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Ruminating on Rudiments

Tens of thousands of drummers utilized their rudiments to guide soldiers during the American Civil War. Eventually, drumming grew beyond its military roots, and became the backbone of popular music.

Top 5 Benefits of Joining the School Band Program

It’s easy to grimace slightly as you hear the early sounds emanating from your child’s newly acquired instrument, as they explore those first notes in the early days of band class. Learning something new is never easy for anyone at first, but it’s the beginning of something magical that will equip them to succeed not only in music, but in school and life in general.

How to Get More Enjoyment out of Practicing

Keeping music fun, giving yourself time and space to absorb it, and trying new things is a solid recipe for improving quickly.

8 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Music Lessons

Before you start your music education, there are 8 things you need to know before starting music lessons to make the most of your musical journey.

Maximizing Your Practice Time

Have you ever got stuck while practicing - that feeling like you're just not getting any further with a piece of music, or a section in a song? Here are a few tips for hacking your own brain and maximizing your learning curve to get the most out of your practice time.

Learning Series 2021 - Virtual Edition

With national and international legends poised to present these live-streamed clinics, this year's offerings will be like no other!

For the Love of Learning

How do you foster success for students who are learning at school, for adults who are going back to an instrument, or any other person who is early in their musical career? Here are a few time tested ideas that can help!

Improvisation for Everyone

The dictionary offers us this definition: “Improvisation: to compose or sing without preparation....” This definition is misleading and potentially discouraging. Without preparation? If that’s true then what were iconic improvisers like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins doing during the marathon practice sessions they are known for?

Giving the Gift of Music Lessons

Giving the gift of lessons makes a great present for your loved one, no matter their age or stage. Whether you know someone who wants to improve their existing skills, who wants to pick an instrument up again after a long hiatus, or who has never touched music in their life, lessons as a gift are a perfect place to start.

6 Things to Consider BEFORE You Sit Down to Practice

It's the new year and you've made some resolutions. Maybe one of them was to start learning a new instrument or to play your instrument a bit more. Here are 6 things you should consider before sitting down to practice.

A Simple Way to Learn a Song in Half the Time

Most of us learn songs from the internet these days, using a combination of lyrics with chord symbols posted above the words, and YouTube videos of someone teaching the song by breaking down the various sections and demonstrating how to play them on the appropriate instrument. While these may work, here is a more simple way to learn a song in less time!

Rhythmic Vocabulary

Harmony, melody, rhythm; these are the three fundamental ingredients that make up the music you hear. Whether it be beautifully complex, or downright simple, it all comes down to how the musician uses these ingredients to express his or her musical ideas.