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.
March 11, 2024
A Guide to Music Competition Mastery and Confidence Spring is quickly approaching, which means it’s time for us to tune into a topic that resonates with many of our dedicated musicians: preparing for music competitions. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or gearing up for your first competition, this guide is composed to help you orchestrate […]
June 12, 2023
Behind every melody that stirs our souls and every harmony that transports us to another realm lies the genius of a music composer. Composers are architects of sound, crafting masterpieces that define and transcend eras. In this post, we will explore the lives and works of some of the most influential music composers, individuals whose […]
August 17, 2020
Even if you’re the kind of student that loves school, it’s safe to assume you don’t find every part of it particularly exciting and rewarding. Some students love the thrill of solving a calculus problem, but others dread that subject. But no matter what you love or loathe about school, there’s one subject you’ll be […]
July 6, 2020
When it comes to activities that make children feel safe, understood, and challenged, few can match the magic of music. But, like so much else, the Covid-19 pandemic has made accessing music a major challenge for the countless students who are currently enrolled in band and orchestra classes across America. According to a recent article […]
December 1, 2019
Most of the world has somewhat of an idea about how difficult teaching is, but middle school teachers are proven to have it rougher than most other educators. The feeling of just getting used to teaching a certain group of middle schoolers only to start over with an unfamiliar group of kids is unavoidable in […]
March 12, 2019
As the gloomy wintry days give way to longer days of bright sunlight, musicians across the country are hard at work preparing for concert season. For musicians, spring is an important time–its the beginning of concert season! So give your muscles a good stretch to shake off the winter slumber, and get ready for concert […]
April 16, 2017
Feature photo via Kelsey, CC If you’ve ever attended the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, or have plans to in the future, you’re sure to enjoy a fun weekend that’s packed with guitar-heavy rock bands and electronic music. But, what if you want a little saxophone with your rock? Or some violin with your indie? […]
October 15, 2016
In 2008, Gramophone (one of the world’s most respected classical music publications) took on a monumental responsibility: ranking the world’s best orchestras. With a panel composed of renowned musicians and music critics from a variety of different countries, Gramophone evaluated orchestras from around the world, as long as they met a few qualifications. Modern, romantic […]
December 17, 2015
You get only one chance per year to recruit new band and orchestra members. For the next six to seven years your district’s ensembles will be a product of your efforts today. Each year, music teachers all around our nation have an opportunity to grow a powerful music program, and beginning band and orchestra students […]
