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10 Best Online Saxophone Lessons – Apps, Courses & Software

May 5, 2023
10 best online saxophone lessons

Looking for a quick answer? We rate ArtistWorks as the best online saxophone learning platform.

The saxophone is an incredibly charming, interesting, and gratifying instrument.

It’s an inevitable sound in every jazz composition. And it is, lucky for you, one of the easiest jazz instruments to learn.

Like with any other instrument, it will take you some time to really understand and play it, but online learning sources make things easier. With all the virtual options, you don’t have to search for traditional lessons if they don’t appeal to you.   

Our list of the 10 best online saxophone lessons will help you clear things up. We’ve summarized their features and benefits and found both paid and free learning sources.

Whether you’re searching for free online sax lessons for beginners or advanced tutorials from famous saxophonists, there is something on this list that will catch your eye.

We also hope this article will inspire you to get involved in the magical process of learning how to play the saxophone.

Disclosure: We are a professional review website that may receive compensation for the products we reviewAll recommendations are genuine and/or verified by myself!

Best Online Saxophone Lessons

1. ArtistWorks – Eric Marienthal Saxophone Lessons

ArtistWorks is a website well-known for having a wide range of online music lessons taught by acclaimed musicians.

Saxophone lessons on the platform include a jazz saxophone course with Eric Marienthal.

Features and Benefits

Apart from being a Grammy award winner, Eric Marienthal studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and later became a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band. He also performed with Elton John, Barbra Streisand, and Billy Joel, just to name a few…

In his ArtistWorks course, he is playing both alto and tenor saxophone.

If you’re a beginner, he will introduce you to the instrument and explain the correct body position. You’ll learn a couple of easy songs but also go through ear training and improvisation basics.

The Intermediate Saxophone course will teach you how to do a proper warm-up. You’ll also delve deeper into music theory, as well as learn new pieces and improv techniques.

In the course for advanced saxophone players, Eric teaches more complex sax techniques – he starts with improvising and moves to tonguing, phrasing a melody, and advanced soloing.

You’ll also get plenty of exercises and extra resources like jazz charts and study materials.

You’ll even have the chance to submit a video to your teacher and receive personalized feedback which is truly a helpful feature.

What Sets ArtistWorks Apart From Other Platforms?

ArtistWorks will give you a unique chance to learn from the best. Although you won’t have one-on-one lessons with Eric Marienthal, he will give you valuable tips, inspire you, and guide you through the learning process.

Who is ArtistWorks for?

Since ArtistWorks offers saxophone lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players, this online saxophone course is literally for anyone eager to learn saxophone through a well-structured, detailed curriculum.

Pros

  • Great teacher
  • Study materials
  • Well-rounded curriculum
  • Video exchange

Cons

  • No instant feedback

2. Udemy Online Saxophone Lessons

Udemy is another popular platform with a bunch of courses including online saxophone lessons.

You can choose from different teachers, saxophone types, and levels.

Udemy Complete Beginner Saxophone Course

Features and Benefits

There are over thirty saxophone instructors offering affordable video lessons on Udemy. On their profiles, you can find all the information you need to decide whether their program is for you.

You can find great online saxophone classes for beginners (for a tenor, alto, and jazz saxophone). One of the most popular saxophone courses at the moment is The Complete Beginner Saxophone Course featuring 63 lectures.

The course will give you a strong foundation – you’ll learn how to take care of your instrument, how to read music notation, and play familiar melodies.

Experienced saxophonists will also find interesting courses on Udemy. You can practice complex rhythms with the Master the Saxophone course or learn to improvise in a funky style with How to Play Funky Saxophone.

Udemy saxophone lessons are usually half an hour long, which is ideal, especially if you’re just starting out. You can easily spare 30 minutes, and if you do it every day, you’ll start seeing progress quite soon.

What Sets Udemy Apart From Other Platforms?

On the Udemy website, you can find all kinds of specialized music courses. And new courses are being added from time to time, so you might come across something fresh and interesting.

Who is Udemy For?

Udemy is a great learning source for people who are searching for a variety of affordable, quality lessons with different instructors to choose from.

Although there are lessons for all levels, advanced content is definitely more scarce.

Pros

  • Specialized courses
  • Downloadable resources
  • Different instructors

Cons

  • Might not be a long-term learning option
  • Udemy certificate is not accredited

3. Taming the Saxophone

These online saxophone lessons will help you improve your skills whether you’re a skilled player or a first-time beginner.

