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.
Category: Articles
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.
April 3, 2025
Music & Artists: Brian Balmages
The renowned composer — who helms new scores and initiatives for Alfred and MakeMusic Publications — talks about what goes into crafting great music for students and reflects on the most poignant moments of his career.
Renting Instruments for School Band or Orchestra: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn the best way to rent a musical instrument for your child’s school music or band program. Explore rental options and how to choose an instrument.
March 19, 2025
Why Early Recruitment for Band & Orchestra Is Essential
Want to lead an award-winning band and orchestra program while also maintaining your sanity? Stay on top of your recruitment strategies and instrument rentals.
March 14, 2025
Tales From the Repair Shop: Guitars & More
Arizona-based master technician Malinda Stratton shares a few of her recent repair adventures — including a Gibson L-50 restoration and an extra-tricky guitarrón fix.
March 7, 2025
Clarinet Masters: Essential Listening Guide for Students
Anat Cohen and Paquito D’Rivera, two of the world’s top jazz clarinetists, reflect on the recordings that transformed their musical journeys — and have the power to transform yours as well.
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.
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.
February 4, 2025
The Ludwig-Musser Wish List
Industry leaders in orchestral and educational percussion, Ludwig-Musser honor their heritage while guiding the state of the art. Here are five instruments that will take your program to the next level.