Category: Music Resources

  • Lower the Volume and Do More with Full-Size Electronic Drum Kits

    Lower the Volume and Do More with Full-Size Electronic Drum Kits

    When it comes to total cost, electronic drum kits are going to be similar in price to beginner acoustic drum kits. But, for the young musician, there are several key advantages to going the electronic route: 1. Electronic drum kits save space. This is true even when the electronic drum kit is fully set up. But,…

  • Recommended Valve Oil for Brass Instruments (Trumpet, French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, etc)

    Recommended Valve Oil for Brass Instruments (Trumpet, French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, etc)

    Oiling the valves on a brass instrument is very important to do regularly. The oil helps to keep the valves in good working condition. It also helps to keep them clean. When the valve is not oiled, it can cause several problems. The most immediate problem is that the valve will stick and make the…

  • Complete Guide for Continuing Music Learning at Home

    Complete Guide for Continuing Music Learning at Home

    Every day, music should be a part of every home, for the entire family to enjoy and learn about together. Here are some resources for parents to help make that possible for their household. Whether your child is a student at Open School, enrolled in private or group lessons, both, or none of the above,…

  • Open School’s “One Pitch at a Time” Music Resources

    Open School’s “One Pitch at a Time” Music Resources

    For the second year in a row, students in Open School clusters that include 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades have the opportunity to participate in Music Karate! Here are some great resources to help you continue the learning experience at home.

  • Electronic Drum Pads (a.k.a. Table-top Drum Kits): The Cheaper, Quieter, Space-Saving Alternative to the Full-Size Drum Kits

    Electronic Drum Pads (a.k.a. Table-top Drum Kits): The Cheaper, Quieter, Space-Saving Alternative to the Full-Size Drum Kits

    When it comes to drum practice, full-size drum kits can be expensive and take up a lot of space. On top of that, acoustic drum kits are loud and electronic drum kits require additional equipment (headphones or an amplifier) just to hear it. A more affordable and space-saving alternative for drum practice is an electronic…

  • The Value of Being All-In

    The Value of Being All-In

    Thirty-some years ago when I was in elementary school, I was what you might call overbooked. Let’s see, there was gymnastics, swim class, math club, cub scouts, church functions, school band, school orchestra, piano lessons, trumpet lessons, homework, and the list goes on. On one hand, I am surprised I had time to be a…

  • Tuning Your Drums for the Perfect Sound

    Tuning Your Drums for the Perfect Sound

    Tuning a drum is not an overly complicated process, but it does require a little “know how”. The two most important things to consider are: Getting the drum to sound good it must be in tune with itself (all places you hit should be the same pitch), and for a drum kit, each drum must…

  • The Most Affordable Acoustic Drum Kits Worth Considering

    The Most Affordable Acoustic Drum Kits Worth Considering

    Acoustic drum kits are a lot of things including loud, expensive, and big enough to fill a small room. However, if you have the space and the money and you (and the neighbors) don’t mind the noise, an acoustic drum kit is absolutely the best drumming experience both in terms of sound and ease of…

  • Buying Used Musical Instruments

    Buying Used Musical Instruments

    New musical instruments are shiney and cool, but most decent instruments can equal the cost of a month or two of mortgage. The good news is that there are many places to get quality used musical instruments at a steep discount. For keyboards, guitars, and drums, Guitar Center is a good place to start, especially…

  • Open School Music Karate Resources

    Open School Music Karate Resources

    For the second year in a row, students in Open School clusters that include 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades have the opportunity to participate in Music Karate! Here are some great resources to help you continue the learning experience at home.