Saxophone lessons London
Learn saxophone with London's experienced teachers. Alto, tenor, or baritone — explore jazz, classical, and contemporary styles across the city.
Teachers near London
Browse a few nearby teachers to get started — or search again above to refine.
I’m Ben, a classically trained professional saxophonist specialising in jazz, pop and improvisation style sax. I offer lessons exploring and developing your own sound world, creating confidence with your instrument and how to perform in an effective way to an audience. With a first class degree from University of Leeds I can teach an in depth understanding of music theory, notation reading and composition. Many of my students are playing for fun and looking to develop their skills to really enjoy playing the saxophone for themselves. For other students I can take them through a curriculum if they are looking to pass a certain exam, grades or if they are preparing for a concert. As a working saxophonist I have played at the Qatar World Cup, Epsom Races, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and many more high profile events. I have developed a unique improvisational style and I’d love to pass on how I have developed my performance to this level with new students and give a memorable performance to an audience. Compositionally, I also have a string of successful Spotify releases and I can help with students to compose and record themselves in a professional manner. Whether this is jazz, dance music or hip hop I have a huge amount of experience in record production. I have found recording and learning how to record myself as a great way to improve my playing and it is something I really encourage my students to try out. I really look forward to hearing from you and I'm happy to have a free consultation to see if you think I am right for you!
I am a passionate and enthusiastic musician, who thrives in learning new skills and meeting new people. This extends to my love of teaching piano, saxophone and music theory, as I am able to share in the new experiences a beginner or experienced player discovers during their lessons. After achieving a First from Southampton University in Music (BA) in 2016, I went onto teaching students privately from age 4-60 and whole-class and group lessons in schools for Southampton Music Services. I am very confident in teaching any ability on saxophone and up to grade 6 piano, and ensure that my lessons are fun, engaging and informative. Each lesson is tailored to each individual student, and I include music theory along the way. I have been gigging regularly for around 9 years, playing in ensembles covering many genres such as Jazz fusion, electronic funk fusion, Afrobeat, Indie, Jazz Big Band, Classical Wind Orchestra, pit bands for musicals and many other ensembles influenced by indie, pop, hip-hop, rock and others. I am also an avid composer and songwriter, and love involving creative activities in lessons. Due to this, my playing is eclectic and it allows me to be able to teach a wide range of styles. Alongside jazz, I started my musical career playing classical piano and saxophone. Since I have played in a Wind Orchestra at University in which we played styles from classical to musicals: I have also played in the pit for various musicals. I am an avid composer and songwriter too, having written songs for myself to sing and play at a piano, or to perform with my bands. I am more than happy to teach composition or music theory. I also have a clear DBS (CRB) certificate. I am passionate about music therapy, having studied modules on this at University and volunteered in a care home to run music sessions with individuals with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. In 2018, I created a therapeutic music programme for primary school children to help develop key areas through music, such as developing non-verbal communication, improving team-working skills and expressing emotion. Whether you are a beginner yourself, or your child has expressed an interest in music, I am confident that I can provide you with the confidence and skill needed to build your musical journey, and perhaps one day, career. If you are a more advanced player looking for a new teacher, I can help you find new alleys to explore and build upon your existing knowledge. I would love to hear from you, even if it is just to say hello. Music Qualifications & Achievements: First Class Honours BA Music Grade 8 Saxophone (Distinction) Grade 7 Singing Grade 6 Piano Grade 5 Theory Grade 1 Clarinet Recorded over 10 albums and EP’s in various ensembles Performed as a saxophonist in venues all across the UK and Europe in various bands and orchestras, including performing my own compositions with my ensemble
Hi, I am a woodwind teacher based in North London. I can offer lessons either at my house (in Tufnell Park), at my students premises, or online. I began my musical journey 16 years ago, and have since gained my grade 8 in flute and saxophone, and a diploma in oboe. Graduating in 2022, I completed a bachelor of arts music degree with first class honours from Oxford Brookes University. As part of my degree I specialised in performance on my oboe, as well as theory and analysis. I began teaching in 2020 alongside completing my degree. Since then I have had many students, beginner and intermediate level, all of whom have achieved high marks on both ABRSM and Trinity College London board music exams. I firmly believe that every student learns differently, therefore I am devoted to tailoring my lessons to my students. I enjoy lighthearted and easy-going lessons, where my students can get the best out of the time in a supportive and relaxed environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding lessons. Hope to see you soon Lucy
