FREE Item with an Upgrade Rental or Purchase Dreading going back to school? Well hopefully some FREE Items will make it a little easier! Start the year off right when you move up to an intermediate or professional instrument and we will include an instrument stand, music stand, or mute (for brass players) at no additional cost! This offer is available now through the end of August.
When it comes to reeds, there are a lot of options available to play and it can be overwhelming at times. Most beginners play on the Vandoren Traditional (blue box) but there is a wide variety of options available. You should try out different kinds of reeds to find what works best for you.
Looking for some options to keep your skills progressing over the summer? Here are 5 summer trombone resources that you can use without leaving your house!
I feel like I talk about mouthpieces WAY too much. And you know what they say; “The first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one!” At one point I definitely had 70 mouthpieces of all different sizes with different purposes and I would just try to make things work even if they didn’t want to, which I now realize is the wrong way to go about selecting equipment. This brings me to a very important topic and an anecdote to help try to prove my case. I bought a very specific, specialized trumpet from a friend that was designed to be an orchestral Bb and pair well with the matching C trumpet model in this brand’s line. Now, I truly believe there isn’t much this horn can’t do, but I definitely feel that it favors larger mouthpieces in general to achieve the purpose for which it was built. There are many factors to consider such as bore size, bell, leadpipe, and instrument weight, as well as many others. I’ll take a few horns and give some examples of mouthpieces that might work well with it and why.
I’ve got some news for everyone: I am a trumpet junkie. I have always been fascinated by different brands and models and have even experienced many cases of FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to my equipment. I’ve taught several students and have had to have this conversation many times and have even asked for personal recommendations. Today is just a quick look at what instruments you should purchase and when, depending upon your musical path. While it is super difficult to give a recommendation without hearing people play or know what their interests are, I will give some fairly general model recommendations from the “Big Three” brands of trumpets along with a few special suggestions when needed. Today we will discuss instruments needed for those who want to primarily be Jazz/Commercial players and they will be in order of importance. (Your timeline may vary. Please consult your teacher/professor on when it is appropriate to purchase these instruments)
To further clean your instrument remove all valves, slides and caps from the trumpet. You may submerge the trumpet in warm water (should be noticeably warm but not scalding hot) with mild dish soap such as dawn. Let the instrument sit for five minutes and then use your valve casing brush and snake brush to remove excess dirt and debris from the trumpet. Absolutely DO NOT force the brushes into smaller spaces such as the valve ports or the ends of smaller tuning slides. The crook ends of the 1st and third valve tuning slides can be cleaned by running water through them. Once all easily accessible areas of the trumpet have been scrubbed thoroughly rinse the trumpet in warm clean water and let air dry. Once the trumpet is dry you may then apply your necessary lubricants to moving parts and reassemble. Stay safe!
Let’s face it. Germs are a hot button issue right now. We should all take proper precautions every day, but there are many things that trombonists let slide (pun absolutely intended. I’m not proud). Here are some very common and very avoidable issues that many brass players make.
To start with, this is not an anti-buzzing campaign. Over my years of working with students whether it be privately, in group settings, or even observing other teachers working with them I have come to a conclusion: I think having your beginning trumpet players mouthpiece buzz is harmful to their development. Here’s why.
I get it. Performing as a soloist might not be the most comfortable experience for you now, but with more practice and the right mindset, soloing can become one of your favorite ways to play. Here are seven tips on how to set yourself up for success at solo and ensemble.
Born February 15, 1958, Christian Lindberg is the most prolific trombone soloist in modern history. For over 40 years, he has been a full-time soloist, and he has premiered works by Arvo Part, Luciano Berio, and Michael Nyman among others. Having recorded over 60 solo albums as a trombonist, Lindberg has also recorded dozens of albums as a conductor. His signature model Conn 88HCL trombone is available through Paige’s Music. To learn more about Christian Lindberg and his music please visit https://www.allmusic.com/artist/christian-lindberg-mn0001649636/biography Lindsberg’s Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqsDg0CDcW0_reUddAWj0Q Christian Lindberg 2019 Full Tokyo Recital
JJ Johnson is regarded by many as the most important and influential trombonist of all time. His sound, phrasing, and harmonic language have sculpted the sound of the modern jazz trombone. The clarity and elegance of Johnson’s playing remain the benchmark. His international career was solidified his status as a consummate musician known for being an all-time great writer and player. Johnson was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, and he attended Crispus Attucks High School. Here is an excellent, concise biography by Scott Yanow at All Music.
