Now that school has been back in session for a few months it is a great time to talk about the benefits of an upgraded instrument.  Manufacturers build student level instruments to be durable and easy to play. This is great for a new player but it can become a detriment as the individual progresses.  Some of the benefits that you gain with an upgraded instrument can include: better tone, improved range, new features and even different materials that are used when making it.  Here is a video that our Retail Staff made a few months ago that explains some of these benefits. Another great time about this time of year is that it is rebate season and the most popular one is Step Up to Yamaha!  The Step Up to Yamaha rebate promotion provides great consumer offers on some of the finest quality instruments from one of the most recognizable brands in the music industry.  This is an opportunity to get a great instrument and receive either a $50 or $100 rebate back from Yamaha. To kick things off, we are offering a double rebate this Saturday, October 10th.  Just come in and pick out your new horn and your rebate will

A few months ago we talked about how important it is for a reed player to have a good, well-made reed.  It is one of the most integral parts to their set-up to get the sound they are looking for.  At that time we discussed all of the different reed cuts that Vandoren makes.  This time we are going to look at the other major reed brand, Rico/D’addario. D’addario purchased Rico in 2004 and in that time they have worked tirelessly to provide the reeds that players need to get their “voice”.   They have invested heavily in new technology to make the reeds better and more consistent than they ever have been before.  D’addario grows 100 percent of their own cane which gives them control of the materials throughout the entire process.  Below we have laid out the different models of Rico/D’addario reeds that we stock and the features of them. Rico– This is the standard orange box that we have seen for years.  This reed is unfiled and has thinner profile and blank.  They are cut from the most flexible grade of cane.  They vibrate easy which make them a great reed for Jazz players and students that are

A few months ago we talked about how important it is for a reed player to have a good, well-made reed.  It is one of the most integral parts to their set-up to get the sound they are looking for.  At that time we discussed all of the different reed cuts that Vandoren makes.  This time we are going to look at the other major reed brand, Rico/D’addario. D’addario purchased Rico in 2004 and in that time they have worked tirelessly to provide the reeds that players need to get their “voice”.   They have invested heavily in new technology to make the reeds better and more consistent than they ever have been before.  D’addario grows 100 percent of their own cane which gives them control of the materials throughout the entire process.  Below we have laid out the different models of Rico/D’addario reeds that we stock and the features of them. Rico– This is the standard orange box that we have seen for years.  This reed is unfiled and has thinner profile and blank.  They are cut from the most flexible grade of cane.  They vibrate easy which make them a great reed for Jazz players and students that are

As we are closing in on the end of another school year, we have a tendency to want to take the summer off from anything school related. When it comes to playing an instrument you have to resist the urge to do that.   You should make a plan to practice and stick with it so that you don’t lose any of the skills that you have taken the whole school year to learn. The great thing about doing this is that you, as the player, get to decide what you want to practice and play. If there is a popular song you have wanted to learn, get the music for it and teach yourself. If there are scales that you need to know, you can learn them at your own pace. The beauty of setting your own practice schedule in the summer is that it is all about what you want to do and learn. If practicing by yourself is not your thing, then take the opportunity to take a few lessons from a local private teacher.   Here is a link to our private teacher list: https://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6&_tid=418&lvid=485. You may find someone that will challenge you and help you learn more in

Reed players are always looking for the perfect sound.  They have that sound in their head and they just need to go find it.  There are many factors that are in play when the musician is searching for it.  One of the most important pieces in that musical equation is the reed.  One of the most popular brands, worldwide, that players from beginner to professional rely on is Vandoren. Vandoren is known for making a very consistent reed, so, as a player, you know that you are going to get a good reed each time you open the box. They have quite a few different options and cuts, which makes it that much easier to find the “perfect fit.” This week we are going to focus on the different styles of saxophone reeds that we stock and the features of them. Vandoren Traditional – This is the standard blue box. This reed has the thinnest tip and the thickest heart of the sax reeds. This provides the player with crisp articulation with a full, dark sound. Vandoren V12 – This reed has a thicker heel and are cut on a longer palette than the traditional reeds. The longer palette means

Reed players are always looking for the perfect sound.  They have that sound in their head and they just need to go find it.  There are many factors that are in play when the musician is searching for it.  One of the most important pieces in that musical equation is the reed.  One of the most popular brands, worldwide, that players from beginner to professional rely on is Vandoren. Vandoren is known for making a very consistent reed, so, as a player, you know that you are going to get a good reed each time you open the box.  They have quite a few different options and cuts, which makes it that much easier to find the “perfect fit.”   This week we are going to focus on the different styles of clarinet reeds that we stock and the features of them. Vandoren Traditional– This is the standard blue box.  These reeds are the most widely played reeds in the work.  They are suitable for all styles of music.  They are known for their excellent response in all registers. Vandoren V12– These reeds are manufactured from reed tubes that have the same diameter as the cane used for Alto Sax reeds.