So, you’ve been playing the cello for a few years, know all the basics, and are ready to start experimenting with your sound. Chances are, you’ve come across a cello pickup in…
Stress Free Tips for Wrapping Up the School Year
So, you’ve completed all your end-of-year performances and summer is right around the corner. While rest, relaxation, and some great vacations may be in your near future, you need to finish out…
Six Guitar Upgrades That’ll Improve Your Sound (or Save You Money)
The sound of a guitar, like other instruments, will only be as good as the condition of its various parts. If your strings need to be changed or the nut is old,…
The Importance of Learning Music Theory
Students learning music often think of music theory as a chore–they think it’s boring, a waste of time, and something they’ll never actually need. While some musicians wear their lack of music…
How to Make the Most of Your Trombone Lessons
Whether you’ve just enrolled your child in trombone lessons for the very first time or they’re back in lessons after taking an extended break, excelling at an instrument takes more than just…
Teaching Tools: Top 5 Lists and Practice Logs
By Thomas Furdon Something I find most helpful in guiding my students while keeping them motivated is “Top 5” lists. I ask all of my students to make top 5 lists while…
How to Upgrade the Sound of Your Orchestral String Instrument
To a musician, sound couldn’t be more important. Countless hours are put into learning, playing, and practicing, all with the goal of improving the quality of sound that’s produced. To be sure,…
Trombone Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide
If you or your child are interested in learning to play the trombone, there’s a lot you’re going to learn. Inexperienced and aspiring trombone players may not be aware, for example, that…
Teaching Students with Disabilities
By Dennis McCorkle I first have to state up front that I am neither a certified music therapist nor a medical practitioner. I am however a teacher with over fifty years’…
How to Tell If You Need New Violin Strings
If you’re interested in becoming a violinist, one of the most important things you’ll have to learn is how to properly maintain and care for your instrument. Proper care and maintenance of…