Category: Band & Orchestra

choosing-the-best-violin-case

How to Read Violin Music

Learn how to read violin music by starting with basic musical concepts. This includes the musical alphabet, musical notes, treble clef, staff, time signature, and key signature. The violin is a popular instrument that can be learned at any age. Known for its versatile sound, the violin is perfect for orchestra, string quartets, and more. […]

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How to Blow Into a Saxophone

You have the saxophone; you have the drive to learn; now you need to actually put that instrument to your mouth and make some music. When you get to this point it may suddenly occur to you that you don’t really know how to blow into a saxophone! Here are a few details to keep […]

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How To Hold A Saxophone

You’ve probably spent years admiring those ultra-cool saxophone players. They make the whole process look so effortless, but until you actually pick one up, you never quite know how to hold a saxophone. If you’re just learning to play, there are a few basics to keep in mind when holding a saxophone: Always wear the […]

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Saxophone Reeds

Filed vs. Unfiled Reeds

Filed and Unfiled Reeds Explained Reeds are used in many woodwind instruments, including the clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. In reed instruments, the sounds or vibrations are made when air is blown across a thin piece of material called a reed. The reed vibrates, making the sound, which is then amplified by the air in the […]

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How to Get the Best Sound on the Clarinet

How to Play the Clarinet: Tips for Getting the Best Sound

While it’s easy to make a sound on a clarinet, it takes the right mix of skill and equipment to truly learn how to play the clarinet the right way. The sound you want might vary a little bit depending on the type of music you’re playing, but there are tips you can apply across […]

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piccolo vs. flute

Piccolo vs. Flute: How to Decide Which to Play

Flute vs Piccolo You (or your child) want to play an instrument and you have narrowed the choices down to the flute or the piccolo. The following considerations may help you with your decision. The flute and the piccolo are both part of the woodwind family of instruments. They are reedless and sound is produced by the player’s air […]

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Piccolo Playing Tips

10 Tips for Playing the Piccolo

Playing the piccolo The piccolo may be the instrument that a young musician starts playing, but it’s more likely an additional instrument for a flutist. Playing the piccolo isn’t easy – but it is fun! In high school and college orchestras and marching bands, it offers musicians an opportunity to play and be heard. For professional musicians, […]

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Clarinet Tips

How to Clean the Clarinet: Tips & Advice

As a responsible clarinet player, you’re probably already aware how important learning how to clean the clarinet is. When you’re finished playing your clarinet and are ready to store it in its case, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it’s clean and ready for storage. Not only does learning how to […]

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Saxophone Reeds and Mouthpiece

It’s All About the Mouthpiece & Reed: Finding the Right Ones for Your Students

The mouthpiece and reed combination in clarinets and saxophones is critical to the success or failure of your students. Having the right ones means barely tolerating or not liking to play to absolutely loving playing and joining band. I see it happen all the time and it’s a beautiful thing.  After all, mouthpiece and the reed […]

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The Most Common Arguments Against Music Education (& How to Counter Them)

“I would teach children music,physics and philosophy;but most importantly music,for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning” -Plato Why Music Education is Under Attack It is a universally held belief that everyone has the right to his or her own views and beliefs. People have been debating and arguing […]

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