Learning to play the saxophone can be an extremely rewarding experience. The saxophone’s beautiful, lush tone can add so much to jazz, rock, pop and classical music. However, learning the saxophone takes dedication, hard work and most importantly – great teachers. With the rise of online education, saxophone lessons are now more accessible than ever. In this article, we will countdown the 10 best online saxophone lessons for learning saxophone.
1. Jazz Saxophone with Eric Marienthal on ArtistWorks
Eric Marienthal is one of the most acclaimed saxophonists in jazz music today. He has performed with legends like Chick Corea, Elton John and Barbara Streisand among many others. On his course with ArtistWorks, Eric will teach you the fundamentals of jazz saxophone through video exchange lessons. Send him videos of your playing and get personal feedback and instruction tailored specifically for you. This intimate, personalized style of learning allows you to learn from a jazz master like never before. Eric’s step-by-step lessons cover topics like tone, articulation, scales, jazz theory and more. With over 80 lessons to take you from beginner to advanced, this course is perfect for any jazz saxophonist looking to take their playing to the next level.
2. Learn to Play Saxophone: Beginner to Pro in Under Four Hours On Udemy
If you’re brand new to the saxophone, this Udemy course by music teacher Phil Waters is a great option. With concise video lessons, Phil takes you from first assembling the saxophone all the way through reading notation and playing in tune. The lessons first cover the basics like posture, breathing techniques, embouchure, fingering, tonguing and articulation. You then move on to reading notes, rhythm, scales, dynamics and playing short melodies. With just 22 short lessons, you can go from beginner to playing basic tunes in just a few hours. The quick lessons make this a great crash course for starting saxophone.
3. Alto Saxophone Lessons For Beginners on SkillShare
SkillShare has some great saxophone content, but this course stands out for its comprehensive approach. Teacher Vadim Kolpakov guides you through every aspect of learning the alto sax as a beginner. His lessons include how to assemble the saxophone, produce your first sounds, read notation, play scales, use vibrato and even improvise melodies. The bite-sized videos can be taken at your own pace, allowing you to spend more time on difficult concepts. With over 37 lessons and subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, this is one of the most accessible saxophone courses out there for beginners.
4. SaxSchoolOnline.com
SaxSchoolOnline offers a complete method for learning saxophone through online video lessons. Created by saxophonist McGill Lawrence, this structured course takes you through every step – from the first notes you’ll play to complex jazz patterns. The lessons incorporate PDF worksheets so you can read along and practice what you learn. With hundreds of videos, you’re guided through embouchure, tone production, reading music, rhythm, improvisation, repertoire pieces and much more. For ~$25/month you get unlimited access to all lessons as well as feedback on your playing. SaxSchoolOnline is one of the most comprehensive online sax teachers out there today.
5. BetterSax
The website BetterSax provides online saxophone lessons for sax players of all levels. The lessons incorporate videos, diagrams, sheet music and other multimedia to engage students. Created by saxophonist Prasad Khaparde and education specialist Aparna Khaparde, the lessons on BetterSax cover a wide range of techniques and concepts. You’ll learn proper embouchure, breathing, fingering, tonguing, scales, arpeggios, rhythm, reading music and more. With difficulty levels from beginner to expert, you can find lessons tailored specifically for your current ability. The simple interface also makes it easy to navigate the lessons and track your progress.
6. SaxTuition – Beginner Series
SaxTuition offers free online saxophone lessons for students just starting out. Created by UK saxophonist Nigel McGill, these lessons serve as a perfect introduction for new players. While short at just 5-10 minutes each, the lessons cover foundational skills like assembling the sax, posture, breathing, fingering, basic scales and beginning songs. Nigel explains each concept clearly and demonstrates them on alto, tenor and baritone sax. The free beginner lessons on SaxTuition give you a taste of learning saxophone online. Nigel also offers more advanced lessons for paid members that take you into jazz, improvisation and more complex techniques.
7. Taming The Saxophone
Taming The Saxophone offers online sax lessons through an annual membership model. Created by saxophonist Obi Orizu, the lessons aim to help you master technique on the instrument. The video lessons cover tone production, finger dexterity, embouchure control, breath support, articulation, intonation and more. You’ll learn scales, arpeggios, altissimo fingerings as well as saxophone repertoire. The structured curriculum has 35 levels that serve as milestones as you progress. Members also get access to live online masterclasses, student discussions and more. Taming The Saxophone incorporates elements of community and accountability to help you stick with the instrument.
8. SaxCasts
SaxCasts has a library of over 600 saxophone video lessons covering jazz, classical and more. The lessons incorporate explanatory videos as well as video demonstrations to model techniques and concepts. instructor Noah Reitman teaches foundational skills like tone, technique, articulation, style-specific nuances and more. Topics range from “How to Start Playing Sax” for beginners to advanced soloing, theory and improvisation skills. Membership plans start at $9.99/month and give you access to all video content. SaxCasts’ structured curriculum and huge lesson library make it a go-to for sax students of all skill levels.
