Category: Lessons

Band Student

A Band Director’s Guide to Choosing Concert Repertoire

Veteran educators share important and practical considerations for music selection. No two band programs are alike, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing music. Yet there are certain overarching topics and themes that steer those decisions and build a foundation for brilliant student performances. In this primer, experienced band directors from across the country, spanning […]

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PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy

PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy: Profiles in Education

The director of the groundbreaking saxophone ensemble reflects on the teachers who changed his life, his own career as an educator, his Selmer horns and more.

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Bobby Sanabria

Bobby Sanabria’s Secrets of the Clave

One of Latin jazz’s greatest bandleaders offers tips for unlocking the foundation of Afro-Caribbean music.

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Child Guitar Practice

How to Build the Perfect Practice Routine

Essential tips for making the most out of your focused practice time. It’s happened to all of us. You sit down with your instrument with the intention of practicing, but quickly feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. Where do I even start? Am I practicing the right way? What should I […]

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Carli Kennedy

Carli Kennedy’s Singer-Songwriter Secrets

The Nashville-based Music & Arts instructor, who performs with her sister in the acclaimed classical-country duo Twin Kennedy, reveals her tricks of the songwriting trade.

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Doug Woolverton Trumpet Player

Doug Woolverton’s Modern Blues Mastery

One of contemporary blues’ premier horn players on transcribing guitarists, controlling his sound with effects pedals, and using open space like B.B. King.

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Child Pianist

Five Ways Music Education Can Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential

While the obvious goal of music education is to teach your child to play and appreciate music, there are many other benefits along the way. Learning to read, play and understand music builds several important skills at once, from physical and mental dexterity to emotional maturity and social skills. Here are five important ways music […]

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Parent daughter guitar practice

Learn to Thrive: A Parent’s Guide to the First Year of Music Lessons

Essential tips and strategies for navigating the challenges of early music education. Learning a musical instrument can be immensely rewarding for any child. Through school band or private music lessons (or both), your child can discover their unique talent and passion, build self-confidence through performance and forge lifelong friendships. While the first year of your […]

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band and orchestra education

How to Maximize Your Band & Orchestra Budget

Running a successful band and orchestra program takes more than musical talent and dedication—it also requires financial savvy and resourcefulness. While some schools are flush with cash, most have limited funds and need to make every dollar in the budget count. In order to get the money you need to have a successful band and […]

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Andrew Kasab

Andrew Kasab’s Fingerstyle Foundation

The harp-guitar master and Music & Arts instructor unpacks key concepts for players looking to lose the flatpick.

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