Favorite blog posts, February 2017

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Another month dominated by flute bloggers. Leave me a comment if there are excellent blogs by reed players that I should be reading.

Concept-based woodwind methods

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If you are teaching a woodwind methods course, you might be interested in my book.Most college students studying instrumental music education have to take a woodwind “methods” course, a sort of crash course in teaching the woodwind instruments. I have taught woodwind methods classes for about the past ten years. A typical approach is to divide … Read more

Why scales?

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I recently asked one of my (woodwind) students why she thinks I make her practice scales. She didn’t have a ready answer, and I realized maybe I hadn’t been clear about the value of scales. Here are some reasons to practice scales (and arpeggios, and other methodical technical materials): To develop good finger movement. Scales provide … Read more

Review: “So You Want to Play in Shows…?” by Paul Saunders

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I got a review copy of So You Want to Play in Shows…?, a new woodwind doubling etude book. The author, Paul Saunders, is a woodwind player in London’s West End. The book includes seven studies for doubler playing flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone. It also includes a piano accompaniment book, with piano part recordings available … Read more

Favorite blog posts, January 2017

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Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, January 2017 edition.

Low reed stand showdown: K&M vs. Hercules

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Overall, I guess I lean toward the Hercules a little for bass clarinet, mostly because I could add, say, pegs for B-flat and E-flat clarinets and be ready for a utility clarinet gig. And I like the K&M slightly better for bassoon because its larger, softer cup makes a better target during a quick instrument switch.

Staying challenged

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I teach a small woodwind studio at a small university. That means that sometimes especially talented and hardworking students find they don’t have a lot of competition for ensemble placements, awards, and other things. Here’s what I suggest to students in that position, who want to stay motivated and challenged but have bumped up against … Read more

Musicians should embrace carry-on baggage fees

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People are outraged over an airline’s announcement that its cheapest fares will no longer cover carry-on baggage. (This isn’t the first time that airlines have charged fees for carry-on bags.) My experience flying with musical instruments as carry-ons has been stressful at best. This passage from an economics textbook rings true to me: The battle begins in the gate … Read more

2016 in review

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Here are some of the things that went on here at your favorite woodwind blog during the past year, and some things to look for in 2017. My biggest “hits” in terms of site visits and social media response were Please stop telling you clarinet students to tighten their embouchures, A few thoughts on the new Roland Aerophone … Read more

Favorite blog posts, December 2016

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Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, December 2016 edition.