Mastering Classical Saxophone: Essential Tips and Techniques

Published on 31 July 2023 9 min read

Choose the right saxophone
How to hold your saxophone
Develop your breath control
Practice scales and arpeggios
How to read sheet music
Improve your timing
Execute perfect tonguing
Master vibrato
Maintain your saxophone
Learn from the greats

Have you ever listened to a classical saxophone piece and thought, "How can I learn to play saxophone for classical music like that?" Well, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll walk through some essential tips and techniques to help you master the art of playing the classical saxophone. So, let's get started!

Choose the right saxophone

First things first, you need to pick the right saxophone. You might think all saxophones are the same, but that's not the case. There are different types of saxophones — alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone. Each has its unique sound and requires different playing techniques.

If you're just starting out, it's best to start with an alto saxophone. They're compact, light, and easier to handle. Once you've gained some experience, you can try other types of saxophones. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Brand matters: Just like guitars and pianos, the brand of saxophone matters. Yamaha and Selmer are both reputable brands known for their quality, durability, and sound.
Set a budget: Before you go saxophone shopping, set a budget. Saxophones can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You don't need to break the bank to get a decent saxophone, especially if you're just learning how to play saxophone for classical music.
Try before you buy: If possible, try out different saxophones before making a purchase. You want to ensure the saxophone feels comfortable in your hands and that you're able to produce a good sound.

Choosing the right saxophone is a significant first step in learning how to play saxophone for classical music. Remember, the best saxophone for you is the one that feels right and helps you produce the sound you desire.

How to hold your saxophone

Once you've chosen your saxophone, it's time to learn how to hold it properly. Holding your saxophone correctly is more important than you might think. It not only ensures you're comfortable while playing but also aids in producing a good sound.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hold your saxophone:

Stand or sit straight: Good posture is key. Make sure your back is straight whether you're standing or sitting. Slouching while playing can lead to back pain and affect your sound.
Position your saxophone: The saxophone should be positioned to the right side of your body. The mouthpiece should naturally align with your mouth without needing to turn your head.
Adjust the neck strap: The neck strap should hold the weight of the saxophone, not your hands. Adjust the strap so that the mouthpiece fits directly into your mouth when you're in playing position.
Hold the saxophone lightly: Your fingers should gently rest on the keys, not grip them. Keeping a light touch will help you move your fingers faster and more efficiently.

Remember, it might feel a bit awkward in the beginning, but with practice, holding the saxophone will become second nature. And don't forget, the right way to hold your saxophone might be slightly different for everyone, so find what works best for you.

Now that you know how to hold your saxophone, you're one step closer to learning how to play saxophone for classical music!

Develop your breath control

Next up on your journey to mastering how to play saxophone for classical music is developing your breath control. Without good breath control, your music might sound choppy or uneven, and we don't want that, do we?

Here are some tips to help you improve your breath control:

Deep Breathing: Deeply inhale before you start playing, filling your lungs completely. This gives you a reservoir of air to draw from and will help you produce a steady, powerful sound.
Use Your Diaphragm: When you breathe, your stomach should expand, not your chest. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and it gives you more power and control over your airflow.
Practice Long Tones: Long tones are notes held for a long duration. They're the perfect exercise for improving breath control as they require you to maintain a steady and even airflow.
Rest and Breathe: When sight-reading a piece, identify places where you can rest and breathe. It's vital to plan your breathing so you don't run out of breath mid-note!

Remember, like any other skill, breath control takes time to develop. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it right immediately. With consistent practice, you'll be able to play longer phrases and keep a steadier tone.

So, ready to take a deep breath and dive into the world of classical saxophone?

Practice scales and arpeggios

Let's move on to an important part of learning how to play saxophone for classical music—practicing scales and arpeggios. Scales and arpeggios are the backbone of music. They help you understand the structure of different keys and improve your finger dexterity.

Major and Minor Scales: Start with the major scales, then move on to the minor scales. These scales have seven different notes and are fundamental to Western music. Practicing them will allow you to familiarize yourself with different key signatures.
Arpeggios: Arpeggios are essentially the first, third, and fifth notes of a scale played in succession. They help you understand chord structure and improve your fluidity on the saxophone.
Chromatic Scales: A chromatic scale includes all twelve notes within an octave. This scale will help you become comfortable with every note on your instrument.

When practicing scales and arpeggios, remember to start slow. Your goal should be to play each note cleanly and accurately. Speed will come with time. Also, use a metronome to ensure you’re playing in time.

Practicing scales and arpeggios might seem a bit like doing homework, but they're one of the best ways to get better at playing the saxophone. You'll be amazed at how much more comfortable you become with your instrument and how much your overall sound improves. So, ready to scale new heights?

How to read sheet music

Reading sheet music is like learning a new language. It's not just about the notes; it's about understanding the rhythm, dynamics, and articulation. Here's a quick guide on how to read sheet music when you're learning to play saxophone for classical music.

Clef, Key, and Time Signature: At the beginning of each piece of sheet music, you'll find a clef sign, a key signature, and a time signature. For the saxophone, you'll be dealing with the treble clef. The key signature tells you what scale the piece is based on, and the time signature tells you how to count the rhythm.
Notes and Rests: The placement of a note on the staff indicates its pitch, while the shape of the note head and stem tells you its duration. Rests, which tell you when not to play, are just as important as the notes.
Articulation Marks: These are small symbols that tell you how to play a note. For example, a dot above or below a note means you should play it short and detached, while a curved line connecting two or more notes means you should play them smoothly, as if they're one continuous sound.

