Category: Student Tips

Bobby Sanabria

Bobby Sanabria’s Secrets of the Clave

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 […]

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Child Guitar Practice

How to Build the Perfect Practice Routine

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 […]

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Tyler Grant Composer

Inspired by Inspiration: Tyler S. Grant’s ‘In Your Wildest Dreams’

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 […]

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Carli Kennedy

Carli Kennedy’s Singer-Songwriter Secrets

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. Carli Kennedy started crafting songs before many children have picked out an instrument. “I wrote my first song at 7,” she recalls, “and I’m sure it rhymed, but I’m also […]

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music classroom

Building a Musical Classroom Culture, One Day at a Time

From celebrating diversity to encouraging active music listening, these ideas will help band and orchestra directors create a vibrant, immersive learning environment. Think back to your school days. Chances are you can recall a teacher who made learning not just educational but genuinely enjoyable. Whether they found ways to make the subject relatable, approached teaching […]

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Parent daughter guitar practice

Learn to Thrive: A Parent’s Guide to the First Year of Music Lessons

Essential tips and strategies for navigating the challenges of early music education. Learning a musical instrument can be immensely rewarding for any child. Through school band or private music lessons (or both), your child can discover their unique talent and passion, build self-confidence through performance and forge lifelong friendships. While the first year of your […]

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band and orchestra education

How to Maximize Your Band & Orchestra Budget

Running a successful band and orchestra program takes more than musical talent and dedication—it also requires financial savvy and resourcefulness. While some schools are flush with cash, most have limited funds and need to make every dollar in the budget count. In order to get the money you need to have a successful band and […]

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Young musicians

How Music & Arts Rentals Work for You

To meet the needs of young student musicians and their families, our rentals program offers outstanding flexibility. Here’s how we can help your child through their early music education. When we talk about your child joining their school band or orchestra as the start of a musical journey, we mean it! They’re embarking on a […]

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Music Band Director

The Parent’s Guide to Band & Orchestra: Everything You Need to Know

Band and orchestra (B&O) programs offer a myriad of benefits, from fostering a love of music to nurturing essential life skills like teamwork, self-discipline and time management—all while providing a ton of fun. As a parent, B&O programs offer you a unique chance to connect with your child in a whole new way. By sharing […]

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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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