Category: Articles

Viola Maintenance

Viola Maintenance: Keep Your Viola Sounding (& Playing) Its Best

Whether you’re a beginner or professional viola player, it’s important to educate yourself on the basics of viola maintenance so you can keep your instrument sounding and playings its best. Just like a car requires oil changes and regular maintenance, your viola also needs special attention and adjustments every now and then–not to mention frequent […]

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Cane vs. Synthetic Reeds: Pros and Cons

Whether you’re buying a new box of reeds for your saxophone or clarinet, you’re faced with the same dilemma. Should you buy cane reeds or synthetic reeds? You may have heard good things about both.  While most musicians use basic cane reeds, synthetic reeds are becoming a popular alternative. Synthetic reeds can have a longer shelf-life and offer greater consistency.  After all, synthetic mouthpieces exist, so why wouldn’t synthetic reeds? From sound quality to durability, we’ll cover […]

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Music & Arts’ Interview with Lucky Chops

Armed with the belief that positive music can change the world, Lucky Chops is on a mission to bring life back into the music industry. Throughout their career, they’ve headlined at several international festivals and continue to deliver consistent sold out shows in NYC. Renier Fee, Director of Marketing at Music & Arts, sat down with […]

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Different parts of the trombone

What Are the Different Parts of the Trombone?

If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in marching band, selecting an instrument is part of the process–and the trombone is a popular choice. The trombone’s ancestor was a medieval instrument called the sackbut, which looked a lot like the trombone except its bore was narrower and its bell wasn’t as wide. In the 17th […]

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How to Extend the Life of Your Cymbals

Although cymbals can last for over a decade with proper care and maintenance, they’re among the more delicate percussion instruments. Treating your cymbals with care, including setting them up properly and keeping them protected, can reduce the risk of damage and extend the life of your cymbals. Maintenance is often a matter of technique, and […]

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Artist Interview with a Great Big World

Artist Interview with A Great Big World

A Great Big World features the singing, playing, and performance talents of Ian Axel and Chad King. The duo formed while Axel and King were music business students at New York University. In 2012, the duo officially released a Kickstarter-funded self-titled EP. Things quickly took off in 2013 when their single “This Is the New Year” […]

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Interview with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm

Interview with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm

Lzzy Hale is the lead singer, rhythm guitarist and front-woman of the hard rock band Halestorm. She has been with the band since its inception in 1997. Lzzy has been performing, composing and singing since the age of five along with her younger brother Arejay who co-founded the rocker quartet. In 2013, Halestorm received a […]

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Majoring in Music? What You Can Do With Your Degree: Part 2

Majoring in Music? What You Can Do With Your Degree: Part 2

If you’re a junior or senior in high school, you’re probably thinking about what you want to “be” when you grow up. Whether you’re in a marching band, orchestra, or just enjoy playing music, getting a degree in music may be in your horizon. Although performing and teaching are the two most common careers in […]

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choosing-the-best-violin-case

Brand Spotlight: Bellafina

When translated directly, the term “Bellafina” means “beautiful fine”– a fitting name considering their line of high-quality violins, cellos, violas, and double basses are some of the most beautiful instruments in the world. Most Bellafina instruments are sized at a reduced scale, making them the perfect choice for younger players or adults with a small […]

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Why Is My String Instrument Making a Rattling Sound?

Why Is My String Instrument Making a Rattling Sound?

Rattling or buzzing from your stringed instrument can be alarming, especially for new players or those who have never heard the sounds before. Fortunately, it rarely indicates the need for expensive repairs. In fact, did you know many instances of rattling and buzzing can be fixed in a matter of minutes, and in some cases […]

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