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Clarinet: Developing the Optimum Clarinet Tongue Position
Dr. Tracy Heavner | January 8, 2024A clarinetist’s tongue position is perhaps one of the most important components of successful playing since it has a direct effect on tone, intonation, response and the ability to articulate quickly. In addition, the ideal clarinet tone, which is dark, in tune, focused and strived for by all clarinetists, can only be achieved if the […] Read More... -
The Beginner is the Advanced is the Beginner
The U.S. Army Field Band | October 13, 2022There’s a saying there is no advanced level music or playing, just great fundamental playing at all levels whether beginner or advanced. Whether one is a flutist of many years, or if you’re in the beginnings of getting to know yourself as a player, or teaching a beginner or advanced student, you’ll always be working […] Read More... -
Debunking Saxophone Myths
Andrew J. Allen | September 5, 2022Bigfoot. Chupacabras. Unicorns. Nessie. These are all animals that (perhaps?) exist most vividly only in the minds of dreamers. Still, their legends endure. These creatures range from the frightening to the fanciful, but they all make for a good story. In music education, we also have a host of myths that pop up around instruments, […] Read More... -
Teaching the Oboe to Beginners
Sergeants First Class Erika Grimm and Sarah Schram-Borg | September 5, 2022Congratulations! You have beginning oboe players! We think the oboe is the most beautiful instrument in the ensemble. So much of the world’s best music features the oboe. This guide is meant to be a basic reference for teaching beginners. However, after the beginning stage, sending students to a knowledgeable oboe teacher will help them […] Read More... -
Playing and Teaching the Clarinet
Dr. Carol A. Jessup | September 5, 2022Playing and teaching the clarinet is both challenging and rewarding. The clarinet is one of the most versatile instruments in the woodwind family. In the hands of an artist the clarinet’s beautiful singing tone, large range, and technical capabilities offer significant musical possibilities. Fundamentals and reeds play an important role in clarinet performance. The reed […] Read More... -
Bassoon Basics
Staff Sergeant Randy Fultz | September 5, 2022The bassoon is an instrument that will present a compelling and rewarding challenge to any curious student. With a warm characteristic tone and wide expansive range, the bassoon provides a large toolbox for a student’s musical expression. While the intricate key work and double reeds may appear daunting, all the bassoon’s challenges can be diagnosed […] Read More... -
Clarinet Reed Adjustment and Care
Mike Lawson | October 5, 2017
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There are many significant benefits to being able to adjust and maintain clarinet reeds. -
Finding the Perfect Flute at the Perfect Price
Mike Lawson | October 5, 2017
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Have you ever tried to saw wood with a dull saw blade? Or tried to use a butter knife instead of a screwdriver? -
The Modern Mellow Music Makers: Woodwinds
Mike Lawson | October 7, 2016
Until electronics, woodwinds were the new guys on the block! The make-up of the modern symphony, symphonic and concert bands only became possible in the last 150 or so years. With the exception of the flutes and their little cousins the piccolos, woodwinds were primarily invented instruments from the mid 1800s. Woodwinds, so-called because most either are, or have at some time, been made from wood and the sound is made by altering the air column (wind) as it flows through the length of the instrument tube.
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