Saxophone player and teacher in Bristol

Craig Crofton is an Anglo-American saxophonist who has been a dynamic presence on the UK music scene for over 30 years.

Renowned for the “visceral excitement” and power of his playing, Craig has developed a distinctive sound that makes him a standout performer across a range of musical genres. A protégé of Marcus Printup (Lincoln Center Orchestra), Craig has forged a unique musical identity while collaborating with a diverse roster of acclaimed artists.

His credits include performances and recordings with Kasabian, The Haggis Horns, Nitin Sawhney, This Is The Kit, DJ Suv (Reprazent), Crazy P, Dreadsquad, and Dub From Atlantis. He also leads and performs with some of Bristol’s most vibrant bands, including Jazz Reggae Sessions, Baila La
Cumbia, and Buena Bristol Social Club.

Craig’s career has also seen him share stages with jazz legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Maceo Parker, Toots and the Maytals, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jon Faddis, and Pee Wee Ellis. He has been featured on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends and performed at iconic venues like Ronnie Scott’s in London and The Blue Note in New York City.

In addition to his performance career, Craig is a passionate educator with decades of experience as a teacher and workshop leader. He is the director of the highly regarded youth jazz ensemble, the Bristol Beacon Jazz Ambassadors, where he inspires and mentors the next generation of jazz
musicians. Dedicated to bringing jazz to wider and younger audiences, Craig remains an influential figure in the vibrant Bristol music community and beyond.

Teaching Experience

As an educator I have been teaching for over 30 years with much of that time as assistant director of the highly acclaimed BlowoutSax School in Bath.

I have helped many of my students into world famous music programs including Trinity, Royal Academy, Royal Welsh, Leeds School Of Music and Chethams School Of Music.

As these young musicians have come out of further studies they have turned into working professional musicians in their own right!

I am one of Headwind‘s recommended saxophone teachers and I work closely with them to arrange equipment for my students when needed.

I’m also highly sought after for educational workshops and I continue to encourage and promote the jazz genre to young people.

See more about my availability for events and one to one saxophone lessons in Bristol & Bath.

I also offer online saxophone lessons.

Katherine Fox

01/06/2026

Wow, I don’t even know where to begin with this review! Craig was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Professional, punctual, friendly, and genuinely willing to do anything he could to make our day special. Nothing was ever too much trouble. His talent on the saxophone is simply unbelievable. He made our wedding entrance everything we had dreamed of and so much more. The atmosphere he created was amazing, and it’s a moment we will remember forever. If you’re looking for a saxophonist for your wedding or event, look no further — Craig is your man. We honestly couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Thank you so, so much, Craig. You played a huge part in making our day unforgettable ❤️🎷

eli roy

09/01/2026

I can’t recommend Craig highly enough! His enthusiasm and knowledge of jazz and the saxophone is infectious, and he is a truly brilliant teacher. Craig not only helped me develop my skills on the saxophone, but his lessons were pivotal in my acceptance into Leeds Conservatoire. Not only are his lessons very good but he has also involved me in music out of the studio, inviting me to play with him in gigs and encouraging me to attend jam sessions around Bristol. Thank you for everything!

Owner’s reply
Thanks so much Eli. You’ve worked so hard to get to this point in your musical journey. I look forward to seeing what’s next for you!

Shenuka Haegoda

24/12/2025

As an adult picking up a saxophone for the first time earlier this year, Craig has been an excellent teacher in helping me get started and growing to really love the instrument. It’s a privilege to be learning from such a passionate and talented individual, and I’d highly recommend him to anyone even a little bit curious about the sax.

Owner’s reply
Amazing to have you learning Shen. I can tell from your attitude and musicality you’re going to go far on the saxophone!

David Iles

19/12/2025

Craig is an excellent Saxophone Teacher. His passion and motivation is second to none. I have learnt so much from him, his lessons are very informative and he has a great sense of humour which he definitely needs with me! I would highly recommend him to any future saxophonists.

Owner’s reply
Haha ! Bless you Dave. You’ve come on so well since we started lessons. Looking forward to getting you onstage and jamming in 2026!

Tim Howes

16/12/2025

“Please can we carry on lessons with Craig – he’s such a dude!” Said my 9yr old daughter. As a sax player myself I can vouch for his command of the instrument – a really great player with a lovely tone, fluent technique and great style. His teaching of my daughter has been fantastic, from getting her embouchure and fingerings sorted, to some gentle improvisation and learning Christmas carols by ear only a few weeks later. Highly recommended

Owner’s reply
The dude abides 😎🎷😎🎷

Vivien Rolfe

15/12/2025

Craig is an outstanding teacher and can meet you whatever your saxophone experience is. He’s teaching me improvisation and theory and has made such a difference to my playing. Lessons with him are so much fun and you get mp3 files to practice with.

Owner’s reply
Thanks Viv for your review. Always a pleasure having you come into the studio and hear your amazing sax playing !

Kate Aston

12/12/2025

As an adult player I’d been playing for a while in jazz and blues but was frustrated by a plateau in my learning and skills which was knocking my confidence. Craig is rekindling my passion for the saxophone by addressing both basics that needed attention and more advanced techniques that I’d always assumed to be beyond me. He seamlessly and flexibly accomodates a mix of zoom and in person lessons. I value the ability to keep a zoom recording of the lesson as I can go back through it again in slower time. He is relentless in his support, enthusiasm and encouragement, even and especially when I’m finding the work challenging. I’m about half a dozen lessons in, and can hear for myself that my tone and solos are steadily improving. Best of all though is being excited to be playing again. I wish I’d started lessons with him much sooner. Recommended without reservation.

Owner’s reply
Thanks Kate ! Great to have you as a student !

Cecily Palmer

12/12/2025

Fantastic Saxophone lessons Craig is an enthusiastic and encouraging teacher whose knowledge is extensive and who communicate clearly and breaks down all aspects of musical learning in an accessible way. Lesson have been fun and engaging from day one of my daughter starting to learn and she is building her knowledge of reading music, music theory and playing brilliant jazz music with every lesson. Not to mention the new music we now play at home. Listening to their lessons is a high point of my week. We would recommend Craig to anyone wanting to learn and feel lucky to have found him:)

Owner’s reply
Thank you so much for your kind words! Onwards and upwards !

Mark Craig

20/05/2025

Owner’s reply
Merry Christmas Mark!

Benjamin Kingston

07/12/2024

I’ve been having (mostly online) saxophone lessons with Craig for almost five years and they have always been fun, interesting and useful. I have gained a wealth of musical knowledge, core jazz vocabulary and have been presented with opportunities to play in a range of different ensembles! I would highly recommend Craig to anyone who is interested in learning saxophone 🥳

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Professional saxophonist and teacher

Craig Crofton is an Anglo-American saxophonist who has been a dynamic presence on the UK music scene for over 30 years.

Teaching Experience