Category: Band & Orchestra

Essential Saxophone Accessories for Beginners

If you’re new to playing the saxophone, there are quite a few different saxophone accessories available online and in music stores. Some of them are absolutely essential, some of them can be done without, and others are intended to be purely just for fun. Although the purchasing of “essential” saxophone accessories will evolve as you […]

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Changing Violin Strings

Changing Violin Strings: A Beginner’s Guide

One reason that parents often encourage their children to learn to play an instrument is that it provides a great opportunity to learn about responsibility. Owning a violin is a big responsibility, especially for children who are just starting to learn to play. There’s a lot to know about the proper care and maintenance of […]

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Trumpet Tips & Tricks

Trumpet Tips

When it comes to playing the trumpet, you can’t expect your child to become a master overnight- it takes plenty of practice and dedication before your child will even come close. Whether your child wants to play the trumpet on their own or as part of a school marching band, they’ll feel more comfortable playing […]

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Cello Rental or Purchase

Renting vs Buying an Instrument: A Parent’s Guide

Part of the challenge of getting your child started in band, orchestra, or private lessons for the first time (besides deciding on an instrument!) is deciding whether you should rent or buy an instrument. As a parent, there are pros and cons to each, just like there are pros and cons for your child, the […]

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Five Brass Instruments from Allora that Are Perfect for the Beginner Musician

Ideal for beginner to intermediate brass musicians, Allora manufactures high-quality instruments at a great price–and that’s the whole idea. Allora designs and manufactures German-designed saxophones, tubas, and horns, along with a line of accessories that are expertly designed for non-expert players. If you’re new to playing a brass instrument, Allora is the perfect place to […]

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Violin Rental vs. Purchase: Which is Right for You?

Renting a Violin vs. Purchasing: Which is Right for You?

Many parents with a young, excited musician often struggle with one thing: does purchasing or renting a violin make more sense, at least initially? Many parents opt for renting a violin, with the logic being that their son or daughter may eventually lose interest in the instrument. Others are concerned that their child will grow […]

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What’s the Difference Between a Cornet and Trumpet?

Trumpets and cornets look and often sound very similar. In fact, it’s a common mistake for people to think that a cornet is just a short trumpet. While there are many similarities between these two brass instruments, there are quite a few differences between cornets and trumpets. If you’re the parent of a child who […]

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Back to School, Back to Marching Band

Back to School, Back to Marching Band

Hate it or love it, the first day of school is right around the corner. And, if you’re a proud member of your school’s marching band, so is the marching band season. Whether you’re dreading band camps and after school practices in the hot sunshine or football game performances and never ending parades, getting back […]

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Should I Rent or Buy an Instrument for my Student

Should I Rent or Buy an Instrument for my Student

Renting vs. Buying Part of the challenge of a student getting started in band for the first time is making the decision to rent or buy your first instrument. There are definite pros and cons to both as a musician, but many folks haven’t played since middle school or at all. I know that when I find myself […]

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What’s a Step-Up Instrument (& Why a Rental is a Good Choice)

A step-up instrument is the instrument that gives you a “step-up” from student models to a professional model. They are the in between instrument that works perfect for learners making their way to a professional status. The step-up instrument is the perfect transitional tool between the two. These are great instruments to learn from and […]

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