Academics

Double Bass

Joel Quarrington — Canadian School of Double Bass, Book 1 “Daily Studies”

Joel Quarrington’s most recent project is updating and finishing his Canadian School of Double Bass Book 1 “Daily Studies” and Book 2, “Intervals, Chords, Arpeggios and Scales.” Both publications exist for basses tuned in fourths or fifths. All of these books are available as PDFs from his website store. Here are a couple of extracts from Book 1 that talk about a fundamental premise of his technique.

Joel Quarrington — Canadian School of Double Bass, Book 1 “Daily Studies” Open »

Guitar

Exploring Contrapuntal Fingerings in Bach’s Allegro from BWV 998

When played on the modern classical guitar, the music of Johann Sebastian Bach presents a special set of challenges to overcome, as well as opportunities to enrich the listener’s experience. In the case of the Allegro from Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, BWV 998, there is a bounty of interesting contrapuntal material to explore, and chances to bring out polyphonic textures that are not necessarily apparent at first glance. A deep level of analysis and understanding is necessary to begin the process of creating left-hand fingerings that fully realize the potential of Bach’s music. In this exploration, we will consider the concepts of implied counterpoint and contrapuntal motives to reveal polyphonic textures in what seems to be only single-line music. This in turn will inform our choices in the left hand, causing us to sometimes pursue seemingly unrealistic options in the name of musical faithfulness. While these might not always be practical in performance, they nonetheless offer us the opportunity to engage with and understand the music more fully, expanding our knowledge of fretboard harmony and the perceived limitations of technique.

Exploring Contrapuntal Fingerings in Bach’s Allegro from BWV 998 Open »

Piano

Cordelia Höfer: “Studying Music Is a Lifelong Process of Learning”

Cordelia Höfer teaches piano at the Salzburg Mozarteum (Austria). She has had fascinating teaching and performing career and met and worked with some of the top musicians in the world. In this interview we hear stories about Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Wilhelm Kempff, Carlos Kleiber, Tatiana Nikolayeva, Elisabeth Leonskaja, and many others.

Cordelia Höfer: “Studying Music Is a Lifelong Process of Learning” Open »

Trumpet

I’m not Meant to be a Musician

This article delves into the intricacies of trumpet playing, examining the challenges faced by musicians in developing a natural and effortless technique. The study focuses on a diverse group of trumpet players, considering their unique physical attributes and the impact of emotional stress on their learning process. Employing a performativity-based methodology, the research draws on insights gained from a comprehensive review of video lessons and expert interviews.

The results highlight the inhibitive nature of certain playing operations, such as the production of compression in the oropharyngeal cavity when blowing air through closed lips. The study underscores the significance of considering individual psychomotor development and emotional states during trumpet lessons. Over time, tension in the throat can become ingrained in motor skills, hindering progress and potentially leading to motor reflex disorders.

In conclusion, the research emphasises the predictability of motor skill difficulties, suggesting that a deeper understanding of the initiation process in trumpet playing is essential. The findings call for a re-evaluation of teaching methods, advocating for a self-led learning model and emphasising the need for trumpet teachers to possess and impart a wealth of truthful information. The article concludes with a call for a shift in perspective, urging students and educators to explore alternative learning strategies, akin to the adaptive approaches employed by admired and talented trumpet players. This study opens avenues for future research into refining teaching methodologies and fostering a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between natural abilities and learned skills in trumpet performance.

I’m not Meant to be a Musician Open »

Saxophone

Everything Is Ready for the 41st Edition of the International Saxophone Symposium

The United States Navy Band has organized the 41st edition of the International Saxophone Symposium on January 11 & 12, 2019, which occurs at the Center for the Arts of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, USA. Guest soloists are Antonio Felipe Belíjar, Taimur Sullivan, Bob Sheppard, and Jonathan Yanik.

Everything Is Ready for the 41st Edition of the International Saxophone Symposium Open »

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