Yamaha recently introduced the YDS-150 Digital Saxophone, a first-of-its-kind instrument that allows saxophonists of all levels and those new to playing a wind instrument to create great sounding music from the very start. The YDS-150 effectively emulates an authentic saxophone experience digitally—from the sound and key layout to feedback from the instrument—while maintaining the sense […]
RS Berkeley’s Tri All is a new multiple purpose hygienic trial/training tool for beginning band students. Designed in the USA for individual use, the Tri All is one device that can be used to teach flute, trumpet, trombone/baritone, and clarinet/saxophone. The Tri All is made from non-toxic materials, includes individually wrapped/sealed reed, and promotes good […]
This video outlines the best practices for cleaning a trumpet, though the steps for the bathing process can be applied to most brass instruments.
In this month’s video, Dr. Randy Kertz discusses better health practices for musicians who play brass and woodwind instruments, specifically, posture. Posture plays a large part in effective breathing techniques, which affects stamina, tone, and playability. In short, if your posture is lousy, your breathing is not as effective. Dr. Kertz’s monthly column addresses how […]
Pandemic-Inspired Musical Project Brings Together World-Class Percussion And Brass Musicians Just a few weeks ago, on Independence Day 2020, a group of world-class percussion and brass musicians released a new arrangement of a Revolutionary War-era fife-and-drum tune, “The Downfall of Paris.” While the project started as a fun musical project during quarantine, it ended up […]
Trumpeter/hornist Jeff Stockham recently came to the Making Music offices for what turned out to be a rather lengthy interview about his passion for historic brass instruments — both playing them and collecting them. One of the many ensembles in which Stockham plays, in fact, is The Excelsior Cornet Band, New York State’s only authentic […]
A mouthpiece is a very personal choice. Although brass players will hear lots of advice and debate about which model or design is best, the mouthpiece you choose should depend on your experience, the music you play, the instrument you use, and the sound you desire.
Incorrect miking could turn a pristine guitar sound to mud or a gleaming Bach trumpet could end up sounding like a kazoo. Read our Mic Techniques guide.
Yamaha’s Silent Brass Systems for French horn (SB3XC), trombone (SB5XC), flugelhorn (SB6XC) or trumpet (SB7XC) allow horn players to practice while listening to hi-fidelity sound that only they can hear. The systems’ small pick-up mute offers outstanding sound reduction and a natural feel. The included Personal Studio attaches to an external audio player in order to practice with prerecorded material. The brass mutes are ideal for warm-up, evenings, hotels, and other silent practice situations.
For brass musicians looking to discover new sounds, mutes may be the way to go. They change the instrument’s sound by reducing airflow, altering the volume, and changing the resonance. Typically made of copper, aluminum, or brass, mutes can be placed either in the interior, or on the exterior of the instrument.