August 9, 2024
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 […]
August 7, 2024
At a Music & Arts repair facility, a technician wipes down an acoustic guitar’s strings and fretboard using a microfiber cloth. Imagine you’ve just purchased your first guitar. You spent hours looking at all the available options and finally chose the instrument that’s right for you—the perfect model, in just the right color. How can […]
July 23, 2024
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 […]
July 18, 2024
From affordable piano alternatives to analog sonic explorers, this helpful primer outlines the keyboard basics. There’s nothing like playing a real acoustic piano, but not everyone has the space or the budget to have the real thing at home. Fortunately, Music & Arts offers a wide variety of digital pianos, MIDI keyboards and synthesizers to […]
July 15, 2024
Whether you’re buying your first guitar or adding to your collection, there’s a world of accessories to explore that can help you get the most out of your instrument and playing experience. In this article, we’ll cover the top accessories every guitar player needs. First, we’ll look at essential accessories for all players, then explore […]
June 7, 2024
So your kiddo came to you and said that their musical heart beats to the rhythm of a drum kit—congrats! Learning the drums is a fun, fulfilling endeavor that opens up a wide world of music and instruments to explore. It also comes with a learning curve—especially if you and your child are new to […]
May 24, 2024
Learning a musical instrument is a journey that can be both enriching and demanding, particularly for children. Besides supporting cognitive development and academic performance, music provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression, along with a shared language for connecting with others. But mastery of an instrument doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort and perseverance. […]
February 2, 2020
The saxophone is a relatively new instrument, invented during the 1840’s by Belgian musician and instrument maker, Adolphe Sax. The first orchestral music for saxophone was composed by Hector Berlioz in 1844. In the ensuing years, volumes of new music included parts for saxophone, but it really came to the forefront in the United States […]
January 20, 2020
Like violins and violas, acoustic cellos come in different sizes to accommodate different players. Cellos are sized according to the length of the back of the instrument. Older teenagers and adults play full size, or 4/4, cellos. These are 30 inches in length or sometimes slightly longer depending on the manufacturer. Younger and/or shorter students will find […]
August 22, 2016
The use of a quality trumpet that’s in good playing condition is paramount to the success of every trumpet player, regardless of their proficiency. Thousands of parents each and every year face a decision just like yours. Should you rent an instrument until your child’s ready to make a full-time commitment? Should you buy an […]
