Beginner’s Guide to Saxophone: Essential Artists and Tracks

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 No Comments
From Left to Right: Top Row - Dexter Gordon, Cannonball Adderly, Stan Getz Middle Row- John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins Bottom Row- Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Wayne Shorter

From Left to Right: Top Row – Dexter Gordon, Cannonball Adderly, Stan Getz | Middle Row– John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins | Bottom Row– Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Wayne Shorter

 

 

 

Whether you’re taking saxophone lessons, looking to improve your skills, or simply want to immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of this versatile instrument, our guide is your gateway to understanding and appreciating its profound legacy. Dive into the lives of iconic saxophonists and explore essential tracks that have shaped the world of music.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Band and Orchestra Rentals in Indianapolis

Thursday, February 22, 2024 No Comments

At Paige’s Music, we partner with hundreds schools throughout the state for easy and convenient acquisition of band and orchestra instruments. For many families, the easiest option is to rent. Renting with Paige’s Music is a great opportunity to participate in music-making. We make rental easy and convenient and provide you with peace of mind.

Here’s how our rental program works:

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The Euphonium vs. Baritone: Unraveling the Musical Mystery

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 No Comments

Explore the nuanced differences between the euphonium and baritone, a question that stirs curiosity among musicians and enthusiasts alike.

“Oh, you’re a musician? What instrument do you play?”

It’s a simple enough question. And it’s one that, for 99.9 percent of musicians, has a simple answer. Unfortunately, we euphonium players make up a fair portion of that .1 percent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to someone, “I play the euphonium,” only to be met with a confused pause, followed by the inevitable, “What’s that?”

My response to that response is almost always one of two: either “it’s like a baby tuba,” (usually gets a chuckle) or “…the baritone?”

Aha! The recognition I see in the other person’s eyes tells me I’ve cracked the code for them. They know what a baritone is. Maybe they played it in middle school? Or knew someone who did? Or their child does? Or did? Whatever the case, these interactions touch on an all-too-common question, even within the band world:

“What is the difference between a baritone and a euphonium?”

Are they the same instrument? Is one a bigger version of the other? Does one have more valves? Or even more bells??

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It’s Electric! Exploring The World of the Electric Flute with Dr. Melissa Keeling and Flute Authority

Friday, February 16, 2024 No Comments

To register today, click here

Have you ever been curious about the electric flute’s unique sound? Or are you on the lookout for detailed insights into various flute brands? We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Melissa Keeling, together with Flute Authority, will be visiting Paige’s Music in Indianapolis on April 11, 2024. This event is a golden opportunity for flute enthusiasts and learners to dive deep into the world of electric flute music.

Who is Dr. Melissa Keeling?

Dr. Melissa Keeling is a composer and flutist who is best-known for her work incorporating effects pedals, improvisation, and the Glissando Headjoint. Her book, “The Electric Flute,” was the winner of the 2023 National Flute Association Newly Published Music Competition. She is also active on YouTube, and her music videos have gained over 1 million views worldwide. Dr. Keeling is a Trevor James Flutes Artist.

Experience Live Performances and Interactive Workshops

Dr. Keeling will captivate the audience with her original electric flute compositions, showcasing the instrument’s versatility and rich sound palette. Following the performance, she will lead a hands-on workshop, providing attendees with the chance to try the electric flute themselves. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the flute, this workshop will open new horizons in your musical journey.

Learn About Extended Techniques and Contemporary Flute Music

The realm of flute music is evolving, with more compositions embracing extended techniques and electric flute arrangements. Some pieces incorporating these advanced techniques are now part of the Group I list for ISSMA Solo & Ensemble. This workshop is the perfect venue to explore these techniques, especially for students who may not have the opportunity to practice them in a band setting.

Explore Top Flute Brands with Flute Authority

Flute Authority will guide attendees through the maze of flute models, offering insights into what to consider when upgrading your instrument. Featured brands include Trevor James, Miyazawa, Sankyo, Hammig, and Song. Participants will have the chance to test these instruments firsthand, making it easier to find the flute that best suits their needs.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Event

This event is not just for students; parents and teachers will also benefit from the comprehensive education on selecting the right flute. It’s a unique opportunity to meet and learn from experts like Dr. Melissa Keeling and representatives from Flute Authority, all under the roof of Paige’s Music, a trusted name in music education and instrument sales in Indianapolis.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to enhance your flute playing skills and knowledge. Mark your calendars for April 11, 2024, and join us at Paige’s Music for an unforgettable experience with Dr. Melissa Keeling and Flute Authority. Whether you’re looking to learn about electric flute, explore new flute brands, or simply enjoy a day of music and learning, this event is for you.

Exploring “The Last Repair Shop”: A Film That Resonates with Music Lovers and Beyond

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 No Comments

At Paige’s Music, the Oscar season buzz reached its peak with the trailer release of a remarkable short film, “The Last Repair Shop.” Directed by the talented duo Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, this film offers an intimate glimpse into one of the remaining instrument repair shops in the U.S., uniquely managed by a school district—specifically, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest, educating over 600,000 students across more than 1,000 schools. To give some perspective, Indiana’s three largest school corporations combined would barely make the top 50 largest districts in the U.S.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or someone who enjoys music from the sidelines, “The Last Repair Shop” delivers universally relatable and profoundly human stories. After watching, I felt compelled to share my key takeaways from this inspiring film:

The Unexpected Journeys Music Can Inspire
The film intricately follows Steve Bagmanyan, Shop Supervisor and Piano Technician, alongside his team—Dana Atkinson (String Technician), Paty Moreno (Brass Technician), and Duane Michaels (Woodwind Technician)—as they repair and prepare instruments for students. Their stories, from encountering Elvis to escaping war in Armenia, highlight music’s power to shape lives in unpredictable and meaningful ways.

