The saxophone is a great instrument if you’re interested in playing both classical and modern repertoire. It is very versatile and can be played as a solo instrument as well as in bands and orchestras. As the Saxophone is quite heavy and does not come in junior sizes, we would not recommend it for very young children. However if they are interested in learning they can start with the clarinet. With its very similar technique and fingering, it’s easy to swap to the saxophone once they’re old enough.
More about the Saxophone
Famous Saxophonists
Charlie Parker
Kenny G
Marcel Mule
John Coltrane
James Moody
Lisa Simpson (from the Simpsons)
Repertoire
The saxophone is mainly associated with Jazz and Classical music. Famous classical pieces for the saxophone include:
Rapsodie pour Orchestre et Saxophone (1901) – Claude Debussy
Aria pour Saxophone Alto (1936) – Eugène Bozza
There are many famous Sax solos in pop songs over the last two decades. Listen out for the Sax in the following songs:
Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)
The theme to Men Behaving Badly
Simply the Best (Tina Turner)
Money (Pink Floyd)
Did You Know… Ex American President Bill Clinton plays the Saxophone. On a visit to Prague in 1994 he played at the Reduta Jazz Club with President Havel, and the event has since been known as the ‘two presidents gig’.