October 17, 2025
Battle Band: Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring in Conversation
Two of jazz’s premier saxophonists on 20 years of friendly competition, the secrets of impromptu arranging, and why Hank Mobley wrote remarkable tunes.
Category: Artist Interviews
August 6, 2025
Music & Arts Alum: Anthony Pirog
One of the finest guitarists of his generation reflects on his formative years as a student at Music & Arts. “That’s where my first real musical education began,” says Pirog, who plays with Fugazi’s rhythm section in the Messthetics.
April 3, 2025
Music & Artists: Brian Balmages
The renowned composer — who helms new scores and initiatives for Alfred and MakeMusic Publications — talks about what goes into crafting great music for students and reflects on the most poignant moments of his career.
March 7, 2025
Clarinet Masters: Essential Listening Guide for Students
Anat Cohen and Paquito D’Rivera, two of the world’s top jazz clarinetists, reflect on the recordings that transformed their musical journeys — and have the power to transform yours as well.
February 20, 2025
Music & Artists: CJ Camerieri
The brass luminary and yMusic co-founder on discovering chamber music, lessons learned from Paul Simon and Bon Iver, using the DigiTech Whammy pedal with brass, and much more.
February 13, 2025
Music & Artists: Jared James Nichols
The blues-rock guitar hero talks Epiphone Les Pauls, Blackstar amps, playing electric without a pick and the fine art of riff-writing.
February 7, 2025
Jazz Saxophone Reed Guide: Pro Tips
Four great saxophonists in modern and contemporary jazz — Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Lakecia Benjamin and Miguel Zenón — offer expert advice based on decades of selecting, preparing and storing reeds.
January 28, 2025
Music & Artists: Béla Fleck
The world-renowned banjo master offers beginner tips as well as insight into his Gold Tone Mastertone “Bluegrass Heart” banjo.
December 6, 2024
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.
November 18, 2024
Quincy Jones in Memoriam: Christian McBride Pays Tribute
McBride, one of jazz’s most important musicians and personalities, reflects on the musical and social genius of the late American icon. “The cat studied people the same way he studied notes,” he says.