The platform is created by Pete Thomas, a British music producer, composer, and saxophonist.

Taming the Saxophone Online Learning Website

Features and Benefits

Taming the Saxophone provides versatile courses, tutorials, and learning resources. Although it’s not the easiest website to navigate, you’ll come across a bunch of useful material if you know what you’re looking for.

Most exercises and tutorials are focused on jazz and blues playing, but they are also useful for other styles.

You can purchase Pete’s books and DVDs, and if you do, you’ll get a chance to download all the PDF lessons for free. What’s interesting is that the money actually goes to charity – Pete’s campaign raised over £90,000 in the last 10 years for special needs music programs.

So, from that perspective, the platform provides free online saxophone lessons if you chip in for a good cause which is pretty cool.

There’s also Cafe Saxophone on the website, an active forum where you can join discussions with fellow learners.

What Sets Taming the Saxophone Apart From Other Platforms?

Created by Pete Thomas, Taming the Saxophone feels very friendly and personal. So, even though it’s not the most eye-catching or modern online course out there, it’s created because of someone’s love and passion for music.

Who is Taming the Saxophone for?

This online saxophone program is for people who prefer learning with books, mp3 files, and other different tools.

Taming the Saxophone is also great for intermediate jazz players who want to improve their technique.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Suitable for all levels
  • Fundraising activities

Cons

  • Could be easier to navigate
  • The website could look more fresh and eye-catching

4. Mattotto Online Saxophone

A talented saxophonist and professor of Jazz Studies at Kansas University, Matt Otto created this platform with the goal to share his skills and knowledge with students around the world.

On the website, you can purchase his books or access free saxophone lessons.

Mattotto saxophone online course with Matt Otto

Features and Benefits

With a focus on jazz music, Mattotto Online Saxophone offers an option to search for specific lessons. They usually combine videos, texts, and PDFs with sheet music, and audio files.

Although videos don’t have the best quality, you’ll find a lot of targeted lessons that will help you if you’re moving toward a more professional direction.

Matt Otto also offers individual Skype lessons for intermediate and advanced players. He charges $30 for a 30-minute lesson, and he will first listen to you play/improvise to determine the course of study.

Having one-to-one lessons with such a professional instructor is truly amazing. Matt is also willing to work on specific personal goals which is also a great benefit.

Some of his teaching methods include singing and visualizing melodies, playing ideas through keys, and working on rhythmic feel.

What Sets Matotto Online Saxophone Apart From Other Platforms?

Unlike many other platforms, Matotto Online Saxophone will offer you a chance to have virtual one-on-one lessons. Matt Otto is talented and experienced, and he can undoubtedly help you improve your saxophone skills and musicality.  

Who is Mattotto Online Saxophone For?

Online saxophone lessons with Matt Otto are best for people who have an exact goal in mind. You can browse through a variety of concepts and techniques.

Also, it’s great for saxophonists with some experience to have one-on-one lessons to effectively improve their skills.

Pros

  • Private lessons
  • Learning resources
  • Great teaching methods

Cons

  • Pricey (as a long-term solution)
  • Not very beginner-friendly

5. SaxCasts

SaxCasts is a saxophone education website offering structured, comprehensible saxophone lessons.

Lessons are video-based, although you’ll get backing tracks, PDFs, and sheet music as well after you subscribe.

SaxCasts online platform to learn the saxophone

Features and Benefits

Creators and tutors of SaxCasts are Dan Christian, an experienced saxophone instructor, and Jonathan Hibbard, a saxophonist and guitarist specializing in Jazz performance and education.

Both of them are dedicated to delivering quality content and lessons suitable for all levels of skill. You can choose from Fundamentals course, Jazz and Improvisation, Blues, etc.

What’s great about this program is the possibility to get personal video feedback every month. Individual feedback is extremely helpful regardless of your level.

There’s a blog on the website, and you can also check out the SaxCasts Youtube Channel for video tutorials and updates.

If you want to give this program a try first, SaxCasts offers a 7-day free trial.

What Sets SaxCasts Apart From Other Platforms?

One of the special things about SaxCasts is the possibility to get personal video feedback every month. Although that’s not the same as getting real-time feedback, it will help you work on your weaknesses and improve your performance.

Who is SaxCasts For?

