February 20, 2023
Music & Artists: CJ Camerieri
The brass luminary and yMusic co-founder on discovering chamber music, lessons learned from Paul Simon and Bon Iver, using the DigiTech Whammy pedal with brass, and much more.
Category: Band & Orchestra
January 30, 2023
Celebrating Jazz: How the Saxophone Became a Jazz Staple
Credit: Jeremiah True, St. Louis Music, P. Mauriat Brand Manager Jazz is widely considered by many to be the most diverse form of music on planet earth. From 19th century “Delta Style” blues to Traditional New Orleans “riverboat jazz,” from Coltrane to Kenny G, solo piano to modern jazz orchestra, Chick Corea’s Elektric Band to […]
January 20, 2023
History of the Violin
The violin is an important instrument in innumerable musical genres and traditions. It has origins dating back over 1,000 years and, for the most part, has existed in its current form for nearly 500 years. Early History The exact origins of bowed string instruments are unclear. There is evidence of bowed string instruments dating back […]
July 11, 2022
The First-Time Parent’s Guide To Band & Orchestra
Every year, millions of kids are introduced to music for the first time through their school’s band program. For many parents, this is their first experience with band and orchestra, too. The experience doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re a first-time band parent, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll get you up to […]
June 2, 2022
Trumpet Mutes 101
The trumpet has the ability to captivate listeners across a wide range of musical genres. However, sometimes you may desire a different color or tonal quality to truly express yourself on the instrument. This is where trumpet mutes come into play. Mutes offer a fascinating array of possibilities for shaping your sound. By understanding and […]
May 17, 2022
New Musician Must-Haves: Essential Accessories for Your Instrument
If you’re the parent of a budding musician — or a budding musician yourself — you’ll need to keep their instrument in tip-top shape. We’ll break down some essential band accessories your child will need. If your band director has provided us with their preferred items, just look up their school supply list, find their instrument […]
April 14, 2022
Understanding The Difference: Student Model Instruments vs. Advanced Instruments
updated 4/10/2022 Finding the right instrument is incredibly important. And while student instruments can be great for beginners just getting started, they can eventually hinder the progress of students who are further along their musical journey. If your child has become comfortable with their instrument and is committed to playing, it may be time to […]
February 28, 2022
10 Lessons Your Child Will Learn in Marching Band
Marching band is more than just a school activity – it’s an adventure where your child learns a different language and new skills that will last them a lifetime. Not only does marching band exercise the mind and body, but also it encourages friendships, cultivates creativity and provides students with a unique opportunity to grow […]
April 21, 2021
When to Upgrade Your Reeds, Strings, and Mouthpieces
Every musician, from professional clarinetists to beginner saxophonists, understand the importance of high quality accessories. From reeds and strings to mouthpieces, every part of an instrument affects its sound. One thing that’s not so obvious, though, is when those accessories should be upgraded or replaced. From knowing when it’s time to replace reeds to understanding […]
April 16, 2021
When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Trombone?
As the parent of a trombone student, you’ve probably been to your fair share of student performances and had plenty of exposure to the pleasant (and not so pleasant) sounds of your child practicing. While you might think you know your way around your child’s instrument, there’s probably a lot you don’t know. The quality […]