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When studying the playing and teaching of music today, it seems there are two main approaches which are taken, although the goal of both approaches is no doubt the same. All musicians want to play musically, with great accuracy and control,…
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"Only a few of our students will pursue music as a career, but all of them will be well served if we can help them achieve a feeling of self-confidence."
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There has been a debate over the years regarding the question of materials used for manufacturing both instruments and mouthpieces. A great number of saxophonists believe that metal mouthpieces are exclusively for playing jazz, and that…
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If I'm to be completely honest, I'd have to say that, more than anything, I chose to play the saxophone because of how it looked. Maybe that's shallow, but 11-year-olds are supposed to be shallow.
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Granted you won't be hearing that one anytime soon on Letterman, but as with the best humor, there is at least a grain of truth to the point being made. When it comes to the saxophone, understanding and mastering the required fingerings is…
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In this article, I hope to offer some sound advice toward the development of a quality, in tune, exciting sax section. Many of today's sections have difficulties that can be readily remedied through easily developed techniques in rehearsal…
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The revolutionary new Masters series represents a whole new direction in clarinet mouthpiece design. With the new approach taken to the tip opening and facing length relationship and the innovative chamber adjustments, Vandoren has created…
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Saxophone players obsess about mouthpieces and spend a lot of time and money experimenting to find the "perfect" mouthpiece. I know professional musicians who own 20 or more saxophone mouthpieces, and are constantly searching for a better…
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A properly made reed, in tandem with a good mouthpiece, well-serviced instrument, and fundamentally sound embouchure and air support, is essential for producing a good, characteristic clarinet sound.
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Look for reeds with an overall golden color. Avoid reeds that have a greenish tint or a dark brown tint. The cane used to make these reeds has not been cured properly.
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