The trombone world has seen tons of advancement in valve technology in the last decade. It may feel overwhelming trying to choose a valve for the first time. Here's a quick breakdown of the valves that are currently available.   Rotor Valve The rotor valve is the most well-known valve and has stood the test of time for many years. It is quick, light, and consistent; producing a stable and secure sound in all registers. Axial-Flow Also referred to as the "Thayer valve," the Axial-Flow produces the most open feel and sound of any valve on the market today. It works very well blendin ..read more

Maintaining your trombone is one of the most important things we can do as musicians. It maintains the longevity of your instrument and makes it easier to play. It this article, we cover the basic cleaning and maintenance you can do at home to take care of your trombone! For the sake of simplicity, we will not be taking apart any valves. Supplies: Meinlschmidt Lubricants Yamaha slide oil Microfiber cloth Cleaning snake Mouthpiece Brush Trombone cleaning rod Cheesecloth Bathing your Trombone (every 1-2 months) 1.)  You will first need to wipe and dry off everything on the ..read more

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Between now and January 2, 2024, many Yamaha wind instruments qualify for $50 - $100 rebates! Here's how it works: 1. Purchase a qualifying new and in-stock Yamaha instrument between October 2, 2023 and January 2, 2024. 2. Visit Yamaha.io/REBATE2023 and click ‘Get My Rebate' before January 31, 2024. See the link above for qualifying models and more information. Shop Yamaha Now ..read more

UPDATE: Bach Brass has just updated their Stradivarius line with new and improved models. Check back soon for an update on these exciting new trumpets! This article refers to Stradivarius trumpets released prior to October 2023. Bach trumpets have been around since 1925, when Vincent Bach sold his first trumpet in New York City, and for many years it has been the top choice brand of instrument for many students and professionals. Today, Bach trumpets are made by the Conn-Selmer company using the same quality standards that were used by Vincent Bach himself. If you have a Bach trumpet, you ..read more

So you want to start teaching private lessons but aren’t sure what to do? Every teacher and situation is different, so these tips are not meant to be “rules,” just things to consider. These observations are based on my experience as a young private teacher with 72 students in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and may not be applicable to your specific situation. Here are some things I wish I had known before diving headfirst into full-time teaching! Tip #1: Getting Started Be proactive! Reach out to band or program directors in your area. You never know if there is a need in your area for s ..read more

The name "French Horn" is pretty misleading, but it is the most common name for the instrument in the United States. Why is it that, to most of the world, it's just called "horn"? The horn has a long history, but let's fast forward to the 16th century and the hunting horn. The hunting horn was widely used in both Germany and France for sport. With the development of opera in the mid-16th century, the hunting horn had its premier as an on-stage, diegetic* music source. This eventually led to the horn being used in the pit as a regular instrument, not just as a prop or an extension of the plot ..read more

  Beginner or Casual Enthusiast Nearly all beginners in the US start on Bb trumpets. Most bands have students playing Bb trumpet parts and not C trumpet parts. Students generally pick up the C trumpet when they hit the intermediate level, at the earliest. Aspiring Professional If you want to play in a professional orchestra, you will need both a Bb and a C trumpet and you will need to be familiar with both. High school students who are planning to major in trumpet at university and pursue performance as a career: it might be time to talk to your teacher about investing in ..read more