Playing Tips

SBO+: I get asked to present quite a few conducting workshops, especially for busy music educators who may not have...

While helping new groups gain confidence and gel, take the opportunity to explore the world of dynamics and emotional expression...

For performers of voice or wind instruments, so much of good sound production relies on proper placement, shape, and use...

Listening and hearing are two different things. Hearing is involuntary and listening is voluntary. The student “hears” the birds, rain,...

When rehearsing your jazz ensemble, try setting them up in a box (square). This will allow them to hear each other...

When starting beginning trumpet players, I have students immediately go to D and C#/DH below the staff in their method...

Through my years of teaching beginner trumpet players, I found that the “M-P” technique has been the most successful way...

Without a proper inhale, the tone quality suffers. The solution is practicing mindful inhalations before phonation. Here is a 4-step...

When rehearsing your concert band (or orchestra, or choir), try seating them outside of their section. This gives the students...

For musical theater repertoire, encourage your students to have active smiles while singing. This will help to achieve the signature...

Listening and hearing are two different things. Hearing is involuntary and listening is voluntary. The student “hears” the birds, rain,...

One of the things I find that my early saxophone and clarinet learners need to focus on is tongue placement....