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Musical Instruments

Winds

Percussion

Strings

guitars

Piano

A YouTube Channel for Winds Practice

An Ohio music educator created a series of videos to help his winds students practice the fundamentals at home.

6 Strokes for Front Ensemble Warm-Ups

Develop an effective warm-up exercise sequence for marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, timpani, drum set, glockenspiel and more.

A Christmas Concert for Flutes and Piccolos

In Akron, Ohio, flute players —from students to professionals and everyone in between — get together each year to rehearse and perform a Christmas concert all in one day.

4 Tips to a Stronger Low Saxophone Section

When a saxophone section “clicks,” it’s an awesome musical moment. These musicians are technically proficient, well-balanced, in tune and great communicators across the ensemble. In any band, an outstanding saxophone section can bring an irreplaceable timbre and depth to the entire group. One of the factors that contributes to this sound is a ro…

Deconstructing Mallets: Find the Best Mallets for Your Percussion Section

Once upon a time, mallet choices were limited. The hardness of a mallet was the most dramatic way to change the sound of an instrument. Today, a variety of percussion implements are available, which has complicated the selection process. The age-old “use-a-harder-stick” solution to fix ensemble issues is no longer the only or best option. Malle…

Winds

You Don’t Have to Be a Pro to Go to a Guild Show

Does Your Student Need an Upgraded Instrument?

Programming with Limited Winds Instrumentation

Percussion

Help your students find the beat with these articles on teaching and maintaining percussion instruments.

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The Legacy of Fred Sanford

Each year, drum corps participants remember and honor Sanford, an innovative and passionate force in marching percussion, whose name graces DCI’s award for the most outstanding percussion section.

A Visual Learning Plan for Percussionists

Breaking down All-State audition etudes over 12 weeks through a pass-off system of practicing and sign-offs transformed All-State participation and helped percussion students improve.

Strings

Electric String Ensemble Checklist

7 Ways to Help Band Directors Tackle Strings Education

Pros and Cons for Pickups, Microphones and Electric Strings

Guitars

Ideas and insights on teaching guitars to your students.

Guitar Electives: A Gateway for Growth

Engage guitar students to stay in music with a variety of diverse course offerings.

Tone and Sound on Your Guitar, Part 2

To find their tone, students must be familiar with everything their gear — pickups, controls, cables, amps, effects and more — can do.

Piano

From the classics to the current, find ideas for helping your students embrace the beauty and versatility of the piano.

SHOP PIANO

5 Benefits to Creating a Keyboard Orchestra

In your group piano class, use the various “voices” of a keyboard to create an orchestra of different effects and instruments.

One Arm Will Do on the Piano

A music educator and composer has found a way for students with broken or injured arms continue to learn to play the piano.

Fix It: Tips for Teaching Rhythmic Accuracy on the Piano

Try these expert tips to help students understand and master rhythm and pulse.