December 9, 2015
Buying a new instrument can be stressful, particularly if you’ve chosen to purchase your child’s viola online. Since the viola is a relatively complex instrument, many experts advise parents to speak with their child’s orchestra teacher for tips on choosing a viola that’s well-made, has a good tone, and is worth spending money on. As […]
August 1, 2015
Viola Rental Guide Learning to play a new instrument is an exciting but uncertain time. Will you enjoy the viola and stick with it, or will you decide it’s not for you and try a different instrument instead? The answer to this question is something you’ll only find out once you give it a shot, […]
April 3, 2025
The renowned composer — who helms new scores and initiatives for Alfred and MakeMusic Publications — talks about what goes into crafting great music for students and reflects on the most poignant moments of his career.
February 20, 2025
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.
September 12, 2024
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 […]
September 4, 2024
Band and orchestra (B&O) programs offer a myriad of benefits, from fostering a love of music to nurturing essential life skills like teamwork, self-discipline and time management—all while providing a ton of fun. As a parent, B&O programs offer you a unique chance to connect with your child in a whole new way. By sharing […]
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 […]
January 20, 2023
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
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 […]
May 17, 2022
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, and head […]
