October 25, 2018
Altissimo is a funny word that is best defined as the high notes on the saxophone that start when the regular fingering scale ends. The saxophone normally goes up to a high F or F# (sometimes even high G) and the fingering chart ends there. These Altissimo notes are the high notes you hear pro […]
October 8, 2018
When it comes to teaching effectively, one of the best tools is right in your own pocket–just ask Kevin White, a percussion instructor at two Music & Arts locations in Charlotte. He’s been a teacher for over 20 years, and his average student has been with him for about five years, so he knows a […]
September 21, 2018
Derek Linzy, a piano and guitar teacher at the Music & Arts in Conyers, Georgia, sat down with the Music & Arts team to talk about piano techniques and fundamentals for beginners. Derek has worked in the music industry over a 15 year span, and in that time has worked as an audio engineer for […]
April 26, 2018
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or professional trumpet player, you’re probably always on the lookout for ways to improve your trumpet playing. There are lots of trumpet playing tips and tricks out there, but you don’t need to look for strange and obscure ways to improve your playing. Often the tried-and-true methods are the best […]
April 2, 2018
With a few simple, affordable supplies and this step-by-step guidance, musicians and music directors can easily learn to service rotor valves. This can be of great benefit in both emergency situations and as a matter of regular maintenance. While there are many points of service that can be attended to without great investment or advanced […]
December 1, 2017
By Scott Schwertfeger, Guitar instructor in Burke, VA The modern, nylon string “classical” guitar is an amazing instrument and vehicle for music expression. It comes from a long line of distant cousins, including the Lute, Vihuela, Renaissance Guitar, and Baroque Guitar. Since the first construct of the modern design in 1859 by Antonio de Torres […]
November 9, 2017
Most music teachers use what are known as method books. Method books are like textbooks for learning to play an instrument, master a particular technique, or just to provide a useful structure to a student’s practice with an instrument. There are many different method books available to students for every instrument they might want to […]
November 5, 2017
Teaching music is a rewarding, yet challenging profession. Students come in with varying degrees of musical talent and knowledge and each progresses at his/her own pace. Fitting in some extra practice usually makes a big difference to a student’s advancement. You can remind students to practice at home, but there’s no telling whether or not […]
November 1, 2017
The most wonderful (aka stressful) time of the year is quickly approaching for many music teachers, and if you’ve never attended a solo or ensemble festival with your students you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like having your students stand up in front of a judge to perform a solo or ensemble that […]
August 5, 2017
Drum circle, you say? Viewed with great suspicion in the past, the contemporary facilitated drum circle and other rhythm-based experiences have found their way into organizations of all kinds, both public and private, and are used to create social connection, encourage creative expression, and as part of a comprehensive music program, are great tools for […]
