April 30, 2026
Eric Whitacre: In the Beginning
In this exclusive preview of Music & Arts’ full-length interview, the pathbreaking composer and conductor recounts his unlikely origin story and thinks about where formal music education falls short.
Category: Articles
April 20, 2026
Paul Carr’s All-State Jazz Audition Essentials
Conquer All-County and All-State with these strategies from the eminent educator and saxophonist.
April 10, 2026
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.
December 10, 2025
‘No Retrograde Inversions!’: Randy Brecker in Conversation
Now 80, the legendary trumpeter talks about his practice regimen, classic sessions with Steely Dan, Paul Simon and other icons, and that time he bonded — briefly and weirdly — with Miles Davis over wah-wah pedals.
November 20, 2025
Gator Frameworks: The Band Director’s Hassle-Free Music Stand Solution
The trusted accessories brand produces durable, stylish and versatile music stands that are perfect for school bands and orchestras.
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.
September 18, 2025
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.
August 18, 2025
Meet the Winners: Upgrade Your Band Room Sweepstakes
How $50,000 in new instruments from Pearl, Adams and Belsona elevated the band program at Martin Middle School in Corpus Christi, Texas.
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 16, 2025
Fender vs. Gibson: How Scale Length & String Gauge Affect Playability
Music & Arts’ resident guitar guru, Alan Day, shares a pro tip that will help beginning electric guitarists choose the perfect set of strings based on scale length.