SaxCasts offers online sax lessons for all levels of skills, and a possibility to get direct feedback.

It’s a useful learning tool for people who seek simple, structured saxophone lessons.

Pros

  • Feedback
  • Backing tracks and sheet music
  • Works on all devices

Cons

  • The website could be more eye-catching
  • Lack of versatility

6. 8Notes

This e-learning website provides basic learning material for different instruments.

There are also useful saxophone lessons created primarily for beginners.

8Notes online music saxophone website

Features and Benefits

After you subscribe to 8Notes (for only $20 per year), you’ll get access to unlimited download of pieces, play-along tracks, PDFs, and free transposition of pieces.

You’ll also get chord and fingering charts, tuners, a metronome, and plenty of other useful resources. You can also learn through game-like musical training.

There are lessons both for tenor and alto saxophones and they also cover a wide range of genres. Sheet music compilation includes classical, rock, pop, world music, and much more.

The 8Notes program is fun, informative, and engaging. However, you’ll need to be ready to go through the course by yourself since there are no guided lessons with a clear, linear structure.

What Sets 8Notes Apart From Other Platforms?

If you’re familiar with notes, you can find a lot of sheet music on the 8Notes website. You can print any song you want, but you can also take advantage of online tools such as a metronome, play-along, and so on.

Who is 8Notes For?

Although the website starts from the basics, there is plenty of sheet music that intermediate players who are familiar with notation will find very convenient.

This website could be a good additional learning source – it contains a lot of written content and fun tools, so it can be useful both for strengthening and testing your knowledge.

Pros

  • Printable sheet music
  • Useful study tools
  • Covers different genres

Cons

  • Lack of structure
  • No feedback

7. The Jazz Approach

The Jazz Approach is an online education website managed by Randy Hunter, a professional jazz saxophonist.

If you subscribe, you’ll get access to plenty of saxophone lessons for beginners, jazz improvisation courses, and other online resources.

Beginning Saxophone and Jazz improvisation lessons with Randy Hunter

Features and Benefits

Lessons include Randy’s books, guided videos, and audio files. New releases are regularly published so you’ll always have fresh material to learn from.

There are useful lessons for intermediate saxophonists as well. They cover funk, blues, and R&B licks and lines, triad pairs, soloing on rhythm changes, shedding techniques, and improvisation. There are also a couple of lessons on advanced jazz articulation.

You can easily browse through courses and read their descriptions to know exactly what to expect.

Free extra learning material includes charts, scales, transposition, and so on.

Randy also offers an option of private Skype lessons for those who seek an individual approach and more specific one-on-one online classes.

All in all, you’ll get a versatile learning process with The Jazz Approach, and you’ll work on your saxophone skills in a very simple way.

What Sets The Jazz Approach Apart From Other Platforms?

If you’re interested in improvisation, you’ll find The Jazz Approach very useful. It’s not easy to teach improvisation online, but Randy Hunter found a good way to do it.

Who is The Jazz Approach for?

The Jazz Approach is best for beginners, but more experienced students will also find it beneficial.

You should also consider this program if you’re looking for individual Skype lessons with a good instructor.

Pros

  • Private classes option
  • Focus on improvisation
  • Genre-specific lessons

Cons

  • Video quality should be better
  • The website doesn’t look very fresh

8. How to Play Saxophone

How to Play Saxophone is a website offering free online saxophone lessons with a simplified learning system.

After you complete your free sax lectures for beginners, you can subscribe and get access to hundreds of videos, PDFs, and audio files.

How to play saxophone online lectures website layour

Features and Benefits

The site is created by Johnny Ferreira, a recording artist dedicated to helping people to improve their musical skills.

In the first round of free lessons, you’ll learn proper handling of the instrument, how to make your first sounds, and notes and finger positions.

You can progress to the advanced beginner course and keep improving your performance. The Intermediate level will introduce you to improvisation techniques.

Perhaps the website could use a little refreshment, but you can easily find versatile and helpful content nevertheless. From song tutorials covering different genres and blog articles with tips and tricks, the website will certainly come in handy in your sax learning journey.

The website also has an active forum and a blog, so you can keep up with new updates or get involved.

What Sets How to Play Saxophone Apart From Other Platforms?

On the How to Play Saxophone website, you can take free classes as well as purchase a saxophone course. The free lessons will introduce you to the instrument and put you on track, which is not always the case with free lessons.