Reading sheet music might seem daunting at first, but don't worry. With time and practice, it will become second nature. Remember, every professional was once a beginner. So, keep at it, and before you know it, you'll be reading sheet music as easily as you read this blog!

Improve your timing

Have you ever listened to a classical saxophone piece and wondered how the player manages to hit each note at the exact right moment? That's timing for you. It's the heartbeat of music, and it's especially important when you're learning how to play saxophone for classical music. Let's look at how you can enhance your timing.

Use a Metronome: A metronome is a musician's best friend. It produces a steady beat that helps you keep time. Start at a slow tempo, and as you get more comfortable, gradually increase the speed.
Count Aloud: This might feel a bit silly at first, but trust me, it works. By counting the beats aloud, you're reinforcing the rhythm in your mind.
Subdivide the Beat: This means breaking down the beat into smaller parts. For example, if you're playing a piece in 4/4 time, instead of counting "1, 2, 3, 4," you might count "1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and." This can help you hit those tricky notes that fall between the main beats.

Improving your timing won't happen overnight—it takes patience and practice. But keep at it, because good timing can turn a decent performance into a great one. So next time you pick up your saxophone, remember: timing is everything.

Execute perfect tonguing

When you ask how to play saxophone for classical music, one technique that you'll need to master is tonguing. It might sound a little weird, but it's simply the art of using your tongue to interrupt the airflow into your saxophone, creating distinct notes. So, how do you achieve perfect tonguing? Let me provide you with some pointers.

Start with the Basics: To start, position your tongue as if you were saying the word "the". Now, try to make a "t" sound without vocalizing. That's the basic motion of tonguing.
Practice Legato Tonguing: This is when you use your tongue to separate the notes, but without interrupting the airflow completely. It's a bit like saying "da-da-da" instead of "ta-ta-ta". It's perfect for creating a smooth, flowing sound.
Try Staccato Tonguing: This is the opposite of legato tonguing. Here, you interrupt the airflow completely for a brief moment, creating a series of short, sharp notes. It's more like saying "ta-ta-ta" sharply and decisively.

Experiment with both legato and staccato tonguing to add variety and emotion to your playing. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it. Before you know it, you'll be tonguing like a pro and adding a whole new level of sophistication to your classical saxophone playing.

Master vibrato

When it comes to knowing how to play saxophone for classical, mastering vibrato is a key skill to develop. It's that wavering sound you often hear in saxophone solos, and it adds depth and emotion to your performance. It's a bit like the saxophone equivalent of a singer's vibrato - a slight variation in pitch that adds richness to the sound. Here's how you can start practicing vibrato:

Understand the Concept: Vibrato is about variation in pitch, not volume. So, you're aiming for a subtle "wobble" in sound, not a pulsing or throbbing effect.
Start Slowly: Vibrato is a controlled oscillation of pitch. Start by practicing slow oscillations and progressively speed them up as you get comfortable. You can use a metronome to keep time.
Use Your Breath: Your diaphragm and breath control play a big role in vibrato. Try to create the vibrato by gently pulsing the air from your diaphragm rather than shaking your saxophone or moving your jaw.
Practice Regularly: As with any new skill, regular practice is the key to mastering vibrato. It may feel a bit strange at first, but with time, it will become a natural part of your playing.

Remember, vibrato is like the cherry on top of your musical cake. It adds that extra something, that wow factor when you're playing classical saxophone. So, put in the effort to master it, and your saxophone skills will reach new heights.

Maintain your saxophone

Knowing how to play saxophone for classical music is one thing, but maintaining your instrument is a whole different ball game. It's like having a pet — you need to care for it regularly to keep it in top-notch condition. Let's go over some simple yet effective maintenance tips:

Keep it Clean: After each practice or performance, use a cleaning swab to remove moisture from inside your saxophone. This helps prevent damage and keeps your instrument sounding its best.
Check for Loose Screws: Regularly inspect your saxophone for any loose screws and tighten them as necessary. But be gentle — you don't want to strip the threads.
Oil the Keys: Apply a small amount of key oil to the rods and keys once a month. This keeps them moving smoothly and prevents wear and tear.
Store it Properly: Always store your saxophone in its case when not in use. This protects it from dust, damage, and sudden temperature changes.

Remember, a well-maintained saxophone not only sounds better but also lasts longer. So, be kind to your instrument, and it will reward you with beautiful music for years to come.

Learn from the greats

When it comes to mastering how to play saxophone for classical music, there's no better teacher than the greats themselves. Listening to and studying the masters of classical saxophone can provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. You can learn so much by paying attention to their tone, technique, and style.

Marcel Mule: Known as the 'father of the classical saxophone', Marcel Mule's recordings are a treasure trove of inspiration. His control over tone and articulation is something every aspiring saxophonist should strive for.
Sigurd Raschèr: If you want to learn about breath control and vibrato, Sigurd Raschèr is your go-to. His performances are full of emotion and expressiveness that can only come from perfect breath control.
John-Edward Kelly: For those interested in contemporary classical music, John-Edward Kelly's recordings can provide a fresh perspective on how to approach modern pieces.

Don't just listen to their music passively. Analyze it. Try to figure out how they produce their unique sounds and incorporate what you learn into your own practice. In the end, learning how to play saxophone for classical music is a journey, and these greats can be your guides along the way.

If you're looking to take your classical saxophone skills to the next level, consider exploring the workshop 'How to Get Better at What You Do - Go from Good to Great!' by Debbie Knox-Hewson. While this workshop is not exclusively focused on saxophone, the valuable insights and techniques shared can be applied to mastering any instrument, including the classical saxophone. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and elevate your musical abilities.