Category: Band & Orchestra

Tips to Get the Most from Your Violin Lessons

Essential Violin Accessories for Students

So, your child has decided to take violin lessons and you couldn’t be more excited- until you start thinking about the laundry list of accessories you’ll need to purchase in addition to purchasing the instrument itself. Which accessories are essential and which can they do without? Many of the accessories available on the market are […]

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Clarinet Advice for Beginners

While the clarinet is a fun and versatile woodwind instrument to play and learn, the process can be challenging and confusing, especially for those who are new to the instrument. Whether you feel out of breath when you play, aren’t sure how to maintain or clean your instrument, or are confused about breaking in reeds, […]

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Cello Rosin: Everything You Need to Know

Cello Rosin: Everything You Need to Know

There is a variety of cello rosin available on the market and, if you’re a new cellist, you probably have no idea where to start. Whether you’re purchasing cello rosin for the first time or for the first time in awhile, this essential accessory is actually a bit of a mystery to most string musicians, […]

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Clarinet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

Clarinet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

A huge part of being a successful clarinet student and performer is choosing the right mouthpiece. Whether you’re replacing a damaged mouthpiece or are looking for an upgrade to improve your sound and playing experience, you’ll quickly find that there are a variety of clarinet mouthpieces to choose from. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong mouthpiece can […]

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The Difference Between a Beginner and Professional Mouthpieces

Alto & Tenor Sax: Similarities & Differences

When it comes to saxophones, there are four major varieties: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Among these, the alto and tenor saxophones have become favorites among musicians, composers, and listeners. Professional musicians, including John Coltrane (tenor) and Charlie Parker (alto), have brought the two types of saxophones into the mainstream. While both saxophones are often […]

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Helpful Information for Beginner Viola Players

Helpful Information for Beginner Viola Players

Learning how to play the viola can be a fun and exciting adventure, but getting started can be difficult for some violists- especially those who are very young or have never played an instrument before. Whether you’re a beginner violist or simply feel like one after months of no practice, there are a few important […]

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Tips and Advice for Cello Players

Tips and Advice for Cello Players

Whether you’re new to playing the cello or haven’t picked up the instrument for a couple decades, you can’t expect to become a master overnight- it will take plenty of practice, determination, and dedication before you’ll even come close. Whether you’d like to eventually play the cello in a professional band or orchestra or just […]

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Trumpet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

Trumpet Mouthpieces: A Buying Guide

The mouthpiece is arguably the most important part of any brass instrument, including trumpets. Without a mouthpiece, there’s no sound. And with a high-quality mouthpiece, the sound is crisp and clear. Although most trumpet players choose their mouthpiece purely out of personal preference, it’s important to understand how a mouthpiece is crafted to maximize sound. […]

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The Most Common Problems with Used Flutes

The Most Common Problems with Used Flutes

While purchasing a used flute is more economical and provides a better short-term value, particularly for brand new students, many used flutes sold on sites like eBay and Craigslist are in questionable condition. There are several common problems that show up in flute after flute, and most of these problems will need to be addressed […]

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How to Adjust Saxophone Reeds

How to Adjust Saxophone Reeds

When you play the saxophone, you should expect to have some trouble with your reeds. Finding a reed that produces a great sound is one hurdle but, even if you find the perfect set of reeds, you’ll still have to adjust them so you can achieve the sound you want. There are numerous ways to […]

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