Category: Band & Orchestra

Lawrence Clemens

Lawrence Clemens: Trumpet Fundamentals First

The former principal trumpeter for the New Jersey Symphony and current Music & Arts instructor talks foundational techniques, embouchure problems, practice routines and that time Leonard Bernstein thanked him personally. Equally warm and wise, the veteran trumpeter Lawrence Clemens — Larry, to his friends and students — is the kind of educator who always has […]

Learn More
Woman playing the oboe

Overcoming the Challenges of Double-Reed Instruments

Double-reed instruments are some of the most unique members of the woodwinds family. Unlike the clarinet and saxophone, which utilize a single reed mounted on a mouthpiece, double-reed instruments feature—you guessed it—two reeds vibrating against each other to create an unmistakable sound. The most popular double-reed instruments are the oboe and bassoon, but the category […]

Learn More
Greyson Nekrutman

Greyson Nekrutman: Play Hard, Work Harder

Famously, the late Buddy Rich didn’t push practice. The hot-tempered genius of jazz drumming, who began his career as a child prodigy, liked to say he learned his craft by performing. Rich also trash-talked rock drummers, though he did tackle arrangements of rock songs in his popular big bands. Which begs the question: What would […]

Learn More
Julian Bliss

10 Things We Learned About Julian Bliss

What were you doing when you were 10? For the clarinet virtuoso Julian Bliss, it was time to start studying music at the university level. So he packed his bags and moved thousands of miles away from his home in the U.K., enrolling in the Artist Diploma program at Indiana University. “It was the most […]

Learn More
Rock Road Show 2024

Music & Arts and Gibson Present: Rock Road Show 2024

Summer is here at last, and it promises to be an especially thrilling season for guitarists and lovers of all things rock ’n’ roll. Music & Arts has partnered with Gibson guitars and D’Addario accessories to kick off Rock Road Show 2024—a new event series that will inspire musicians of all skill levels.  At six […]

Learn More
Drum Kit for Kids

How to Choose the Right Drum Set for Your Child

So your kiddo came to you and said that their musical heart beats to the rhythm of a drum kit—congrats! Learning the drums is a fun, fulfilling endeavor that opens up a wide world of music and instruments to explore. It also comes with a learning curve—especially if you and your child are new to […]

Learn More
National Band Directors' Day

National Band Directors’ Day

To celebrate National Band Directors’ Day, our school services team is shining a spotlight on several band directors who are recognized for their exceptional dedication and support in education.  From fostering a love for music in students to overcoming challenges, these stories capture the essence of what makes educators truly remarkable. Seth Riehl Anna S. […]

Learn More
Upgrade Your Sound

Upgrade Your Sound

The Importance of Upgrading Your Musical Instrument The bond between musician and instrument is special. Most seasoned players will even describe their instrument as an extension of themselves. However, as you progress on your musical journey, you may find yourself at a crossroads: do you stick with your trusty companion, or is it time to […]

Learn More
Band Rooms Upgraded

Band Rooms Upgraded

Celebrating the Sweepstakes Winners! The Sweepstakes: A New Opportunity Music & Arts has recently partnered with Pearl and Adams, offering band directors across the country an exciting sweepstakes opportunity. This collaboration presents Middle/Junior and High School music educators with an unforgettable prize: One kit valued at $50,000 and another at $25,000, each containing a customized […]

Learn More
WWBW Joins Music & Arts

Woodwind & Brasswind is Joining Music & Arts

When One Journey Ends, Another Begins: After four decades of serving professional players and beginners alike, Woodwind & Brasswind is joining Music & Arts in an exciting new endeavor to enhance the musical experience for musicians across the country. Continuing a Legacy: Woodwind & Brasswind is joining Music & Arts, but its legacy is not […]

Learn More