I can't really read sheet music.
Sometimes, I assemble my saxophone slowly. Sometimes, I obsess over the reed position.
This right here. I often move move by body with the beat, which in retrospect looks weird but most people don't pay attention and it helps. Also, always take the songs slow at first and then work your way up. Start with one hand, and then work the other, then do both. Also, write down rhythms and fingerings on the page, as this helps you remember what to think.
The saxophone is easy to learn to play, but not to master. Powerful lungs are useful when playing the saxophone. (if you want to have a dark tone and be able to play your low notes) Also, it is a very good idea to have a saxophone that isn't cheaply assembled or poorly taken care of.
I have sort of the same problems. Sometimes, I don't read the rhythm correctly, or I don't know what note to play because of the ledger lines. Sometimes, I can't tongue the notes properly because they're so fast and/or high.
