Woodwinds

I did not realize how fortunate I was as a child until I started teaching oboe privately. My parents bought me a new wooden oboe and found a good source of handmade reeds for me that were provided for 6 years. Many students are not so…
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As the leaves change color and football teams take the field, another school year is upon us. Before we know it, the marching band will play its last half time show and concert band will begin. Now is the time to begin developing a full…
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People often pick up attributes from what they love in this life. Newspapermen are said to have printer's ink in their veins while railroad people become men of steel. For those who develop more than a passing interest in making reeds for…
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Since most of the instruments you’ll be using are school owned, you’ll probably have one of the following brands: Fox, Renard, Conn, Yamaha, Selmer, Linton, Olds or probably an Conn or Olds. The most desirable brands would include:…
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Every fall, right before the Illinois District/All-State Auditions, high school students from around the area and beyond call me to set up lessons. Usually, the student arrives in my office on time at the first lesson with a beautiful…
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The most basic and perhaps most important part of practicing is warming up. How you go about doing this is essential to your success on the clarinet. Use your time wisely to achieve the maximum results in the minimum amount of time.…
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Making the transition from an entry level instrument to one that offers professional styling and features is an important step for most students. Often, the ability to successfully transition to a quality instrument at this stage will…
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“A beautiful flute tone is of interest only to flute players”. This startling statement was made by the incomparable artist and pedagogue Marcel Moyse, in the preface to his important volume, “Tone Development through Interpretation”…
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Solexa Presents the Thumbport. The Thumbport clips onto the flute and guides the right thumb to be more functional in keeping the flute stable. Flutists will find new freedom in finger movement and stability in sound production. You will…
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Richard Hahn is Professor Emeritus of Flute and former Director of the Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. He began his career as a flutist with the Milwaukee Chamber Players and was a featured soloist with the Fine Arts…
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The advantages of good breathing, for example, having a beautiful sound or playing complete phrases, just don’t seem to concern the beginner. Most beginners are happy just to be able to recognize the tune they are trying to play, no matter…
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A simple test can make sure that your student has a good grip and proper embouchure on a single reed instrument. Even if everything looks right, your student might not be placing the weight of the head on the top of the mouthpiece. Some…
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Buffet Crampon has long been recognized as the world leader in clarinet production. Of the many models offered by Buffet Crampon, the two most prominent choices for an upgrade are the E11 student/intermediate clarinet and the…
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