Saxophonists for hire in Reading
What our expert says...The saxophone has a unique ability to cut through any mix - smooth enough for a cocktail set, but powerful enough to light up a dancefloor. Pairing a live sax with a DJ is one of the easiest ways to turn an average party into something unforgettable.
— Perrine Gouarne, Managing Director at Encore Musicians
Latest reviews of our Saxophonists in Reading
"Absolute super star - the perfect saxophonist to have play at my party, an honour to have him with us, enjoyed by all & gusts at party really impressed - all asking where I found him! Thank you Em. Brilliant xx and hope you had fun too. 🙏🏼🎺🎶🎉🥂⭐️"
Hannah hired Em on sax for a Birthday party (available in Reading)
"Kelvin was absolutely fantastic at our wedding cocktail hour! Super professional throughout the planning process and even learnt two songs that were not on his song list. 5* all around - thank you so much Kelvin!"
Lyuda hired Kelvin J Parker for a Wedding (available in Reading)
"Kelvin was absolutely amazing and everyone really enjoyed it. He worked well with the DJ and really engaged the audience. The birthday girl loved him."
Michele hired Kelvin J Parker for a Birthday party (available in Reading)
FAQs about hiring Saxophonists in Reading
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
What kind of music can a saxophonist play?
The most popular genres that saxophonists play are jazz music, funk, pop, R&B, blues, reggae, ska, and soul/Motown. However, saxophonists can play practically anything, from modern pop to classical music to soulful jazz, making them a popular choice for everything from birthday parties to corporate events.
How long will a saxophonist play for?
A saxophonist will typically perform two to three 45-minute performances. Of course, depending on the scheduling of your event, they can be flexible, but bear in mind that they will need short 10-15 minute rests after their sets to collect their breath! Make sure to ask one of our fantastic saxophonists how they set up their set times; they may be able to personalise it specifically for your needs.
Can a saxophonist take requests?
Yes but check their song list first, as your request might already be on there. Otherwise, notify your saxophonist in advance; if they are unfamiliar with your music, they will need time to prepare. While most saxophonists would learn an additional song for free, keep in mind that some may charge for this additional service (especially if you want them to learn numerous more songs).
How far in advance should I book a saxophonist?
We recommend booking as soon as possible, especially if you have specific songs in mind, but at Encore, we manage last-minute reservations all the time and can easily find a saxophone on short notice.
Hiring a Saxophonist in Reading
Positioned in the heart of the Thames Valley, Reading is a lively town with a strong musical identity. Known for its annual music festival and excellent transport links, it’s a popular choice for events of all kinds. Whether you’re planning a party, wedding or corporate function, hiring a Saxophonist in Reading ensures a high-quality live performance to suit your style.
Useful information
Saxophonists in Reading typically play Pop, Jazz, Ibiza club, and most respond to enquiries within 3 hours. Demand peaks in May, June, August, so if your event falls in that window, it's worth getting in touch early to secure your preferred act.
How much does it cost to hire a Saxophonist in Reading?
Prices for Saxophonists vary depending on experience, set length, and the size of the act. As a guide, budget Saxophonists typically charge around £270 per booking, mid-range acts around £360, and high-end Saxophonists from £450 per booking upwards.
What does a soprano saxophonist mean?
Soprano saxophonists play the smallest and highest-pitched saxophone, known for its agility and bright sound. Often featured in classical and jazz music settings, some classic songs that feature a soprano saxophone include, “Careless Whisper” by George Michael and “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty.
Take a look at the videos of our soprano sax players for hire to get a feel for their sound.
What does an alto saxophonist mean?
Alto saxophones are the most common type of saxophone. Known for their warm, lyrical tone, alto saxophones are popular in jazz and pop. Some popular songs that include an alto saxophone include “Stand By Me” by Ben E King and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.
Check our collection of alto sax players for hire, to watch their videos and get a sense of their sound.
What does a tenor saxophonist mean?
Larger and bolder than the alto, with a rich, expressive sound, the tenor saxophone is most commonly used in jazz, blues, and rock. Popular songs with a tenor saxophone include "Smooth Operator" by Sade and "The Girl from Ipanema" by Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto.
To get an idea of the sound of our tenor saxophonists for hire, check out their profiles where you'll find videos of them performing live.
What does baritone saxophonist mean?
Deepest and lowest-pitched saxophone, the baritone saxophone adds a warm and full bottom end to the sound. Baritone saxophonists usually play in jazz, classical music, and even some contemporary music.
Respect by Aretha Franklin and “Pick Up the Pieces" by Average White Band are two popular songs that include a baritone saxophone.
To hear what our baritone sax players sound like, check out their profiles.
What does bass saxophonist mean?
Rarest and largest saxophone, with a booming and tuba-like sound, bass saxophonists are mostly found in classical and experimental music.
Some classic bass sax songs include “Mood Indigo" by Duke Ellington and "Tiger Rag" by Original Dixieland Jass Band.
A guide to hiring Saxophonists
Take the hassle out of hiring Saxophonists with Encore Musicians
This page was created by the Encore team using data from 8633 bookings and 4122 verified reviews across the UK.
Last updated: 17 May 2026
