You might look at a trumpet and think, “It only has three valves—what could go wrong?” Despite the relative simplicity and durability of trumpets, trombones and other brass instruments, many issues can pop up and threaten to derail your ensemble’s rehearsal, concert or field performance. As the band director, you’re the first responder for any […]

Lee Brice’s go-to drummer on Nashville, Neil Peart, Dave Weckl and the record-setting Stagecoach crowd that nearly made him cry.

Learn the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a musical instrument. Explore the benefits and costs to help you make the right choice.

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 […]

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 […]

Greyson Nekrutman, a Buddy Rich-style virtuoso who plays in Sepultura, hails from a new generation of drum gods whose social-media skills work in tandem with their talent behind the kit.

Clarinet master Julian Bliss on Sabine Meyer, Wayne Shorter, multitracking and that time he almost met Ozzy Osbourne.