- Joffe Woodwinds: Practicing on the Gig
- JQ Flute: Rough times happening? Oh look, there you are making gold out of it. Here’s 3 heartfelt observations about your playing to get you through the storm
- Oboemotions: Promising Research
- Kristopher King (bassoon): Low A
- The Flute View: Creating and Refining Better Habits in Your Practice Room by Rena Urso
- Wayne Leechford: Auditioning for All-District
- Jenny Maclay (clarinet): My Winter Warm-Up Routine For Cold Days
Decrescendo to zero
Woodwind players often struggle with decrescendos that quit too soon. (“Decrescendi” if you prefer.) It’s pretty disappointing to play a graceful phrase and have the last note end abruptly instead of fading down smoothly to zero. There’s not a special technique to deploy in order to make successful decrescendos to niente. This delicate dynamic effect … Read more
Observing woodwind playing objectively
If you are teaching a woodwind methods course, you might be interested in my book.I have my woodwind methods classes do a lot of observing of woodwind playing. They comment on each other’s woodwind playing in class, write concert/recital reports, and make written comments on each other’s playing exams (for my eyes only). This is … Read more
Which college should I choose for music?
Here’s my best general advice for choosing a college for your music studies.
Favorite blog posts, December 2018
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, December 2018 edition.
The difference between “student” and “professional” instruments
Visit a music store or an instrument maker’s website and you will frequently see band instruments sorted into categories like “student,” “intermediate/step-up,” and “professional.” It’s important to understand that these distinctions are not bound to any specific criteria, and not policed by any governing body. The labels have a lot to do with target market, … Read more
FAQ: Ligatures
These are questions I am often asked about clarinet or saxophone ligatures, by blog readers or by my students. Is there a ligature that can accomplish _____ for me? If you are looking for something to hold the reed onto the mouthpiece, then yes. If you are hoping to achieve something loftier, then probably not. … Read more
Things beginning band directors say to clarinet sections
Tough love for teachers of beginning clarinetists.
Favorite blog posts, November 2018
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, November 2018 edition.
How to get 10 good reeds from a box
If you are getting less than 80% playable reeds from the boxes you are currently buying, buy different ones.