- DoctorFlute (Angela McBrearty): How to NOT Go Flat at the End of Notes
- Jenny Maclay (clarinet): Repertoire Recommendations Based on Standard Repertoire
- oboeinsight (Patty Mitchell): Advice from an Old Musician
What kind of ligature should I get?
I’m on record as believing that clarinet and saxophone ligatures make little if any actual difference in how you sound. You’re welcome to disagree, but you might want to watch Michael Lowenstern’s video about it first. So, assuming the ligature has little direct influence on sound, what is the best kind to buy? Consider the … Read more
Why doesn’t my new mouthpiece work?
So you bought a new mouthpiece! How exciting. But wait—it’s not playing as well as you hoped. Maybe it squeaks, or some (or all) notes don’t come out very well, or the tuning is weird. Let’s consider some possible reasons why: A good rule of thumb is that a mouthpiece can’t give you skills, talent, … Read more
Playing at professional volume
One thing I notice about a lot of my younger university students is that they play softly. Sometimes they seem reluctant to play above what I might consider about a mezzo piano. If I ask, many of them reveal that they spent their formative years in school band programs getting The Hand from their directors. … Read more
Favorite blog posts, October 2022
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, October 2022 edition.
Common woodwind-playing myths
Watch out for these woodwind myths: “Support from your diaphragm“ “Tighten your embouchure“ “Use your tongue to start notes“ “Let your lower lip roll over your teeth“ “We tune to the oboe because it’s untunable or has special overtones or something“ “Keep your fingers close to the keys so you can play faster“ “Crossing the … Read more
Written jazz articulation problems
In classical music for wind players, articulation markings are gospel—part of the composer’s intent, to be performed with accuracy. But printed jazz music, such as arrangements published for high school or college big bands, can take varied approaches to articulation markings.
Favorite blog posts, September 2022
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, September 2022 edition.
Why do I need to use alternate fingerings?
Woodwind instruments including the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone all have more than one fingering for some notes. Why is that, and do you need to learn them all?
Is jazz swing triplety, or not?
Here are some helpful generalizations we can make about swing rhythms.