Playing Tips

Practice articulations by using visual representations. Draw a picture of staccato.

Characteristic tone and tuning start with air. Unrestricted air requires use of the diaphragm, posture that allows for expansion in...

For a well-rounded tone quality, I am convinced you need to warm-up the band always using long tones from B...

Reseat string orchestral sections into multiple string quintets. This approach emphasizes listening beyond your section and part while playing in...

When a student is sitting poorly they are able to take in air until their lungs can’t take in any...

Young clarinet players often play with unsupported, flat sounds in the upper register. This is often caused by a “mushy”...

Begin each rehearsal with a warm-up routine that focuses on some basic playing. This will develop good tone, intonation, blend...

David Snyder of Illinois State University in Normal, IL presents this month's Playing Tip.

I’m very insistent on the sound vs. silence duality. We will often practice by starting a note together with a...

To get all students involved and to quickly assess their knowledge, I will pose a question and have students close...

Since 2009, Roy Vogt's Teach Me Bass Guitar (TMBG) has been acknowledged as the world's best course of self-paced bass...

Brought to you by EPN Travel ServicesWhen tuning a chord, have students sing the chord, then bring the instruments up...