SIMPLY BY EAR
01
Music is a language of the soul and is deeply spiritual. The instrument offers you a chance for your own voice. By learning to play by ear, you connect with the natural flow of the instrument, by-passing technical barriers to find that unique voice.
02
Learning by ear isn new. It is actually becoming very popular. This method is designed for the modern musician. It focuses on intuitive listening and rhythmic awareness, helping you internalize the smooth, soulful melodies of the saxophone.
03
By ear is more than a technique; it is a step of faith and flow. It teaches you to trust the instincts God gave you and find peace in the music, one note at a time.
Start Your Journey
Ready to find your flow? Begin your musical journey with the SIMPLY By Ear method, designed for the modern musician who values faith and smooth, soulful progress. The course is hosted by UDEMY.
Diving Deeper into the Saxophone Family
The soprano saxophone is just one member of the wonderful saxophone family. The instrument was invented by the brilliant Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax and patented in 1846. His vision was to create an instrument that combined the agility of a woodwind with the power and projection of brass, resulting in one of the most expressive instruments ever made.
The saxophone family is larger than many people realise. Alongside the familiar baritone, tenor, and alto saxophones are the curved soprano, the elegant straight B♭ soprano, the tiny sopranino, and several rarer members of the family.
My personal favourite is the straight B♭ soprano saxophone. Its pure, singing tone and remarkable expressiveness make it a beautiful instrument for worship, jazz, and reflective music.
The soprano saxophone has been played by some of the greatest musicians in history, including Sidney Bechet, who helped establish it as a serious jazz instrument, and the legendary John Coltrane, whose recordings inspired generations of saxophonists. In more recent years, artists such as Eric Marienthal, Dave Koz, and the internationally renowned Kenny G have introduced its beautiful sound to millions of listeners around the world.
What You Will Need
Saxophones are not cheap. A decent sax will set you back a bit ...but don't make the mistake of going cheap. You'll just end up spending more. Wait and buy a good one and done. Here's some help below.
Budget / Entry-Level
Trevor James 'The Horn'
Intermediate Step-Up
Yamaha YSS-475II
Professional Standard
Around £644 to £849 (new)
Around £1,629 to £1,977 (new)
Yanagisawa S-WO1
Around £2,529 to £3,376 (new)
Supplied with twin straight and curved brass necks, ribbed key construction for enhanced physical strength and resonance, and checked by UK technicians before distribution.
Features an integrated one-piece straight yellow-brass neck and body, custom-style Bb spatula keys, and a high F# key.
Solid one-piece straight brass body with specialized WO-series brass alloy, redesigned bore tapers, relocated right-pinky keys, and waterproof pads with metal reflectors.
Why it fits: Offers a broad, round tone and dependable intonation for students beginning their soprano journey without crossing the four-figure threshold.
Why it fits: Borrows high-end design traits from Yamaha's professional Custom EX series, giving students legendary intonation accuracy and a lightweight, smooth mechanical response.
Why it fits: Delivers elite-tier tonal core power, exceptionally swift key action, and absolute intonation stability for serious students transitioning into advanced performance.