9. Cambridge Saxophone
Cambridge Saxophone takes a classical focus, offering lessons on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone sax. Teacher James Kornelsen blends world-class saxophone instruction with an appealing teaching style. The video lessons teach tone production, technique, fingerings, reading music, rhythm, scales, repertoire analysis and more. You’ll learn classical saxophone skills as well as broad musical concepts. Sheet music and resources accompany each lesson so you can practice the techniques. At around $20/month, this course is an affordable option for classical saxophone training from an expert teacher.
10. Matt Otto
Matt Otto offers saxophone lessons via live video chat as well as pre-recorded videos. Matt is experienced in jazz, classical and contemporary saxophone styles. His lessons for beginners cover tone, technique, reading music, ear training, repertoire and more. Intermediate and advanced students can learn jazz theory, improvisation, arranging, contemporary styles and audition preparation. Matt’s experience performing professionally allows him pass on nuances of style, phrasing and expression. 30 minute lessons are $50 or you can access prerecorded videos from $20/month. Matt’s flexible teaching style adapts to students of all levels.
Finding the Right Online Sax Instructor
When choosing online saxophone lessons, consider your current ability level, music genres you’re interested in as well as your learning style. Seek out instructors who specialize in teaching beginners if you’re just starting. For more advanced students, find teachers with expertise in jazz, classical or contemporary styles. Also look for engaging lesson formats like video exchange, multimedia resources, sheet music, diagrams and more. With the right teacher, you’ll be mastering the saxophone in no time through online lessons!
Just Starting Out
Beginning saxophone requires learning a whole new set of skills – from basic technique to reading music. Online lessons are a great way for first-time players to pick up the fundamentals. When starting saxophone, useful skills to learn include:
– How to assemble the instrument and produce the first notes
– Proper posture and hand position
– Breathing techniques and embouchure
– Fingerings and reading notation
– Producing a clean, consistent tone
– Basic scales and exercises
– Easy repertoire and tunes
Lessons that break down these essential skills into short, manageable videos make learning saxophone approachable. Resources like diagrams, sheet music and clear demonstrations also help reinforce the techniques. With the right beginner lessons, you’ll gain confidence and skills on the sax that last a lifetime.
Advancing Your Skills
Once you have the basics down, online lessons help you keep improving your sax playing. Intermediate and advanced lessons build on fundamentals and take skills to the next level. Useful topics for advancing saxophonists include:
– Tone development and consistency across all registers
– Technical facility through scales, arpeggios and exercises
– Style-specific techniques – jazz, classical, rock, pop, etc.
– Music reading and ear training skills
– Improvisation, soloing and creating original melodies
– Music theory, chord progressions and song forms
– Developing repertoire in different genres
– Ensemble playing and listening skills
More advanced lessons give experienced players structured ways to keep growing. With instruction tailored to your current ability, online lessons help you unleash your potential on the saxophone.
Beyond the Notes
Mastering saxophone involves more than just playing the right notes. Online lessons teach important musicality skills like:
– Phrasing – shaping melodies and phrases to create movement and direction
– Articulation – techniques like legato, staccato, slurring, double tonguing
– Dynamics and expression – conveying emotion and intensity
– Style – developing feel and nuance for genres like jazz, funk, classical etc.
– Improvisation – tools for soloing and playing original melodies
– Music theory – understanding harmony, chord progressions, forms etc.
Lessons focused on musicality open up new dimensions of expression on the instrument. This allows you to truly develop your unique voice on the saxophone.
Motivation & Community
Learning saxophone takes regular practice and dedication. Online lessons help keep you motivated through:
– Structured curriculums with milestones and goals
– Engaging video content with multimedia resources
– Personal feedback and communication with teachers
– connection with other students through group classes, forums etc.
– Rewards like certificates and recording opportunities
Features that foster community and accountability can encourage you to stick with the instrument – even through plateaus. With the right online sax teacher, you’ll stay driven to achieve your saxophone dreams.
Accessibility of Online Lessons
One huge benefit of learning saxophone online is the flexibility and accessibility. Advantages include:
– Lessons available any time of day – practice on your own schedule
– Access video lessons on all devices – phone, tablet, computer etc.
– Affordable pricing structures and free trial periods
– Ability to re-watch lessons and skip around
– Teachers located anywhere – not just in your geographic area
– Immersive resources like duet videos, music playback, PDFs etc.
– Supportive communities of students learning together
The flexibility of quality online saxophone lessons allows anyone to learn, no matter their location or schedule.
Taking the First Steps
Learning a new instrument like saxophone can seem daunting. But with the right teacher and resources, anyone can unlock their musical potential. Online lessons provide structured, guided instruction tailored for students of all levels – from first-time players to working musicians. By starting today with consistent, focused practice, you’ll amaze yourself with the progress you can make. The joy and enrichment music can bring is worth the effort. So whether you dream of improvising jazz solos, impressing crowds with classical repertoire or just want to play fun tunes with friends, online lessons will set you on the path. Take the first step and you’ll open up a lifetime of musical fulfillment through the saxophone.
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