Saxophone Warm-Ups

Mouthpiece Practice

This is an exercise to practice playing (and sustaining) the correct pitch on the mouthpiece. Focus just on proper embouchure formation and air support. For now, this is just the alto saxophone mouthpiece. The correct pitch is a Concert A. Check this on a tuner often. For the video, LISTEN and MATCH pitch. Great tone and intonation on your instrument starts with the mouthpiece... since, you know, that's what makes the sound :)

Also... don't play on old, gross reeds. Rotate them regularly.

Foundation Warm-Ups

Here you'll find videos of the Foundation Warm-Up Series, made specifically for saxophones. This is designed for young, developing players to reinforce the very basic habits of playing.

Pull it up on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV and play along! (and when you get to the Cinematic tracks.. crank up the volume)

Young Ensemble Warm-Ups

The Young Ensemble Warm-Ups are for full band, but this video JUST focuses on the three saxophone parts: alto saxophone, tenor sax, and baritone sax. The exercises include long tones, flexibility, articulation, chorales and more. Practicing fundamentals daily is essential. Use this an other exercises to work on the basics.

Woodwind Octaves

Here is a great opportunity to practice your octave slurs. Work on keeping the tone even between the low and high notes. Students, speak with your saxophone teacher or band director about how to properly execute these slurs. You can read the exercise off the screen or from the PDF below.

woodwind octaves - saxophone Pdf