Who is How to Play Saxophone For?

This online learning program features content for beginners and intermediate players.

You can start with free sax lessons for beginners and progress to more complex concepts.

Pros

  • Free content
  • Useful resources
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • The video quality is not so good
  • The website could look more updated

9. Cambridge Saxophone

Cambridge Saxophone is a fresh-looking website offering offline and online study options.

Lessons are appropriate for people of all ages and levels of experience.

Cambridge Saxophone online learning website layout

Features and Benefits

You can take the first four lessons for free, and decide whether you want to become a member.

Cambridge Saxophone is very easy to navigate – there’s even a video on how to use the website. Basically, you can choose from targeted lessons and course pathways focused on improvisation, pop/rock, or blues.

You can also have private lessons via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. These lessons are carefully planned in advance to make the most out of your live lesson. It’s a great chance to learn from professionals and receive valuable feedback.

With online lessons, you can easily learn basic techniques and how to read sheet music. When you get a good grasp of music theory, you can learn songs and keep enhancing your skills.

What Sets Cambridge Saxophone Apart From Other Platforms?

Cambridge Saxophone offers the possibility to have virtual lessons via different platforms. That’s a very convenient way to work on your skills and learn from a teacher in real-time.

Who is Cambridge Saxophone For?

Cambridge Saxophone is great for beginners but also intermediate players.

If you prefer a neat, well-structured website and the possibility to have private online classes, you should certainly consider this option.

Pros

  • Easy to navigate
  • Targeted lessons
  • Private lessons option

Cons

  • No linear curriculum
  • Might be overwhelming for absolute beginners (at first glance)

10. Hello Saxophone

Hello Saxophone is being promoted as a starter’s guide to the saxophone.

So, it’s an easy way of learning saxophone by yourself, even if you have no previous experience.

Features and Benefits

Hello Saxophone offers a free warm-up course that will give you an idea of the program.

The content is delivered through video lessons and eBooks. Lessons are fast-paced and designed to teach you saxophone quickly and easily.

You’ll learn how to cultivate an excellent embouchure, finger and play every note on the saxophone, and learn any melody by ear. You’ll also learn about improvisation basics and ways to develop a personal sound on the saxophone over time.

In addition, you’ll get a bunch of extra resources like charts, in-depth diagrams, and other printable material.

Videos are available on the Hello Saxophone Youtube Channel too, but most of the material is not very recent.

What Sets Hello Saxophone Apart From Other Platforms?

Hello Saxophone will provide you with rather standard learning resources: e-books, diagrams, charts, and so on. And that’s great for people who enjoy simple study tools and visual aids.

Who is Hello Saxophone For?

Although not very updated, Hello Saxophone still offers a lot of material that can help you in learning how to play the saxophone.

Pros

  • Very simple
  • Useful resources
  • Covers different topics

Cons

  • The website could look more fresh and updated
  • Video quality should be better

How to Choose the Best Saxophone Lessons Online?

If you want to learn how to play saxophone online, you should do a little research before starting any course.

Although there are many great options out there, some of them promise a lot more than they deliver. On the other hand, some websites that seem a bit outdated can provide you with a lot of useful material.

Furthermore, check who the instructors are and if their teaching style suits you. The possibility to have individual lessons or at least receive feedback is always a good benefit.

If you’re a beginner, make sure that there are enough detailed lessons covering the basics. If you start right, you won’t have problems later.

When you come across something that suits your goals and style (from the saxophone type to the genre you want to learn), you probably won’t have any bigger problems since most of these platforms are created by enthusiastic and professional musicians.

Apart from reviews, Facebook groups and other social media channels are also a good way to dig out more information about online lessons.

So, be clear with what you’re looking for, do a little research, and start learning!

Saxophone player.

What Are the Benefits of Online Saxophone Lessons?

The saxophone is not hard to learn, but it can be tricky to learn how to play it well. However, online lessons offer a variety of targeted lessons that you can complete at your own pace and in the comfort of your home.

Apart from having all the general benefits of online music classes like the freedom to choose what and when to practice, you’ll have the great final satisfaction of knowing how to play this charming instrument.

There are so many ways you can enjoy the results – you can jam with your friends, improvise as much as you want, or adjust your favorite tunes for sax. It’s a truly interesting and versatile instrument that can do wonders once you get to know it.

