Category: Educator Interviews

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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.

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Student Pianist Performance

Fight Stage Fright! Essential Tips for Harnessing Performance Anxiety

Music & Arts teacher and rising country star Carli Kennedy on how students can turn their nerves and self-doubt into positive performance energy.   Growing up in Canada, the singer-songwriter Carli Kennedy absorbed all kinds of crucial musical information, including rigorous classical training. But one invaluable lesson escaped every one of her esteemed teachers: How […]

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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

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William “Tiger” Fitzhugh

William “Tiger” Fitzhugh: Discover Classical Guitar

Explore nylon-string technique with these tips from a veteran Nashville-based guitarist and Music & Arts instructor.

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PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy

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.

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Tyler Grant Composer

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 […]

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Brian Hunter Band Director

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 […]

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Steve Bello

Steve Bello: Rock Beginner Basics

The revered shredder and dedicated Music & Arts instructor shares his favorite tips and techniques for aspiring rockers.

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Lawrence Clemens

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 […]

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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 […]

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