December 11, 2024
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 […]
March 8, 2020
If someone asks you “who is the most famous percussionist?” it would be difficult to answer right off the bat without some clarifying question – specifically, what genre? Additionally, if you asked ten people to name the most famous percussionist, you’d probably get ten different answers. That’s all to say that narrowing it down to […]
April 2, 2017
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a percussionist is that you can develop a core set of techniques and apply your skillset to a wide array of different instruments. Unlike a violinist or trumpet player who is only expected to play one instrument, a percussionist in an orchestra or symphony is expected to […]
July 30, 2015
Renting a Percussion Kit There’s more to a drummer’s role than simply keeping time – in fact, school band percussionists may play any number of instruments, from triangles and tambourines to timpanis and xylophones. Typically, a percussion kit features a tunable drum practice pad or shallow drum, snare sticks and bell mallets, a 2-octave aluminum […]
December 5, 2024
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 […]
October 30, 2024
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 […]
October 14, 2024
Veteran educators share important and practical considerations for music selection. No two band programs are alike, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing music. Yet there are certain overarching topics and themes that steer those decisions and build a foundation for brilliant student performances. In this primer, experienced band directors from across the country, spanning […]
October 10, 2024
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 […]
September 18, 2024
While the obvious goal of music education is to teach your child to play and appreciate music, there are many other benefits along the way. Learning to read, play and understand music builds several important skills at once, from physical and mental dexterity to emotional maturity and social skills. Here are five important ways music […]
September 6, 2024
Running a successful band and orchestra program takes more than musical talent and dedication—it also requires financial savvy and resourcefulness. While some schools are flush with cash, most have limited funds and need to make every dollar in the budget count. In order to get the money you need to have a successful band and […]
