Horn is such a versatile instrument, thus the concept of characteristic tone is actually quite situationally dependent. But for our purposes as teachers, horn sound should be really round, warm, open and resonant.
Power Up! French Horn Tone
Teaching Concert Music or the Method Book
Do I teach concert music or the method book? It’s a conversation I have with colleagues all the time and it’s something I ask myself each day in the classroom.
Preparing for Festival with MakeMusic Cloud
Dan DiPasquale is a member of the MakeMusic Innovators program.
Throughout my career, I’ve strongly believed that it’s important to involve as many students as possible in festival and contest.
Sight Reading For All: Applications of Sight Reading for Teachers and Students
Sight reading is a fundamental skill that offers a myriad of benefits extending beyond the traditional scope of music literacy.
Lights, Camera, Practice! An interview with Brian Balmages, creator of the new Foundations Series
I believe this series solves several problems that ensemble conductors and private teachers struggle with on a daily basis:
Motivating their students to practice more Helping students make more of an immediate connection between the music they are playing in band or orchestra and the world around them Achieving more meaningful student engagement during the technique portion of ensemble rehearsals (and for that matter, making technique more fun for students in general!)Essentially, the Foundations Series is a collection of technical exercises that are set to actual movie soundtracks.
Power Up! Taking Your Clarinets Over the Break
Taking clarinet students “over the break” can be a daunting task for many band directors. Often, a single method book does not give the students enough access to the needed skill for them to be successful.
January 2024 Repertoire Update
In the last month, our Repertoire Development team added 73 interactive tracks across 57 new publications to the Music Catalog.
Sight Reading Studio Is Free for a Limited Time
We have an exciting announcement—Sight Reading Studio is now free for a limited time. We hope this enables even more musicians and music educators to experience how impactful Sight Reading Studio can be to improve sight reading skills.
A Week in Washington, Advocating for Music Education
Ron Manus, Chief Business Development Officer, Tom Gierke, Senior Vice President, Business Development, and Jennifer Paisley-Schuch, Director, Business Development from MakeMusic and Alfred Music joined a delegation of 85 music and arts advocates, music industry leaders, music teachers and faculty, and business leaders to speak directly to Members of Congress and their staff in support of full funding for quality, comprehensive school music education programs for all children.
Power Up! Tips for Teaching Beginning Snare Drum
Teaching beginning percussion students can be a very exciting experience. However, without the proper first steps, bad habits can be set that could take years to undo.