The Power of Empathy and Support
This film emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy, showcased by the technicians’ diverse backgrounds and the students they assist. At Paige’s Music, we often encounter individuals who hesitate to rent instruments due to financial constraints. However, similar to LAUSD’s efforts, we strive to provide solutions for families, reinforcing that financial barriers shouldn’t deter anyone from pursuing music.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness
“The Last Repair Shop” beautifully illustrates how acts of kindness, whether through career opportunities or the gift of an instrument, leave lasting impressions and inspire individuals to pay it forward. This is a value we cherish and witness daily at Paige’s Music, as our team endeavors to create memorable experiences for our customers, hoping to spread kindness further.

The Emotional Impact of Collective Music Making
The film’s concluding LAUSD Alumni Performance is a testament to the transformative power of music education. It showcases a diverse group of individuals united by their love for music, emphasizing that music is a universal language that transcends age, background, and skill level.

We feel that the message of this film is so important, that we decided to partner with the Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant for a giveaway! We will be giving away two sets of tickets for “The Last Repair Shop”* along with a $15 gift certificate for concessions. For instructions on how to sign up, follow this link!

Located in the historic Windsor Park neighborhood on the eastside of downtown Indianapolis, the Kan-Kan is the city’s only locally operated nonprofit arthouse cinema.

The Kan-Kan is powered by the Indianapolis Film Project, a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes film culture and community in Indianapolis. To that end, the Kan-Kan is the only cinema in Indianapolis that features repertory and first-run films curated exclusively by local film experts. Additionally, the Kan-Kan will screen locally made films, host visiting filmmakers, and house various community education and enrichment initiatives.

Learn more at KanKanIndy.com

*”The Last Repair Shop” is part of the 2024 OSCAR NOMINANTED SHORTS block screening at the Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant. The full block of shorts runs aprox. 141 minutes. Available showtimes include the following but not limited to:

Fri, Feb 16 2024 3:40pm

Sat, Feb 17 2024 6:30pm

Sun, Feb 18 2024 7:00pm

Tue, Feb 20 2024 7:45pm

Wed, Feb 21 2024 2:50pm

Thu, Feb 22 2024 5:15pm

Understanding Bow Materials: A Guide for String Musicians

Understanding Bow Materials: A Guide for String Musicians

Saturday, February 10, 2024 No Comments

Choosing the right bow for your string instrument can be daunting, with various materials and price points. In this guide, we simplify the world of violin, viola, cello, and bass bows by focusing on the three primary materials used in their construction: fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, understanding these materials can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and budget.

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Finding The Perfect Trumpet Mouthpiece Part 1: Where Do You Start?

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 No Comments

Choosing the right mouthpiece is often overlooked for middle school and high school trumpet students. We often focus a lot more on choosing the right trumpet but, choosing the right mouthpiece may have as much or more of an impact on your playing than choosing the right trumpet. Here are some things that you should consider when you start to look for a mouthpiece:

  1. Try Before You Buy: In my opinion, it is extremely important to try out the mouthpiece before you purchase it. Here at Paige’s Music, we have a great stock of different trumpet mouthpieces from different manufacturers. Although doing research online or talking with your teacher is an important step, trying the mouthpiece out for yourself is vital. Please make sure you try out the mouthpiece either by borrowing one from someone or stopping by Paige’s Music. You won’t regret it, I promise.
  2. Lip Size/Shape Matters: I often use the analogy that a mouthpiece is like a shoe. Your lip size and shape are important in determining what mouthpiece you should use. Personally, I have large lips, so I play on a large mouthpiece. For a long time, I played on a smaller mouthpiece because it was what everyone else played on but when I finally sought advice from experts, the new mouthpiece made a drastic difference in my playing.
  3. Brand Matters: Please, do not buy an off brand from Amazon. They likely are made inconsistently and the mouthpiece that you purchase may be a different size than the one that you intended to purchase. For instance, a Bach or Accent 5c may not be the same size as a 5C purchased on Amazon from a non-reputable brand. Please do your research on the brand you are purchasing from and feel free to reach out to us at Paige’s if you have questions. I usually recommend trying to get the same brand as your trumpet especially for upgraded instruments as the mouthpiece receiver and the mouthpiece will fit perfectly without any gaps in the receiver. This is not a huge deal but can make a difference.
  4. Trust Your Opinion: While parents, teachers, and friends can give opinions on how a trumpet mouthpiece sounds. Only you can know what mouthpiece works best for you regarding how it feels when playing. Comfort is very important. Playing the wrong mouthpiece or playing while pressing too much on your lips can cause an injury or make it so you don’t reach your full potential in the future. Be mindful of how the mouthpiece feels as well as how it sounds.

If you have any questions about mouthpieces or would like to schedule a time to come in and try out what we have to offer, please contact us!

Save Big With Your ISSMA Medals!

Friday, February 2, 2024 No Comments

 

With contest season is ramping up,  it might be the perfect time to reward your student for his or her hard work by upgrading to a higher level instrument. If you’ve been looking for a good reason to exchange your beginner instrument for a more advanced instrument, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

For the month of February through March 16th 2024,  Paige’s Music is presenting an exclusive offer to those who have competed in solo and ensemble throughout the month. If your student brings his or her contest medal into our store, we will take two months off of a new rent-to-own agreement* or 10% off an outright purchase of an intermediate or professional level instrument*.

We have a variety of step-up instruments available for rental. If you have any questions about upgrade options, please call or email us and we can explain our Premier step-up rental program.

*Offer valid in store only. Offer only applies to in stock inventory. Certain restrictions apply, contact sales@paigesmusic.com for details.