February 7, 2025
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.
January 28, 2025
The world-renowned banjo master offers beginner tips as well as insight into his Gold Tone Mastertone “Bluegrass Heart” banjo.
December 23, 2024
Credits: Peter Freed (Patitucci), Robyn Twomey (Oh). Two of the greatest bass players on the planet, John Patitucci and Linda May Han Oh, share stories and strategies to help students and teachers navigate the electric-acoustic divide. Plus: Gear advice and accessories picks. For bassists, life typically begins in one of two ways: on upright, […]
December 6, 2024
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. When trumpeter and educator Glen “The Kid” Marhevka looks back on all the shows […]
November 27, 2024
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 […]
October 14, 2024
Veteran educators share important and practical considerations for music selection. No two band programs are alike, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing music. Yet there are certain overarching topics and themes that steer those decisions and build a foundation for brilliant student performances. In this primer, experienced band directors from across the country, spanning […]
October 10, 2024
One of Latin jazz’s greatest bandleaders offers tips for unlocking the foundation of Afro-Caribbean music. Many musicians who play “Latin jazz” or other styles born out of the Afro-Caribbean/Latin American experience grew up with those styles and internalized their rhythms—particularly the core five-stroke pattern known as the clave. They didn’t just learn the music, they […]
October 7, 2024
Essential tips for making the most out of your focused practice time. It’s happened to all of us. You sit down with your instrument with the intention of practicing, but quickly feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. Where do I even start? Am I practicing the right way? What should I […]
October 1, 2024
The acclaimed composer talks about his new Project Imagine commission, available for free as an online download now through November 15. 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 […]
September 26, 2024
The Nashville-based Music & Arts instructor, who performs with her sister in the acclaimed classical-country duo Twin Kennedy, reveals her tricks of the songwriting trade.
