Advice

Grading Exams, Are They Worth It?

I often get asked 'are grades worth doing?'. As a teacher who encourages enjoyment in learning an instrument, here's my honest opinion.

Luck Of The Reed Box

Opening a new box of reeds, you'll find one you favour and another you think is awful, despite being from the same box. Why is that?

Alternate Fingerings

On clarinet or saxophone, alternate fingerings, when used, will improve your speed and smooth transition between notes.

A Good Practice Schedule

Over the years, I've come across many sources specifying ways to practice but just how often should we be practicing?

Getting Over Stage Fright

If you're a musician who struggles with performance anxiety, here are a few things you can do to help boost your confidence to perform.

The Quickest Way (I've Found) To Learn New Music

Here's a method I've discovered that helps keep the excitement in learning a new song and gets rid of that daunting feeling.

Thinking About Upgrading (your instrument)?

There comes a time when we realise that beginners clarinet we rented from school won't cut it anymore. Here are a few tips about upgrading.

Why It's Good To Play In A Band (and some useful tips)

Despite having a focus on solo performance throughout my music lessons, it was playing in a band that allowed me to hone those skills and...

The Importance Of Reading Music

Learning an instrument can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, especially when, as a beginner, one discovers that they aren't just l...

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Edward Brown

Musician, teacher & composer