Whether you’re taking saxophone lessons, looking to improve your skills, or simply want to immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of this versatile instrument, our guide is your gateway to understanding and appreciating its profound legacy. Dive into the lives of iconic saxophonists and explore essential tracks that have shaped the world of music.
At Paige’s Music, we partner with hundreds schools throughout the state for easy and convenient acquisition of band and orchestra instruments. For many families, the easiest option is to rent. Renting with Paige’s Music is a great opportunity to participate in music-making. We make rental easy and convenient and provide you with peace of mind. Here’s how our rental program works:
Explore the nuanced differences between the euphonium and baritone, a question that stirs curiosity among musicians and enthusiasts alike. “Oh, you’re a musician? What instrument do you play?” It’s a simple enough question. And it’s one that, for 99.9 percent of musicians, has a simple answer. Unfortunately, we euphonium players make up a fair portion of that .1 percent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to someone, “I play the euphonium,” only to be met with a confused pause, followed by the inevitable, “What’s that?” My response to that response is almost always one of two: either “it’s like a baby tuba,” (usually gets a chuckle) or “…the baritone?” Aha! The recognition I see in the other person’s eyes tells me I’ve cracked the code for them. They know what a baritone is. Maybe they played it in middle school? Or knew someone who did? Or their child does? Or did? Whatever the case, these interactions touch on an all-too-common question, even within the band world: “What is the difference between a baritone and a euphonium?” Are they the same instrument? Is one a bigger version of the other? Does one have more valves? Or even more
Have you ever been curious about the electric flute’s unique sound? Or are you on the lookout for detailed insights into various flute brands? We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Melissa Keeling, together with Flute Authority, will be visiting Paige’s Music in Indianapolis on April 11, 2024. This event is a golden opportunity for flute enthusiasts and learners to dive deep into the world of electric flute music. Who is Dr. Melissa Keeling? Dr. Melissa Keeling is a composer and flutist who is best-known for her work incorporating effects pedals, improvisation, and the Glissando Headjoint. Her book, “The Electric Flute,” was the winner of the 2023 National Flute Association Newly Published Music Competition. She is also active on YouTube, and her music videos have gained over 1 million views worldwide. Dr. Keeling is a Trevor James Flutes Artist. Experience Live Performances and Interactive Workshops Dr. Keeling will captivate the audience with her original electric flute compositions, showcasing the instrument’s versatility and rich sound palette. Following the performance, she will lead a hands-on workshop, providing attendees with the chance to try the electric flute themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the flute, this workshop will open new horizons
At Paige’s Music, the Oscar season buzz reached its peak with the trailer release of a remarkable short film, “The Last Repair Shop.” Directed by the talented duo Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, this film offers an intimate glimpse into one of the remaining instrument repair shops in the U.S., uniquely managed by a school district—specifically, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest, educating over 600,000 students across more than 1,000 schools. To give some perspective, Indiana’s three largest school corporations combined would barely make the top 50 largest districts in the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or someone who enjoys music from the sidelines, “The Last Repair Shop” delivers universally relatable and profoundly human stories. After watching, I felt compelled to share my key takeaways from this inspiring film: The Unexpected Journeys Music Can Inspire The film intricately follows Steve Bagmanyan, Shop Supervisor and Piano Technician, alongside his team—Dana Atkinson (String Technician), Paty Moreno (Brass Technician), and Duane Michaels (Woodwind Technician)—as they repair and prepare instruments for students. Their stories, from encountering Elvis to escaping war in Armenia, highlight music’s power to shape lives in unpredictable and meaningful ways. The Power of Empathy and Support
Choosing the right bow for your string instrument can be daunting, with various materials and price points. In this guide, we simplify the world of violin, viola, cello, and bass bows by focusing on the three primary materials used in their construction: fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, understanding these materials can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and budget.
Choosing the right mouthpiece is often overlooked for middle school and high school trumpet students. We often focus a lot more on choosing the right trumpet but, choosing the right mouthpiece may have as much or more of an impact on your playing than choosing the right trumpet. Here are some things that you should consider when you start to look for a mouthpiece: Try Before You Buy: In my opinion, it is extremely important to try out the mouthpiece before you purchase it. Here at Paige’s Music, we have a great stock of different trumpet mouthpieces from different manufacturers. Although doing research online or talking with your teacher is an important step, trying the mouthpiece out for yourself is vital. Please make sure you try out the mouthpiece either by borrowing one from someone or stopping by Paige’s Music. You won’t regret it, I promise. Lip Size/Shape Matters: I often use the analogy that a mouthpiece is like a shoe. Your lip size and shape are important in determining what mouthpiece you should use. Personally, I have large lips, so I play on a large mouthpiece. For a long time, I played on a smaller mouthpiece because it was
With contest season is ramping up, it might be the perfect time to reward your student for his or her hard work by upgrading to a higher level instrument. If you’ve been looking for a good reason to exchange your beginner instrument for a more advanced instrument, we have the perfect opportunity for you! For the month of February through March 16th 2024, Paige’s Music is presenting an exclusive offer to those who have competed in solo and ensemble throughout the month. If your student brings his or her contest medal into our store, we will take two months off of a new rent-to-own agreement* or 10% off an outright purchase of an intermediate or professional level instrument*. We have a variety of step-up instruments available for rental. If you have any questions about upgrade options, please call or email us and we can explain our Premier step-up rental program. *Offer valid in store only. Offer only applies to in stock inventory. Certain restrictions apply, contact [email protected] for details.
