Private Saxophone Lessons

How It Works

By taking saxophone lessons, you will not only learn how to read music, you’ll be taught the fundamentals of improvisation, a creative skill necessary for any great modern artist. The saxophone was patented in 1846 by a Belgian instrument-maker named Adolphe Sax. He wanted the instrument to have the versatility of other woodwinds, like the clarinet and flute, along with the projection of a brass instrument, like the trumpet.  For lovers of wind and brass instruments then, saxophone lessons will give you the best of both worlds.

Because of its late invention, the saxophone has a limited presence in classical music, although composers from the mid-19th Century and onward have included parts for the saxophone in their compositions. With the birth of jazz in the early 20th Century, the saxophone rose to prominence as the instrument of choice for many wind players like Sidney Bechet (whose early work featured a young Louis Armstrong) and Coleman Hawkins. Since then, the saxophone has been a featured instrument in contemporary jazz, funk, blues, and rock music.

When to Start Saxophone Lessons:

There are many types of saxophone that range broadly in size – soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone being the most popular. A child as young as seven or eight could start on the alto saxophone, and the baritone sax is a good choice once they are a little older.  One advantage of the saxophone is that they all have the same fingering, so it's easy to switch between them.

Obtaining a Saxophone:

Beginner model saxophones can be purchased or even rented at a reasonable price from local music stores or online instrument catalogs. Each type of saxophone varies in price – baritone saxes, for example, are relatively expensive – so be sure to explore all options before making a purchase. Our saxophone instructors can also be of assistance, both for locating the instrument and in helping the student find the necessary equipment for it. The saxophone, like the clarinet, uses a wooden reed in the mouthpiece to produce its sound; new students are encouraged to start with softer reeds, moving on to more firm reeds as they become more experienced players.

Some popular saxophone lesson metros: