Category: Band & Orchestra

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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5 Awesome Contemporary Bands That Feature a Flute Player

5 Awesome Contemporary Bands That Feature a Flute Player

Although the flute isn’t commonly heard in rock or pop music, a number of popular rock and pop bands and songs have prominently featured the flute in their music. Widely recognized as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian Anderson remains one of the most highly regarded flutists in contemporary music. So […]

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Trombone vs. Trumpet: What Makes Them Different

Even if your child isn’t learning how to play the trombone or trumpet from a professional band or orchestra teacher, you may still be curious about the key differences between the two instruments. Although they both belong to the brass family of instruments and are often featured side by side in marching bands and musical […]

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The Most Common Mistakes Made by Clarinet Players

The Most Common Mistakes Made by Clarinet Players

In general, a beautiful clarinet sound is considered to have five different qualities: depth, stability, focus, clarity, and an appropriate balance of “ring” and “darkness” that’s usually referred to as color. Unfortunately, there are a variety of mistakes or bad habits that can have a negative impact on the above qualities, making your clarinet sound […]

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Proper Cello Maintenance and Care

Proper Cello Maintenance and Care

Despite its large size, the cello is a fragile instrument that requires careful attention and proper maintenance to remain in good condition and peak playability. When properly cared for, a cello can last for hundreds of years. In fact, some of the cellos you see being played in orchestras today may have been manufactured in […]

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Cases, Mutes, and Other Essential Viola Accessories

Cases, Mutes, and Other Essential Viola Accessories

If your child is interested in playing the viola, there are some important accessories you should purchase before you even think about signing them up for lessons. Not only can these accessories make their playing better and their practicing easier, but they will help make their overall experience more enjoyable. Provided your child doesn’t lose […]

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Tips to Get The Most From Your Clarinet Lessons

Tips to Get The Most From Your Clarinet Lessons

The clarinet is a beautiful, woodwind instrument that has one of the largest ranges of pitch when compared to all of the other musical instruments. It’s a fun instrument to play, either on your own or with a band. You can greatly improve your ability to play the clarinet when you take lessons, but you […]

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How Much Will This Violin Repair Cost?

How Much Will This Violin Repair Cost?

As the parent of a violin student, you may be curious about how much you can expect to pay for a particular repair. While the cost of a violin repair may vary depending on the severity of damage, the luthier’s particular costs, or the age of the instrument, this list of common price ranges for […]

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