We are so excited to be bringing back a series that has remained dormant since 2019, and that would be our Employee Spotlights! We have some truly wonderful people working here at Paige’s Music, and I’m looking forward to sitting down with each and every one of them (whether they like it or not) to highlight what makes them such an integral part of Paige’s Music. Up first is the “vibe master” himself, Trevor Mather! Trevor was a fresh graduate of Ball State University when he started working at Paige’s Music in 2021. Since then, he has quickly established himself as a go to resource for students and pros alike looking to upgrade their gear. On top of his responsibilities here at the store, Trevor puts his Jazz Performance degree to work with the Hickey-Schanafelt 9ollective, as well as various other groups in the Indy jazz scene. One thing that always amazes me about Trevor is his ability to balance his work, with the things he enjoys for fun, which includes but is not limited to: Bowling, Running, Videogames, Fishing, Grilling, and being a good father to his cat, Poko. We’re truly fortunate to have someone like Trevor add to
Are you a euphonium player struggling with lip fatigue during long rehearsals or performances? You’re not alone! Many brass musicians face this challenge, especially when tackling demanding pieces like Philip Sparke’s “Harlequin”. As a seasoned euphonium player and a fan of this particular composition, I’m excited to share my insights and tips to help improve your endurance and performance. 1. Focus on Embouchure-Building Exercises Don’t neglect your long tones, lip slurs, and other fundamentals just because you’re trying to get all the notes in a tough piece. I like to dedicate one practice session, preferably in the morning, to these fundamental “workout” routines, so I can focus my later session on the repertoire. There are tons of resources available for these types of exercises, but I like Total Range a lot. 2. Enhance Breath Support Developing proper breath support will make your chops work more efficiently, and won’t get tired as quickly. Breathing exercises that help with lung strength/capacity are a great starting point, but you also want to work on supporting your air with your “core” while you play. I recently watched a clinic from a trumpet player who talked about practicing while wearing a weightlifting belt in order
These unpredictable cold winter months can pose challenges for string instruments, often leading to issues like slipping pegs, open seams, cracks, and a diminished overall playing experience. However, there are simple steps that string players can take to mitigate these problems, primarily related to temperature and humidity. Optimal Humidity Levels for String Instruments During the winter months, the air becomes dryer due to lower temperatures and heating units in buildings. The optimal humidity range for string instruments is between 40% and 60%. In winter, humidity levels can plummet to as low as 10%, causing the contraction of wood fibers, leading to cracks, open seams, and peg slippage. To combat this, consider these solutions: Room Humidification: Keep the room where your instrument is stored humidified. There are many cost-effective humidifier options available. Maintaining a humidity level of 40-60% can help preserve your instrument’s health. Humidity Control Device: An alternative is to keep your instrument in its case and use a humidity control device. Boveda offers an excellent product called a humidity pack, which can maintain humidity at 50% within the case. Preventing Cold Weather Damage Cold temperatures can also contribute to instrument issues. It’s essential to remember that cold weather can
It only took a few months of being on the job, but I think it’s finally time for an introduction! My name is Katie McDonald, and I’m the new Flute Specialist here at Paige’s Music. I started here back in July 2023, and I am so excited to be here and to get to work with some incredible flutists in Indiana! In 2020, I graduated with my Master in Music Performance degree at the University of Louisville, where I studied with Kathy Karr. Since graduating, I’ve been building a flute studio in the Southern Indiana area where I still teach today, and I’ve been playing first flute with the Indiana University Southeast Concert Band. As a flute teacher myself, I think it is so fun to get to work with students and professionals and be a part of their musical journeys in helping them find their next flute! I am a dog mom to two giant Great Pyrenees named Polar and Bear (yes they really do look like polar bears!). Bear especially likes to lay at my feet while I play the flute. When I’m not working here or teaching, you can find me kayaking, hiking, knitting, or reading a
Greetings to all the dedicated saxophonists out there, especially our aspiring high school players and their supportive parents. As we usher in a new year, it’s time to set fresh goals and aspirations, and for many of you, that may include an essential step in your musical journey – upgrading your saxophone. We understand the unique path that saxophonists tread, and we’re here to provide you with valuable insights into the world of saxophone upgrades. 1. Elevate Your Sound Quality: Right off the bat we’ll get some terminology out of the way. A “Step Up” tends to be an umbrella term that consists of both intermediate and professional offering for an instrument. The transition to a step up saxophone brings forth a remarkable improvement in sound quality. Your notes will resonate with greater richness and clarity, allowing you to express your musicality to the fullest. This enhancement is especially important for saxophonists looking to shine in high school performances, solo endeavors, and ensemble settings. 2. Enhanced Playability: Step up saxophones, especially pro level saxes, are meticulously designed to ensure smooth and effortless playability. The keys respond with precision, granting you superior control over your instrument. This level of responsiveness is
