Student Stories from New Members

Whether starting from scratch, picking sax back up after decades or struggling to learn without sight, check out these inspiring stories from our Sax School Members:

Here are some of the highlights from our latest June session. If you’re learning saxophone as an adult, you’re going to find these stories relatable, encouraging — and maybe even a little bit motivating.

🎷 Alan, 70 and Just Getting Started

“I turned 70 last year and needed a new challenge,” said Alan.

After trying trumpet, he landed on tenor sax — and fell in love with it. While working with a private tutor, he felt himself stagnating and decided to join Sax School.

Now he’s methodically working through Level 1 and enjoying tracks like Careless Whisper and Fly Me to the Moon. His biggest challenge? Finger speed and transitions. But with Nigel’s advice to isolate tricky movements and go slowly, Alan’s already seeing progress.

Tip: Try practicing finger transitions slowly — even without blowing. Focus on efficiency and consistency.

🎵 Maureen’s 250-Day Practice Streak

“I’ve been playing every single day for 250 days,” Maureen shared proudly.

She’s a long-time member who’s become a daily saxophonist. Her current goal? Nailing A Taste of Honey by Paul Desmond — and developing that iconic, breathy tone.

“Sometimes it works,” she laughed, “but the tuner’s a lot greener than it ever was!”

Nigel’s advice: Don’t stare at your tuner the whole time. Use it as a reference — not a crutch.

🎧 Bobby’s Journey — Without Sight

Bobby, who is totally blind, is bravely navigating Sax School’s online lessons with determination. His goal? Join the horn section at his gospel choir.

He’s experimenting with both alto and tenor sax and learning how different reeds affect his tone.

“I’m finding that I do better with tenor,” he said, “especially on the low notes.”

Community shoutout: Nigel encouraged Bobby — and everyone else — to share videos and get feedback via the Spotlight Sessions.

🎶 Raphael, Age 11, Already on Level 2

One of the youngest members on the call, Raphael has been playing sax for just seven months — and he’s already flying through Level 2.

He’s tackling Ska School and dreaming of mastering Girl from Ipanema. Nigel reminded Raphael (and his dad) to check out the Spotlight Sessions and submit a video for personalized tutor feedback.

 

🤝 What Everyone Has in Common

Whether they’re 11 or 70, from North Wales or Orlando, brand new or coming back after decades — these learners all share a love of music and a desire to improve.

• Struggling with fingering speed? Slow it right down. Isolate tricky note pairs and go mouthpiece-free to focus on movement.
• Worried about playing in time? Try clapping along with backing tracks before picking up your sax.
• Feeling isolated? Jump into the Sax School Community — on the Hub or Facebook. You’re not alone.

Ready to Start Your Own Sax Journey?

Whether you’re returning to the sax after years, or picking it up for the first time, there’s a place for you at Sax School. Our Welcome Party is just the beginning. 🎷

👉 Join Sax School Online today and be part of a worldwide community of adult saxophone learners.

14 day free trial

 

More Inspiring Sax School Stories

🎤 Jed: From Singer to Sax Player (Again)

Jed hadn’t touched a sax in 20 years. After years spent focusing on singing, he recently picked up his tenor again — and found that his fingers and embouchure weren’t quite what they used to be.

“I used to rush to learn tunes without learning scales,” he shared.

Now, with retirement on the horizon, Jed’s taking a different approach: focusing on sound, technique, and theory — and even exploring saxophone repair as a retirement project.

Tips: A slower, more mindful approach pays off — especially when coming back to the instrument after a long break.

🎷 John G: Reconnecting After High School

John played sax in high school, but life — and raising a young family — pulled him away. A few years ago, he picked it back up on weekends. Now, he’s diving into Sax School to fill in the gaps.

“Improvising was never really taught. It was just, ‘Here’s the scale—go for it.’ I didn’t know what to do with it.”

Now, John’s working through the structured levels and exploring the Introduction to Improvising course. His goal? Play confidently in a community band or church group.

🎷 Daryl: Rebuilding Momentum After COVID

Back in 2019, Daryl was gearing up to join a big band in Orlando — until COVID hit and everything shut down. The momentum faded, but his sax never left his mind.

“I’ve been staring at my Selmer Mark VI for years, wanting to play again. I finally joined Sax School to get some structure.”

Now he’s diving into warm-ups and working on rebuilding embouchure strength. “I work best with a plan, and Sax School gives me that.”

🎵 JP: Learning in a Second Language

JP recently completed Level 1 and is already eyeing the improvisation pathway. But for him, the challenge isn’t just technical — it’s linguistic too.

“The whole course is in English — not my first language — but I love it. The monthly challenge is so motivating!”

He’s tackling timing and rhythm by clapping through backing tracks and focusing on beat placement. An inspiring reminder that music truly is a universal language.

🎷 Malcolm: A Family Heirloom and a New Chapter

Malcolm recently returned to playing after 45 years — on a King Zephyr tenor sax inherited from his cousin, a former pro player.

“I had it restored and it’s been in the case for years. My wife asked what I was going to do with it — so I joined Sax School.”

He’s starting fresh with the beginner’s course and dedicating an hour a day to rebuild his embouchure. “I love that I can revisit the lessons. The structure really works for me.”

💬 Your Story Could Be Next

Every one of these learners came to Sax School with a story. Maybe you’re picking up where you left off decades ago. Maybe you’re just beginning. Either way, you’re not alone.

👉 Ready to start your saxophone journey? Join the Sax School community and get the support, structure, and inspiration you need.

Next Welcome Party is just around the corner. We’d love to see you there. 🎷

14 day free trial