The cost of a saxophone lesson can vary depending on factors such as the teacher's experience, the lesson's length, and whether it's in-person or online. According to the Musician’s Union, the minimum rate for an hour lesson in 2025 should be £42.50, although in London it might be a slightly higher fee

You can typically start learning the saxophone around 9 to 10 years old, though it can depend on the child’s size, physical development, and interest. Here's why:

1. Physical Requirements:

• Mouthpiece and Embouchure: The saxophone requires a specific mouth position and embouchure to produce a sound. Younger children may not have the necessary lip strength and muscle control for this. By 9 or 10 years old, most kids have developed enough to manage the embouchure and reed required for the instrument.

• Breath Control: The saxophone requires a fair amount of breath support. Children need to have enough lung capacity to manage the air required for the instrument.

2. Instrument Size:

• The saxophone can be a bit large for younger kids, especially the full-sized alto saxophone. For children under 9 or 10, a smaller version, like a junior or soprano saxophone, might be a good option. These are more manageable in size and weight.

Many adults begin learning the saxophone later in life, and it’s a popular choice for adult beginners. Since the saxophone isn’t as physically demanding in terms of hand coordination as some other instruments, it’s accessible for people of all ages. The main challenge is developing proper embouchure and breath control, which can take some time.

The saxophone, like any musical instrument, has its challenges, but it’s often considered one of the easier woodwind instruments for beginners compared to others like the oboe or bassoon. That said, it still requires dedication, practice, and a good understanding of technique.

With a good teacher and regular practice, you'll likely be able to play simple tunes within a few weeks, and the fun of making music will keep you motivated to improve.

Yes, you can definitely learn the saxophone both online and in-person. The choice between online or in-person lessons depends on your preferences, resources, and the type of learning experience you're seeking.

Pros of in-person learning can be: personalised instruction (a teacher can give you immediate, hands-on feedback), and social interaction (if you’re learning as part of a group, in-person lessons are a great way to meet other students and gain ensemble experience).

Whereas pros of online lessons can be: flexibility (you can choose lessons that fit into your schedule and often don’t need to travel), affordability (online lessons can sometimes be less expensive than in-person lessons because they save on travel costs for both you and the teacher), and a wide range of teachers (with online learning, you have access to teachers from all over the world, so you can find someone with the perfect teaching style and expertise).

The amount of practice needed to improve your saxophone playing depends on your goals, current skill level, and how quickly you want to progress. However, general guidelines would suggest 20-30 mins a day for beginners, 30-60 mins a day for intermediate students, and 1-2 hours a day for advanced players

You don’t have to own your own saxophone, or certainly not to begin with, while you’re still figuring out if you like it.

We offer a rental service for saxophones at very competitive prices; it can be short or long term, giving you complete flexibility, and you will even have the option of buying the instrument further down the line.

Speak to us to find out more about our stock and prices.