Announcing the Note Image Generator

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The Note Image Generator, version 0.1, is a tool for quickly generating batches of images of single notes on staves, like this:

It might be useful to users of my Fingering Diagram Builder, who want note images to combine with fingering diagram images when making fingering charts, but there are lots of potential uses for various educational materials. You can select a range of notes, a clef, and some other options, and download the images for your use.

The image creation is powered by LilyPond. The images are free for any usage.

Let me know what you think!

Fingering Diagram Builder, version 0.81

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Here’s a new minor release of the Fingering Diagram Builder with a few small improvements: Bug fixes and minor behavior improvements New bassoon keys: High F (plus offset high E and E-flat), alternate low C, alternate low C-sharp. This should cover everything Fox currently lists as bassoon keywork options. (Thanks to Trent for the feedback.) … Read more

Favorite blog posts, March 2020

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Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, March 2020 edition.

When things get canceled

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At the time it seemed like the world was coming to an end. But things worked out. I canceled some things and modified or delayed some others. Some kind prof

Technical limits

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If I try to play too softly, sometimes my notes don’t respond as I would like. If I try to play too loudly, sometimes my tone or intonation suffer. I have similar limitations when it comes to things like finger or tongue speed, tone color or pitch flexibility, and more. The way I deal with … Read more

Review: NewMusicShelf Anthology of New Music: Alto Saxophone, Vol. 1

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It’s hard to escape the inertia of the “standard repertoire.” NewMusicShelf Anthology of New Music: Alto Saxophone, Vol. 1 is an elegant solution.

Favorite blog posts, February 2020

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Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, February 2020 edition.

Updated: Music for woodwind doublers

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As of February 2020, I’ve made some substantial updates to my catalog of music written for players of multiple woodwind instruments: Music for woodwind doublers There are a few pieces I have listed as currently being researched, mostly cases where I am awaiting responses from composers. And I now have a special section for pieces … Read more

Playing professional whole notes

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I have spent many hours of my life absorbed in difficult études and repertoire. Challenging music pushes the limits of my abilities. But when I actually get hired to play music, it’s almost never anything that complicated. Many of my workaday gigs are very easy—on paper. One part of my career is playing with a … Read more

Working less hard

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On some level it feels more like teaching if I can tell a student a new thing to do. Assign them an additional task. But the most productive and valuable lessons (or personal practice sessions) are often the ones when I can convince a student (or myself) to do one fewer thing.