Working within the industry for the last 8 years, I have performed with some of the UK’s leading big bands, pop, reggae and contemporary music artists as well as appearing on radio and television as a saxophonist. I have entertained audiences at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, The Sage and Ronnie Scott’s and performed internationally at music festivals including Latitude, Southside/Hurricane (Germany), Echoes of Earth (India), Jazzablanca (Morocco) and the London Jazz Festival. I have also composed and performed original works with my own quartet and for the Patchwork Jazz Orchestra and National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Alongside performing and composing, I have taught saxophone, flute, and clarinet privately and in primary and secondary schools for four years and have helped lead numerous workshops on improvisation and ensemble playing in schools and music hubs around the UK. I teach both jazz and classical styles to all age and ability ranges and tailor all lessons to suit each student’s individual goals. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Bmus jazz saxophone (1st Class Honours) – Royal Academy of Music (2016) A level music (A) (2012) GCSE Music (A*) (2010) Grade 8 saxophone – ABRSM Grade 5 clarinet – ABRSM Grade 5 music theory – ABRSM
About saxophone lessons in London
Looking for saxophone lessons in London? The city's vibrant jazz scene and diverse musical community make it an ideal place to learn. Whether you're drawn to jazz clubs in Soho, classical ensembles, or contemporary bands, London saxophone teachers can guide your development from first notes to performance-ready skills. Lessons cover alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone saxophone across genres including bebop, swing, funk, Latin, and classical. Many teachers have conservatoire training or professional performance backgrounds in London's music scene. Expect structured guidance on embouchure, breath control, tone production, and improvisation. London offers flexibility: one-to-one lessons at a teacher's studio, home visits within boroughs, or online sessions. Adult beginners are common — teachers adapt to varying paces and goals. Some students aim for ABRSM or Trinity grades, others focus on jam sessions or band readiness. Whether you're in North London, South London, or anywhere across the city, regular practice (15–20 minutes daily) combined with weekly lessons produces steady progress. Many students play recognizable melodies within weeks and develop improvisational skills over months. Explore teacher profiles, check their specialisms (jazz, classical, contemporary), read reviews, and message to discuss your musical direction.
London saxophone teachers typically teach from home studios, travel within specific boroughs, or offer online lessons. Check individual profiles for location and travel preferences.
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Saxophone lessons: what to expect
Alto is a common starter; teachers will advise based on musical goals.
Daily long tones, articulation drills and listening to style masters.
A simple learning path for saxophone
A good teacher will tailor lessons to your goals — but here’s what progress often looks like.
Posture, breathing, producing a stable tone and simple melodies.
Scales, articulation, altissimo basics and jazz phrasing.
Advanced improvisation, ensemble playing and stylistic interpretation.
Getting started: what you need
Keep it simple at first — your teacher can help you choose the right setup.
- A student alto or tenor saxophone, reeds and a ligature.
- A metronome, tuner and practice pads for long tones and articulation.
Styles & goals your teacher can support
Choose a direction — lessons can be tailored around what you actually want to play.
Improvisation, comping and soloing vocabulary.
Tone, phrasing and repertoire for concert performance.
Funk, pop and studio-ready technique.
Popular cities for saxophone lessons
Jump to a location page (instrument prefilled).
Other lessons in London
Trust & safety
Parents and students should always feel confident asking about safeguarding, insurance, and lesson policies.
FAQs about saxophone lessons in London
Absolutely. London has a strong jazz scene, and many teachers specialise in bebop, swing, Latin, and contemporary jazz. Some have performed at Ronnie Scott's or taught at conservatoires. Lessons typically start with scales and standards, then progress to improvisation.
Not immediately. Some teachers lend instruments for the first few lessons, and rental schemes are available across London. Once committed, most students buy an alto or tenor sax — your teacher can advise on quality beginner models.
Classical focuses on tone purity, sight-reading, and repertoire from composers like Debussy or Glazunov. Jazz emphasises improvisation, chord changes, and playing by ear. Many London teachers cover both, tailoring lessons to your interests.
Yes. Teachers often connect students with local big bands, jazz workshops, or open mic nights. London has numerous venues and community groups where learners can gain performance experience.
Alto is lighter, easier for smaller hands, and slightly simpler for beginners. Tenor has a deeper, richer sound popular in jazz and soul. Your teacher can demonstrate both and help you decide based on your physique and musical taste.
Yes. Many London teachers work with complete adult beginners. You'll start with breathing exercises, basic fingerings, and simple melodies. Progress depends on consistent practice, but most adults play recognizable tunes within weeks.
Many do. Online lessons work well for technique, theory, and repertoire. You'll need a reliable internet connection, a camera that captures your posture, and a microphone that picks up tone clearly.
Look for conservatoire training (Royal Academy, Guildhall, Trinity Laban), professional performance experience, or specialist jazz/classical credentials. Teaching experience and positive reviews matter as much as formal qualifications.
Start with medium-strength reeds and adjust based on comfort and tone.
Yes — online lessons are effective for technique and repertoire development.