October 22, 2024
William “Tiger” Fitzhugh: Discover Classical Guitar
Explore nylon-string technique with these tips from a veteran Nashville-based guitarist and Music & Arts instructor.
Category: Educator Interviews
October 11, 2024
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 […]
October 1, 2024
Inspired by Inspiration: Tyler S. Grant’s ‘In Your Wildest Dreams’
The acclaimed composer goes inside the making of his new Project Imagine commission. For many composers, the title of a work is often an afterthought. But in the case of Tyler S. Grant’s In Your Wildest Dreams, those four words led the way. “I knew I had a title so I had something to latch […]
August 29, 2024
Band Director Profile: Brian Hunter
The New Jersey-based educator on helping kids fall in love with band and teaching them how to practice. For Brian Hunter, DMA, the music and movement teacher at Constable Elementary School in Kendall Park, N.J., helping young students discover a passion for band is more than a job—it’s a mission. With a deep-rooted love for […]
August 15, 2024
Paul Carr’s All-State Jazz Audition Essentials
Conquer All-County and All-State with these strategies from the eminent educator and saxophonist. Maryland-based saxophonist Paul Carr is one of those rare jazz educators who doesn’t need to bring in outside help when he wants his students to work with a respected professional jazz performer. He is that performer, with a steady schedule of festival […]
July 29, 2024
Steve Bello: Rock Beginner Basics
The revered shredder and dedicated Music & Arts instructor shares his favorite tips and techniques for aspiring rockers.
July 25, 2024
Lawrence Clemens: Trumpet Fundamentals First
The former principal trumpeter for the New Jersey Symphony and current Music & Arts instructor talks foundational techniques, embouchure problems, practice routines and that time Leonard Bernstein thanked him personally. Equally warm and wise, the veteran trumpeter Lawrence Clemens — Larry, to his friends and students — is the kind of educator who always has […]
February 29, 2024
Celebrating the Rhythms of Life with Terry Koger
In the spirit of Black History Month, Music & Arts is honored to shine a spotlight on Terry Koger’s story, a tale not merely of notes and rhythms but of passion and the transformative power of education. Our conversation with Terry not only peels back the layers of his personal music education journey but also […]
January 30, 2024
Harmonizing Passion and Education: A Conversation with Jazz Maestro Jason Ferrell
Delve into the world of jazz with Jason Ferrell, a distinguished educational representative based in Columbus, Ohio. With a life steeped in music and an unwavering passion for jazz, Jason shares his journey, influences, and insights into the art of jazz education. Jason’s Musical Beginnings Born and raised in Columbus, Jason’s musical journey began with […]
September 22, 2023
Leading with C.A.R.E.
By Dr. David W. Vandewalker The ever-increasing demands on students and teachers seems to be at an all-time high. While we are thankful that the most extreme difficulties of the pandemic are behind us, it is becoming evident that the impact of the recent challenges are large and will continue to have a significant effect […]