January 3, 2025
Band directors and music teachers weigh in on how the almighty smartphone has affected music education—for better and for worse. When it comes to technology in schools, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle. Smartboards, Chromebooks, tablets and smartphones are inseparable from education. Over the past decade, and with rapid advancements since Covid, […]
December 23, 2024
Credits: Peter Freed (Patitucci), Robyn Twomey (Oh). Two of the greatest bass players on the planet, John Patitucci and Linda May Han Oh, share stories and strategies to help students and teachers navigate the electric-acoustic divide. Plus: Gear advice and accessories picks. For bassists, life typically begins in one of two ways: on upright, […]
December 18, 2024
Music & Arts teachers share best practices for building a successful teacher-parent rapport. When Andrew Kasab started taking piano lessons as a 5-year-old, his mother would sit in to follow along with Andrew’s progress and reinforce his lessons at home. Decades later, after Kasab became a guitar and bass teacher at Music & Arts, […]
December 11, 2024
William F. Ludwig and his son William Jr., both musicians as well as businessmen, represent the Ludwig brand, which bought Musser Mallet Percussion in 1966. Image courtesy of Conn Selmer. The history of Ludwig-Musser Percussion weaves together the stories of two pioneering companies and their visionary namesakes. From the beginning, music education has informed the […]
December 6, 2024
As Yamaha clinicians, the swing-revival aces take their fun-loving approach to schools across the country. Glen “The Kid” Marhevka, featured trumpet soloist and lead clinician, reflects on music education and how the retro-swing movement changed the perception of band kids. When trumpeter and educator Glen “The Kid” Marhevka looks back on all the shows […]
November 27, 2024
Music & Arts teacher and rising country star Carli Kennedy on how students can turn their nerves and self-doubt into positive performance energy. Growing up in Canada, the singer-songwriter Carli Kennedy absorbed all kinds of crucial musical information, including rigorous classical training. But one invaluable lesson escaped every one of her esteemed teachers: How […]
November 14, 2024
Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble.
October 31, 2024
The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig
October 30, 2024
The DIVA Jazz Orchestra leader on technique, teaching, gear and why stuffing a blanket inside your bass drum isn’t the answer. Plus: the 5 common pitfalls for developing big-band drummers For a young Sherrie Maricle, there was never any question about where to focus her efforts behind the kit. “It was definitely jazz, and it […]
October 25, 2024
The bond between musician and musical instrument is special. Most seasoned players will even describe their instrument as an extension of themselves. However, as you progress, you may find yourself at a crossroads: Do you stick with your trusty companion, or is it time to upgrade to something new? Let’s dive into the importance of […]
