Category: Student Tips

‘No Retrograde Inversions!’: Randy Brecker in Conversation

Now 80, the legendary trumpeter talks about his practice regimen, classic sessions with Steely Dan, Paul Simon and other icons, and that time he bonded — briefly and weirdly — with Miles Davis over wah-wah pedals. 

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Gator Frameworks: The Band Director’s Hassle-Free Music Stand Solution

The trusted accessories brand produces durable, stylish and versatile music stands that are perfect for school bands and orchestras. 

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Battle Band: Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring in Conversation

Two of jazz’s premier saxophonists on 20 years of friendly competition, the secrets of impromptu arranging, and why Hank Mobley wrote remarkable tunes.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Music & Artists: Béla Fleck

The world-renowned banjo master offers beginner tips as well as insight into his Gold Tone Mastertone “Bluegrass Heart” banjo.  

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Upright Bass vs. Electric Bass

Upright vs. Electric Bass: An Educator’s Guide

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.

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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Big Bad Master Class

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.

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