February 13, 2025
Music & Artists: Jared James Nichols
The blues-rock guitar hero talks Epiphone Les Pauls, Blackstar amps, playing electric without a pick and the fine art of riff-writing.
Category: Buyer’s Guides
February 7, 2025
Jazz Saxophone Reed Guide: Pro Tips
Four great saxophonists in modern and contemporary jazz — Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Lakecia Benjamin and Miguel Zenón — offer expert advice based on decades of selecting, preparing and storing reeds.
February 4, 2025
The Ludwig-Musser Wish List
Industry leaders in orchestral and educational percussion, Ludwig-Musser honor their heritage while guiding the state of the art. Here are five instruments that will take your program to the next level.
December 5, 2024
Meet the Makers: Yamaha Band & Orchestra
The global giant in instrument-making, Yamaha has produced progressive, meticulously crafted products for well over a century. In this guide, we cover the brand’s storied history and survey some of its groundbreaking gear. Yamaha is the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, with a legacy spanning more than 130 years. The company’s unwavering quality […]
December 3, 2024
Songbook Gift Guide: Pop Hits of ’24 & More
Looking for that perfect stocking stuffer to match a new keyboard, guitar or band-and-orchestra instrument? Check out these best-selling songbooks from hitmakers including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Sure, you’re reading this on a screen, but we at Music & Arts continue to believe in the power of printed music. A great songbook can […]
October 7, 2024
A Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Care & Maintenance, Part 2: When Does My Guitar Need a Setup & Intonation Adjustment?
Understanding the fundamental maintenance tasks that will help your guitar stay in tune. It’s hard to overstate the importance of having a guitar that consistently plays in tune. Many beginners struggle more than necessary simply because their instrument isn’t set up correctly. Proper tuning and intonation can make the difference between becoming a lifelong guitarist […]
August 21, 2024
How to Recruit Top Talent for Your Band & Orchestra Program
Imagine that a gifted drummer, guitarist or pianist just started their freshman year at your school. The student’s middle-school teacher even passed along a note praising their abilities. As the band director, you’d love to get them involved in the music program. But so far, they haven’t shown any interest in joining. Most band and […]
August 14, 2024
3 Essential Quick Repairs for Clarinet
Imagine you’re backstage, minutes before the curtain rises on your school’s biggest concert of the year. Amid the frenzied last-minute preparations, your clarinet player walks up to you in a near panic and utters the four words every music educator dreads most: “My instrument isn’t working.” You’ve probably been through similar situations before and know […]
August 9, 2024
Renting vs. Purchasing: Pros and Cons
It’s a question that confronts every parent of a band or orchestra student: Is it better to rent or buy an instrument? More questions follow: Will your child stick with it for a while? Will they want to switch instruments at some point? Will you need to start with a smaller instrument and upgrade as […]
July 23, 2024
Overcoming the Challenges of Double-Reed Instruments
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 […]