Why should I choose the sax?
From marching bands to jazz, to big bands, symphony, blues, soul, or classic rock—the saxophone fits it all. It’s one of the most popular instruments for students entering their first year of middle school or high school band because it’s versatile, relatively easy to play, and they just plain look cool. It also doesn’t require an amp, which makes it more portable than an electric guitar (although it’s admittedly not an instrument you can use to accompany yourself while singing). The sax can be relaxing, or a powerful melodic force. Pop and rock stars like Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, and Macklemore are just a few who’ve used sax to give their music a flavor that goes beyond just guitar, bass, and drums. There’s no one genre that gets to claim the saxophone!
Brass or woodwind?
With its shiny brass appearance, you might think the saxophone is classified as a brass instrument, but it’s actually a woodwind, like the clarinet and flute, since it’s played by blowing through a reed, as opposed to a brass mouthpiece cup. It's one of the most popular woodwinds too—the fingering on a saxophone isn’t terribly complicated, and when compared to other woodwinds, it’s easier to achieve a good tone with a sax.
What kind of saxophone should I start with?
Beginner sax students will most likely want an Alto Saxophone, as that’s the size most common in a public school band or ensemble setting, but there are actually nine different types. Of those, the Soprano, Tenor and Bass are the other most popular options. The Soprano is a smaller sax, while the Tenor and Baritone are larger and provide a deeper sound. For students considering starting saxophone, check out this extremely helpful list of recommended
alto saxophones for beginners. Most kids over the age of 10 can handle the size of an alto saxophone, while the tenor and baritone versions are larger and heavier.
