Category: Articles

Ludwig-Musser Brand Founders

Ludwig-Musser Education Percussion: Meet the Makers

William Ludwig and his son William Jr., both musicians as well as businessmen, represent the Ludwig brand, which bought Musser Mallet Percussion in 1966. Image courtesy of Conn Selmer. The history of Ludwig-Musser Percussion weaves together the stories of two pioneering companies and their visionary namesakes. From the beginning, music education has informed the mission […]

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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Big Bad Master Class

As Yamaha clinicians, the swing-revival aces take their fun-loving approach to schools across the country. Glen “The Kid” Marhevka, featured trumpet soloist and lead clinician, reflects on music education and how the retro-swing movement changed the perception of band kids.   When trumpeter and educator Glen “The Kid” Marhevka looks back on all the shows […]

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Meet the Makers - Yamaha

Meet the Makers: Yamaha Band & Orchestra

The global giant in instrument-making, Yamaha has produced progressive, meticulously crafted products for well over a century. In this guide, we cover the brand’s storied history and survey some of its groundbreaking gear.   Yamaha is the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, with a legacy spanning more than 130 years. The company’s unwavering quality […]

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Music Books

Songbook Gift Guide: Pop Hits of ’24 & More

Looking for that perfect stocking stuffer to match a new keyboard, guitar or band-and-orchestra instrument? Check out these best-selling songbooks from hitmakers including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.   Sure, you’re reading this on a screen, but we at Music & Arts continue to believe in the power of printed music. A great songbook can […]

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Student Pianist Performance

Fight Stage Fright! Essential Tips for Harnessing Performance Anxiety

Music & Arts teacher and rising country star Carli Kennedy on how students can turn their nerves and self-doubt into positive performance energy.   Growing up in Canada, the singer-songwriter Carli Kennedy absorbed all kinds of crucial musical information, including rigorous classical training. But one invaluable lesson escaped every one of her esteemed teachers: How […]

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YEV Pro Violinist

Infinity Design, Infinite Possibilities

Yamaha’s YEV Pro electric violin retains the character and sound of an acoustic instrument while revolutionizing its range and aesthetic. When plugging in an electric violin, many players are looking for an instrument that delivers the volume and power to go head-to-head with an electric guitar. What they don’t want is an instrument that sounds […]

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Quincy Jones and Christian McBride

Quincy Jones in Memoriam: Christian McBride Pays Tribute

Jones (left) and McBride backstage at the 2016 Monterey Jazz Festival, where the bassist served as musical director for an all-star tribute to the legendary producer. Credit: ©2016 Monterey Jazz Festival/R. Cole Thompson. McBride, one of jazz’s most important musicians and personalities, reflects on the musical and social genius of the late American icon. “The […]

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Igmar_Kasia Idzkowska

Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats

Thomas, whose Revive Big Band has a new album titled Like a Tree It Grows. Credit: Kasia Idzkowska. Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble. Back in 2010, Igmar Thomas found himself leading a jam session […]

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Saturday Morning Tunes Concert

Your Child’s First Concert: A Parent’s Guide

Young Swifties go wild at a Taylor covers show, part of the Saturday Morning Tunes concert series in Maryland. Image: Chris Gamber. Sam Sessa, founder of the kid-friendly concert series Saturday Morning Tunes, offers crucial tips for attending live shows with your little ones. Everyone remembers their first concert. The band, the venue, the people […]

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Alexa Tarantino Saxophonist

Alexa Tarantino: ‘Family & Community & Good Vibes’

Credit: Anna Yatskevich. In a new in-depth Music & Artists video interview, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist talks about the importance of old-school ear training, the joyful camaraderie of big bands, and why making mistakes is a great way to learn. In many ways, the extraordinary career of saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer and […]

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