First Time Clarinet Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the clarinet. Whether you are new to playing music in general, new to the clarinet, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after receiving your instrument. Parts of the Clarinet Click the image to...
First Time Flute Players
Congratulations on choosing the flute! Flutes and variations of flutes have been played not only all over the world, but all throughout history. Archeologists have even found flutes made from bone and played by cavemen! As a music student, or a parent of a music...
First Time Oboe Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the oboe. The oboe is both a challenging and rewarding instrument to learn. Whether you are new to playing music, new to the oboe, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after receiving your...
First Time Tenor Saxophone Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the tenor saxophone. The saxophone, or “sax” as it’s often called, can be seen in all types of music. As a music student, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics. Alto vs Tenor Saxophones Both the alto and...
First Time Baritone/Euphonium Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the baritone or euphonium horn. While not quite as well-known as other instruments in the band, these large brass instruments pack a powerful musical punch. Whether you are new to music, new to the baritone/euphonium, or a parent of...
First Time French Horn Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the French horn. Whether you are new to music, new to the horn, or simply a parent of a new music student, you will want to know these basics soon after receiving your instrument. Parts of the French Horn Click the image to zoom in....
First Time Trombone Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the trombone. Whether you are new to playing music, new to the trombone, or a parent of a new music student, you will want to know these basics soon after receiving your instrument. Parts of the Trombone Below is a diagram of the...
First Time Trumpet Players
The trumpet (and its very close cousin the cornet horn) add pep to any band. We are very excited that you have chosen it as your instrument! Whether you are a new music student or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after receiving...
How to Hold Your Brass Instrument: Tips and Reminders
The road to success as a musician begins with learning how to hold your instrument properly. Always remember that the goal is to support your brass (also called brasswind) instrument, not to strangle it. Keep your hands and arms relaxed. Many music teachers speak of...
Brass Wind Instrument Care Tips
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your brass instrument in top condition. While trumpets, cornets, French horns, trombones, baritones, euphoniums, and tubas each have their own parts and design, their care is very much the same. All brass instruments require...
First Time String Bass Players
Congratulations on choosing the bass! The bass (pronounced base like in baseball) is the largest and deepest sounding instrument in the stringed instrument family. As a music student, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after buying...
First Time Cello Players
Congratulations on choosing the cello! The cello (rhymes with Jell-O) is the second largest member of the stringed instrument family and produces a wonderful deep tone. As a music student, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after...