Moreover, playing an instrument like the saxophone will not only bring you benefits for your memory and overall focus, but you’ll also be developing your creativity.

Most of the saxophone online courses are directed toward improvisation which is a great (and incredibly enjoyable) way of improving your creative skills and musicality.

How We Test Online Saxophone Lessons

MidderMusic produces honest and accurate reviews based on personal experience and research. Therefore, the MidderMusic online saxophone lessons review process is fully editorially independent. We are either supplied with the free subscription by the platforms or we purchase our own subscriptions.

When evaluating a saxophone platform, we take into account the following factors:

  • Simplicity in setup and use – How easy is it to register? Is the platform user-friendly? Is the content easy to navigate?
  • Quality of content/tutors – Are the lessons easy to follow? What is the quality of the video? Are tutors easy to understand? Do they give clear instructions? Do they communicate information in a friendly manner?
  • Range of content – What areas or skills is the platform focused on? Does it contain lessons for advanced players? If it’s only suitable for beginners, does it have enough material and songs/tutorials?
  • Useful features – Can you use the program on multiple devices? Is there a possibility to get feedback on your playing? If there’s an app, is it customizable? Are there features such as the ability to slow down or loop video?

We approach every platform with these same four categories in mind.

Our testing team includes:

  • Reviewers experienced in testing and owning musical instruments, equipment, and services
  • Professionals who work in the music industry
  • Writers experienced in creating content for music magazines and websites

Final Thoughts

If you want to learn saxophone online, you can’t go wrong with the options from our list – you just need to figure out which one suits you best. There are many private online lessons to choose from, as well as websites that can be a useful extra learning tool.

With the right course or a combination of programs and enough practice, you’ll realize that learning saxophone is not so complicated.

However, to really enhance your skills, you’ll need to be more patient. But we’re sure that once you get a grip of the instrument you’ll be motivated to keep going.

The saxophone is a great instrument to boost your creativity and work on improvisation skills, so the benefits of going through the learning process are numerous. And with the growing number of online music lessons and communities, the possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I learn saxophone online?

Yes, you can learn saxophone online in a rather quick and easy way. There are many good websites that offer saxophone lessons for beginners. They usually offer a simple learning system and a lot of modern resources to help you in the process.

How long does it take to learn the saxophone?

You can learn the saxophone basics rather quickly – some online learning courses promise to teach you in a few weeks’ time. However, developing a good sound and being confident with improvisation and technique, it will take much longer. It all depends on your dedication and the quality of your practice.

Is it hard to learn the saxophone?

The saxophone is not so hard to learn. However, like with most wind instruments, it’s not easy to produce a good quality sound. So, even though you can learn the basics rather quickly, it will take a lot of time to master an instrument like that. We’ve answered the question is the saxophone hard to learn in more detail.

Is it possible to learn saxophone by yourself?

Yes, it’s possible to learn saxophone by yourself. You can find a good online course that will provide you with well-structured lessons and useful tools. That way, you can learn how to practice on your own and keep improving your saxophone skills in an efficient way.

What is the best way to learn saxophone?

The best way to learn saxophone is to find a reliable online learning source. Online courses are flexible, practical, and affordable. Therefore, you’ll be more motivated and make quick progress. You’ll also be able to focus on the style and genres you’re interested in.

What are the best free online saxophone lessons?

The best free online saxophone lessons can be found on popular learning websites. For example, Mattotto Online Saxophone provides free saxophone lessons and learning resources focused on different styles and techniques. You can also search for free Youtube tutorials provided by reliable music learning platforms and teachers.

What are the best online saxophone lessons for beginners?

The best online saxophone lessons for beginners are provided by ArtistWorks. ArtistWorks is a website known for its wide range of online music lessons taught by acclaimed musicians. ArtistWorks saxophone courses are ideal for beginners because they offer step-by-step video lessons that cover all the basic techniques and concepts.

What are the best online saxophone lessons for adults?

The best online saxophone lessons are offered by ArtistWorks.The platform offers well-structured saxophone lessons taught by acclaimed musicians. Lessons are suitable both for beginners and players with some experience, and they come with extra resources like jazz charts and study materials.

Are there any saxophone lessons near me?

Visit the TakeLessons website to find saxophone lessons near you. This popular platform allows you to connect with a tutor online or in person. You can browse a wide selection of saxophone teachers and see if anyone is in your area.

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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