The mellow and soulful sound of the saxophone makes it one of the most popular instruments on the planet and saxophonists are in high demand for all types of event. From classic jazz to funk, blues, soul, dance and everything else in between, the wide range of music this versatile instrument is suited for makes it a true crowd pleaser.
Want to hire a saxophonist but don’t know where to start? We’ve broken down the most common questions we get asked about these talented musicians into a handy guide that explains everything you need to know before you go ahead and book!
Looking To Hire A Saxophonist?
Before we continue, this guide is for booking a solo musician. Of course, being so versatile you’ll also find saxophonists featuring in function bands and in jazz bands and ensembles too if that sounds more up your street!
What Type Of Events Are Saxophonists Suitable For?
The versatility of these incredible musicians mean that they are suitable for pretty much any type of event, including weddings (afternoon and evening entertainment), corporate events, birthday parties, dinner parties, fundraisers and more.
What Music Will A Saxophonist Play?
Saxophonists can play pretty much anything you’d like! The most popular types of music our saxophonists play are club-style party tracks or laid-back jazz. You can easily find out the type of music each saxophonist will play by checking out their repertoire on their profile. Many are extremely versatile and will be able to play club classics in the evening and Ibiza-chill or soothing pop and soul favourites during the daytime. Make sure you choose a saxophonist who is able to play the type of music that you’d like to listen to for your event!
How Long Will A Saxophonist Play For?
A saxophonist will normally either play 2×45 minute or 2×60 minute sets as standard, usually providing background music or a playlist DJ service in between. If you hire a saxophonist for the evening, many will offer a daytime performance as well, when they’ll perform a more easy-going setlist, perfect for a drinks reception, your wedding breakfast or cocktail party.
Can A Saxophonist Play Alongside A DJ Or Will They Play Solo?
This depends on which saxophonist you hire! Many will play along to high-quality backing tracks to help keep the atmosphere vibrant and others come with a professional DJ as standard. Check out our DJ and live musician acts if this is something you’re interested in. You can often add bongos, trumpets or even a full band to join the party, and this type of act is fast becoming one of the most popular types of live musical entertainment available.
How Much Does A Saxophonist Cost?
Hiring a saxophonist will usually cost between £350 and £700, depending on the length of time they perform for, their level of experience, popularity and how far they have to travel. Sax and DJ combos will often cost more as there are two performers to pay.
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book A Saxophonist?
As with all our acts we recommend booking as early as possible. Saxophonists are extremely popular and can get booked up quickly. As a general rule, booking a year in advance is a good idea, but if you don’t have that much time left before your event don’t panic! We’ll always endeavour to find you a musician who is available at short notice.
Can A Saxophonist Play Outside?
Of course! However there are certain weather conditions that might mean you need a contingency plan. Rain and strong sunshine can cause damage to instruments so it’s important that a waterproof shelter or shade is available for your musician. Freezing conditions are also very difficult to play in so if the weather is looking a bit iffy, we’d suggest moving inside or providing a heater of some sort.
How Much Space Does A Saxophonist Need?
You don’t need a lot of space for a saxophonist to play in. A 2x2m area is plenty! Many saxophonists like to join in with the party and can often be found on the dance floor while performing which helps to make the experience more interactive and exhilarating!
How Long Does A Saxophonist Take To Set Up?
If they are performing without amplification a saxophonist will normally require around 15 minutes to set up. If they use a PA system, they’ll normally take around half an hour or so to get the sound levels exactly right.
What Will A Saxophonist Wear?
The clothing they are wearing in their video and photos will give a good indication of what your saxophonist is likely to wear at your event. If you’d like them to wear something specific like black tie, most will be more than happy to accommodate. Just let them know in advance!
Can I Make Song Requests?
Yep! If there’s a special song that you’d like performed at your event, most saxophonists will be happy to learn it for you if it’s not already in their repertoire. Many will learn more, either for free or for a small fee, so it’s easy to personalise the music you hear to a certain extent.
What Do I Need To Provide For The Saxophonist?
Your saxophonist will need a lockable area to store their personal items, somewhere to get changed, a parking space and some bottled water. If they are at your event for 4 hours or longer, we kindly ask that you provide a hot meal for them. It doesn’t have to be the same as what your guests are eating, but they will need some fuel after a long day of travelling to make sure their performance is top-notch!
The vast majority of saxophonists will provide their own PA systems, but check on their profile before booking.
How Do I Book A Saxophonist?
It’s so easy to book! Once you’ve chosen your favourite saxophonist, simply fill in the enquiry form on their profile and we’ll get back to you quickly with a fully-comprehensive quote. Alternatively give our friendly expert advisers a call to talk through your options. We’ll provide a contract, take a small deposit and that’s it! Your musician is booked. Now all that’s left to do is find your dream saxophonist. Take a look through the spectacular acts on offer using the button below. We can’t wait to hear from you!
