Focus on Phrasing

Phrasing begins with the basic building blocks of music, scales and arpeggios, and musical expression adds content to basic notes and rhythms. As a woodwind family member, the flute requires specific skills that are different from clarinet or saxophone, so it’s important for flutists to practice fundamentals of embouchure, breath control and technique discussed in previous columns.

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Audition Advice

As aspiring music students anxiously prepare for university auditions, faculty members hope that talented and teachable young musicians will arrive to join the ranks. Here’s a little advice from the juror side of the table.

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Organizations to Know

Today, drummers and percussionists have a wealth of information and opportunity available to them. Here is a list of organizations that you should know about and interact with.

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In the Toaster

I don’t know when or where the phrase originated, but for years I’ve heard coaches yelling out, “Keep it ‘in the toaster’” as a reminder for performers. Maybe you’ve never heard it? Maybe you’ve heard it more than you would like to remember. Either way, here’s what it means and how you can make sure you are “in the toaster.”

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