Happy Thursday, everyone. Today’s topic is one of my favorite to talk about: Mutes. As stated by Philip Smith, former principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic 1978-2014, “A trumpet player can never have enough mutes of varying types, shapes, sizes, and materials”. With that being said, as trumpet players (and other brass players who may be reading) we are often asked to use a device called a mute while playing certain music. This does not always mean making our sound softer per se, but changing our timbre. Today we’ll talk about the most common mute we are asked to use: the straight mute.
You’ve made the choice: you love music and want to pursue a career in the music industry! Great! So now what? At this point you need to determine which University, music program, and major are right for you. There are more music degrees than just performance or music education. Other music degrees include: Music production or recording technology, music therapy, music business, arts administration, music history, and music theory/composition. Some universities collaborate with local businesses to help offer a degree in popular music theory, analysis and composition. When researching your potential future, you have several resources at your disposal to find out information and some of the work can even be done at home with your parent/guardian.
Jared Rodin is one of the most active and successful musicians in the area. As a performer, educator, and contractor he must always deliver at the highest level. Learn his approach to making music at this free masterclass hosted by Paige’s Music. More information and how to register is available at the Eventbrite page below! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-the-most-out-of-your-practice-with-jared-rodin-tickets-76817847249
I have never liked recitals. Or auditions. Even playing my solo for Solo & Ensemble. I have always been more comfortable performing when there was at least one other person on stage with me. Some people will tell you if you get nervous it means that you aren’t prepared enough but I think that statement is not entirely accurate.
Paige’s Music is hiring for multiple positions within our Retail Sales department! Desired Skills and Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferably in music education, business, performance, or equivalent Background in instrumental music (band and/or orchestra) Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and organization skills Candidates with the following skills and qualifications will be more favorably considered: Loves “puppy parties” Enjoys the occasional after-work dinner with coworkers (preferably tacos) Willingness to participate in local trivia nights Open to working with sports fanatics, movie buffs, audiophiles, foodies, gym junkies, hikers, and mountain bikers Passionate about having a genuinely good time with some genuinely good folks More specifics can be found through the links below, but if you’re already sold (see what I did there) email me your resume at [email protected]. I look forward to meeting you! Retail Sales Associate https://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6&_jlid=6929&lvid=557 Retail Sales Specialist – Clarinet https://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6&_jlid=6853&lvid=557 Retail Sales Specialist – Saxophone https://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6&_jlid=6930&lvid=557
On September 23, 2019 Paige’s Music participated in the Conn-Selmer Artist Select program. This program allows professionals to hand select and play test each instrument from the factory to ensure that only the finest instruments are available to customers. K. Blake Schlabach and Tucker Woerner carefully play tested dozens of instruments, and we are happy to say that our top five selections are now available at Paige’s Music.
Former principal trombonist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO), James Beckel, is not only a world class trombonist. His admirable skillset includes excellence as an educator, and he is successful composer. Since his retirement from the ISO Beckel has been in demand as a composer. Below you can read more about his Concerto for Trombone, and you can hear Indiana University’s Carl Lenthe perform James A. Beckel’s Concerto for Trombone. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the piece, click here.
July 18, 2019 would have marked Carl Fontana’s 91stbirthday. Fontana remains one the most influential, prolific, and recorded trombonists of all time. His legacy lives through his countless recordings with greats such as Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, and Sammy Davis Jr. Please listen to a few selections below and read more a more detailed biography below.
Each year the International Trombone Association(ITA) hosts the International Trombone Festival (ITF). Held in the summer, this week long festival offers youth workshops, professional development, concerts, masterclasses, and show space for dozens of the world’s top manufacturers of instruments and accessories. This year’s ITF was held on the campus of Ball State Universityin Muncie, IN. One of the ITF’s main objectives is to unite musicians from all parts of the world, but another goal is to showcase the amazing musicians on a more local scale.
