The lessons in this course are presented as DVDs which give students an opportunity to study the instructors demonstrate their saxophone techniques. This course also offers practical tips that help student’s master flick tonguing, how to bend notes, the chromatic scales, intonation and how to tune the saxophone.
10) Mattotto.org: Online saxophone lessons for beginners
Young and older students can benefit from this extensive online saxophone program for beginners. The featured saxophone courses in this program are suitable for all students who may have never played the saxophone before.
The featured lessons cover areas such as an introduction to the triads; these lessons help the participants in this course to understand the basics of melody and harmony regarding the saxophone techniques for beginners. There are also lessons that teach students the four-note cell, solos, and the basic steps to composing music with the saxophone.
The structure of this program makes it easy for students to identify and select their preferred saxophone lessons to have a personalized learning experience. Students have a chance to learn about the tone scales in a way that overcomes common problems students experience in this area.
The ear training exercises in this course also help students understand the random chords and how they are applied during practice sessions with the saxophone. Other basic areas covered in this program are the scale patterns, altered melody lessons, and the timing patterns. These lessons help students develop a good foundation as new saxophonists.
11) Saxclass.com: Saxophone beginner lessons
The beginner lessons presented in this online saxophone course follow a step by step approach that teaches students all about the musical instrument. The lessons start from scratch; students are taught how to assemble the saxophone. The next set of lessons teaches students how to select the best saxophone and maintenance tips.
There are tips to guide students on how to select the best mouthpiece for the saxophone and how to start playing the musical instrument. Students can practice the breathing exercises to improve endurance during practice sessions.
This course also teaches students about the first notes and how to play them; this is done by introducing students to the basic fingering methods. The lessons also cover the reeds, different notes (Whole, half and quarter), the scale patterns and chords.
Regarding the jazz lessons, students are taught the blues scales and how to apply them during their practice session. The lessons in this course have been prepared by Eric Marienthal. Through this course, he presents a simple approach to help students progress from beginners to professional saxophonists.
12) How to Play Saxophone: Saxophone lessons for beginners
The lessons in this course are suitable for students who need to learn the basics about saxophone tones and techniques needed to play songs. Beginners taking this course are granted access to fourteen free lessons which provide the basic introductory foundation for the entire course.
First students are taught how to assemble the saxophone, using the reed, the rudiments to develop standard embouchure and the techniques to produce sounds. Students are also given a series of breathing exercises that teach them how to sustain breathing while playing the instrument.
This saxophone course for beginners is created by Johnny Ferreira. He is a professional saxophonist who has toured many parts of the world with the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, Robert Plant, among other top bands. Johnny has simplified his lessons in this course also to teach students the best finger positions for the major and minor scales, tone development, intonation and how to improvise with the saxophone.
Students are also introduced to the basics about the pentatonic major scales and blues scales. The course also features many exercises which give students a chance to practice these techniques.
13) Cambridgesaxophone.com: Saxophone lessons for beginners
Dan Forshaw is a professional saxophonist and the ‘brains’ behind this program. Dan currently manages many saxophone gigs with different jazz groups in Europe. He created this online saxophone course for beginners as a way to help everyone who wants to learn and become saxophonists achieve their dreams.
The first lessons in this course cover basic areas such as how to tune the saxophone, understanding the fingering charts and the best hand positions while playing the saxophone. The next lessons teach students how to create their embouchure and the right approach towards breathing while playing the saxophone.
Next, students are guided on the correct posture they need to assume during practice sessions. The tips help students understand the essence of posture whether they want to sit or stand while playing saxophones. Dan has simplified these lessons to give students a basic idea about creating their first notes. These lessons introduce students to the E, F, D, and low C notes. Students also learn about the treble clef and music notation patterns.
The basic approach to reading music presented in this course makes it easy for students to overcome common issues they may encounter while creating the first notes. After learning about the octaves, Dan further presents lessons about the arpeggios, the minor scales and how this knowledge can be applied while training with the saxophone. The course is vast and suitable for young and older students.
14) Hello Saxophone: Number one starters guide to the saxophone
Everyone who needs a practical guide to learn how to play saxophones from scratch will find this course helpful. The lessons start with warm-up programs for beginners. These first lessons are introductory; they give the students an idea about the entire curriculum. The ten-minute warm-up courses cover areas such as learning how to assemble and tune the saxophone and creating the first notes.
Students are also taught the basic fingering patterns for the different notes and scales while playing the saxophone. There are also lessons that teach students how to read music and a basic approach to using the fingering charts. Everyone who takes this course has access to tips and tricks to improve their techniques.
The content of this course is quite extensive. Students are given an opportunity to download learning materials which can be used as a reference after completing the course. The lessons are presented as video files which feature the instructor demonstrating the methods of playing saxophones, and PDF files which feature text and vivid illustrations to help students understand all about the saxophone.
The lessons in this course can be taken by students as young as ten years. Florian Rooz is an expert saxophonist whose experience includes the use of alto and tenor saxophones. The lessons in this course represent his smart approach to help all students learn and master the basic saxophone techniques.
15) Sax Station: Online saxophone lessons for beginners
The simple course presented to students features a basic approach to using the saxophone fingering chart. The course includes a series of tips and tricks to help students avoid common mistakes beginners make while learning how to play the saxophone. After learning about the notes, scales, how to hold the saxophone and correct hand positions, the students are taught how to produce their first sounds while playing the musical instrument.
The focus of these lessons is to help students gain better control of their fingering patterns while practicing with the saxophone. During the course, students are given feedback about their performances to help them improve their techniques and stay encouraged.
The video lessons featured in this course make it easier for students to study how the instructor plays songs with the saxophone. These instructions provided through narrative while the video lessons play help students to understand the right finger positions and how to press the notes and finger scales during practice. There are also lessons that help students learn how to play saxophones by ear.
The lead instructor for this course- Neal is a professional saxophonist who has spent many years teaching beginners how to play the musical instrument. For this course, Neal has included additional learning materials to help students gain confidence during practice sessions.
Choosing the Best Saxophone Lessons for Beginners
If you are not sure about buying the best saxophone, there are some courses that include a step by step guide to help students understand what to look out for when buying this musical instrument. It is also important to find out if the basic lessons that will be taught during the course provide knowledge that can be used if you decide to play songs in different genres.
2) Udemy: Beginner to Pro in less than four hours
- Affordable
- Build Basic Foundation
- Special Quick Course
- Creative Premade
1)ArtistWorks: Jazz saxophone with Eric Marienthal
- High Quality Course
- Guided by Eric Marienthal
- Improve Techniques
- Great for All
3) Udemy: Alto saxophone lessons for beginners
- Affordable
- Instructional Videos
- Comfortable to Learn
- Cover Different Aspects
Some saxophone beginners’ courses also feature a varying number of lessons. If you know the number of lessons presented and their duration, it will be easier to plan your schedule and ensure you do not miss any of the courses.
You may also look out for online saxophone courses for beginners that focus more on areas beginners may encounter some issues at the start of the course. For example, there are courses that extensively focus on teaching students how to read the fingering charts and basic steps to creating their first notes. These courses make it easier for you to develop a strong foundation as a saxophonist.