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.
Category: Artist Interviews
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 14, 2024
Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats
Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble.
November 6, 2024
Alexa Tarantino: ‘Family & Community & Good Vibes’
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.
October 31, 2024
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
October 25, 2024
Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey
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.
October 11, 2024
PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy: Profiles in Education
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.
October 10, 2024
Bobby Sanabria’s Secrets of the Clave
One of Latin jazz’s greatest bandleaders offers tips for unlocking the foundation of Afro-Caribbean music.