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Your go-to resource for all things band and orchestra

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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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Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig Around 2019, Tony Levin was deep into another tour with King Crimson, playing some of the most complex and intimidating prog-rock ever recorded. Warming up backstage after […]

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Sherrie Maricle Drummer

Sherrie Maricle: Secrets of Big-Band Drumming

The DIVA Jazz Orchestra leader on technique, teaching, gear and why stuffing a blanket inside your bass drum isn’t the answer. Plus: the 5 common pitfalls for developing big-band drummers For a young Sherrie Maricle, there was never any question about where to focus her efforts behind the kit. “It was definitely jazz, and it […]

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Inspiring Artist Interviews

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 […]

Learn More
Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig Around 2019, Tony Levin was deep into another tour with King Crimson, playing some of the most complex and intimidating prog-rock ever recorded. Warming up backstage after […]

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

Terence Blanchard. Credit: Cedric Angeles. Terence Blanchard, Ethan Iverson, Aaron Diehl, Helen Sung, Natalie Tenenbaum and other luminaries talk about the issues surrounding the jazz/classical divide—from technique and theory to conservatory culture and diversity.   “I didn’t know you were allowed to play the piano like that.” So recalls the acclaimed jazz pianist and composer […]

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PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy

PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy: Profiles in Education

Credit: Willa Rohrer. The director of the groundbreaking saxophone ensemble reflects on the teachers who changed his life, his own career as an educator, his Selmer horns and more. Matthew Levy didn’t pick up the saxophone with the intention of pursuing a career in classical music. Growing up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Levy […]

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Bobby Sanabria

Bobby Sanabria’s Secrets of the Clave

One of Latin jazz’s greatest bandleaders offers tips for unlocking the foundation of Afro-Caribbean music. Many musicians who play “Latin jazz” or other styles born out of the Afro-Caribbean/Latin American experience grew up with those styles and internalized their rhythms—particularly the core five-stroke pattern known as the clave. They didn’t just learn the music, they […]

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Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

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Sherrie Maricle Drummer

Sherrie Maricle: Secrets of Big-Band Drumming

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

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Upgrade Your Sound, October 2024

The Importance of Upgrading Your Musical Instrument

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