ISSMA Solo and Ensemble is only a few weeks away! All of us at Paige’s Music are wishing you the best as you prepare for the competition. Here are a few tips to consider! Run the Full Piece – It’s really easy to just practice the easy parts and/or the hard parts of your piece and then we forget to run through the whole thing! You want to make sure to play through the piece multiple times without stopping before you go to competition. Unfortunately, I have seen students play through entire piece for the first time at competition and it usually does not go as well as they’d hoped. Practice for an audience – It is very common to be nervous playing in front of your friends, family, and the judges at contest. Make sure that you are practicing in front of others (maybe even a few people that make you nervous) so you feel a little more comfortable heading into your solo or ensemble performance! Simulate Getting Nervous – If you do get nervous, practice getting nervous so you know how to react! This can be done in a few different ways. You could play in front of
Instrument Maintenance Tips – Winter Break Edition Whether you are intentionally taking some time away from your instrument over the holidays or have been playing every single day for the past week and a half, now is a great time to give your instrument some much-needed TLC. We recommend having your instrument checked by a professional every six months. If it hasn’t been that long yet, follow these tips to maintain your instrument until your next tune-up! If your instrument is broken, have a professional inspect it. Anything from loose bracings, broken keys, to a warped bridge—we will take care of it for you! Even though winter break is almost over, it isn’t too late to bring your instrument in for repair. We will get you checked into our system and can even provide you with a loaner to take back to school while we work on the repairs. Once your instrument is playing as good as new, our district managers will work with your music teacher to get the loaner swapped out and reunite you with your instrument. Don’t leave your instrument in the cold car! To and from school, maybe a quick stop to run an errand or
Are you someone who suffers from stage fright or performance anxiety? Are you someone that absolutely loves to play your instrument, but the idea of playing in front of a group of people seems unthinkable? Sometimes all you need to do to shake off the performance jitters is to get some sort of run through or performance under your belt. If you’re looking for a low stakes opportunity to run through your solo AND get some valuable feedback on your feedback, then “Test Drive Your Solo” (TDYS for short) is the event for you! Register for “Test Drive Your Solo” here! Test running your solo isn’t the only benefit of TDYS! Think of it as a full simulation of what your ISSMA Solo and Ensemble day will look like, from preparing a healthy breakfast in the morning to fuel your performance, staying hydrated and focused, arriving to your appointment early and utilizing that time efficiently for a good warm up, honestly this list could go on and on. The final benefit is the feedback you will get from our incredible judges! While the average ISSMA time slot is 7 minutes, our time slots are 10 minutes, which gives you plenty
It’s our final sale of the year! If you’re looking for the ultimate gift for the advancing musician in your life, our Holiday Pro Sale is an event you can’t miss! Visit us on Saturday, December 16th and save 10% off all in-stock pro and custom level instruments!* We still have a wide selection of brands and models including, but not limited to, Altus, Amadeus, Azumi, Buffet, Bach, Conn, P. Mauriat, Shires, Yamaha, and more. Reserve inventory today so you don’t miss out on this final opportunity to save! *10% off outright purchase of in-stock pro and custom level brass, woodwind, and orchestral instruments only. Does not apply towards any previous purchases, special orders, current rentals, pay-offs, school purchases, or repairs. All sale pricing is always at final discretion of sales manager.
Thursday, November 16th through Saturday, November 18th Join us for our Annual Super Sale! Our biggest sale happens one time a year and it’s an event you don’t want to miss! Here’s how you can save: Visit our store Thursday, November 16th through Saturday, November 18th and draw a ticket worth 5%-50% off! This ticket is applicable to any outright purchase of an upgrade instrument. If you’d prefer to rent, we’ve got you covered there too. Each coupon also has an offer for up to four months off our rent-to-own program. All instrument testing is done by appointment only. Please visit https://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?useUX=true&id=6&_tid=441&lvid=485 and reserve your time today! Yamaha Rebates: All new Yamaha step-up wind instruments are eligible for $50 to $100 rebates! Official details: https://usa.yamaha.com/promotions/step-up-to-yamaha-rebate/index.html P. Mauriat Rebates: P. Mauriat is offering $100 on models we currently offer! Details at: P. Mauriat rebate site. A few more details: *Drawing is limited to one ticket per family per day. Sales staff must witness drawing. Does not apply to any previous purchases, current rentals, pay-offs, repairs, special orders, or student-level instruments. In-person sales only. Valid from November 16-18, 2023.
Your loved one has a gift. This holiday, help them reach their full potential with Yamaha. Yamaha is bringing back their popular rebate program again this year for select Yamaha wind and string instruments. All details, including eligible instruments and how to get your rebate, can be found at this link: https://usa.yamaha.com/promotions/step-up-to-yamaha-rebate/index.html
Adam Larson RETURNS to Paige’s Music on November 9th! This is going to be a clinic you won’t want to miss! I have been listening to Adam for a long time and he is one of the most technically proficient saxophonists I have ever heard.
