Thinking about upgrading to a higher quality instrument? Is your or your student's current instrument showing the ravages of age and use? If so, head down to your local West Music and test drive an Accent instrument! The Accent brand is known for having an exceptionally high level of quality and tonality, in addition to excellent build quality and attractive, eye-catching looks.

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your trombone in top condition. Here's some handy tips to make sure that it stays in the best playing condition possible!

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your trumpet in top condition. Here's some handy tips to make sure that it stays in the best playing condition possible!

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your saxophone in top condition. Here's some handy tips to make sure that it stays in the best playing condition possible!

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your flute in top condition. Here's some handy tips to make sure that it stays in the best playing condition possible!

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your clarinet in top condition. Here's some handy tips to make sure that it stays in the best playing condition possible!

Part of our focus this past year has been directed at producing videos demonstrating the products that we sell here at West Music. Since we have such a massive amount of musical tools and instructional materials on hand, we felt that one of the best ways that we can show how you can use those items is, well, demonstrating them!

Looking for a great gift for a musician this year? Take a look at our recommendations for this holiday season, including music stands, tuners and print music!

West Music Music Education Consultant Judy Pine demonstrates the benefits of using Performance Wristies for band performers during the cold fall and winter months. Wristies are a great choice for brass and orchestra instrument players that often play at outdoor pep rallies and events, and need to keep their hands snugly warm without constraints on their fingers.

West Music Company is celebrating being 70 years strong this year! Here’s some background on how the West Music Catalog Department started……

We've digitized the new 2011-2012 West Music catalog, and released it for free download! Now you can take a portable, digital version of the catalog wherever you go, or get a free copy anywhere that there's internet access. Every product is linked to a web page where you can place an order. Simply click on the product's Item number (i.e. 800965) to view an even more detailed description, along with options to add it to your shopping cart and place an order.

Yes, it’s just about that time again! On October 22nd, 2011, the Iowa High School Music Association will hold auditions for the 2011 All-State Music Festival. We at West Music are happy to have all of the All-State audition materials available in 5 of our retail locations: Cedar Falls, Coralville, Marion, Moline, and Ottumwa, as well as through our website!

In this video, West Music's Jennifer Winegarden walks us through assembling and tuning an Orff Rotary Timpani drum.

Director Ben Niles (director of the fantastic film Note By Note) is producing a new feature length documentary entitled "Some Kind of Spark". The film follows inner city kids through the Music Advancement Program (MAP) at The Juilliard School in New York City.

Mariachi is no longer just a “folk” music: its rich history and diverse repertoire of songs help establish it as a legitimate art form worthy of formal study. Until now, no systematic and comprehensive approach to teaching mariachi music has been available. Music teachers have had to scramble to find or create appropriate materials to share with their pupils. Illegible photocopies and substandard arrangements of mariachi music abound.

In 1964, in Tucson, Arizona, Father Charles Rourke founded a mariachi called Los Changuitos Feos (“The Ugly Little Monkeys”). This mariachi was established to provide cultural musical experiences to Hispanic children in the area. Father Rourke (an Irish Catholic priest) had been introduced to mariachi music by Father Arsenio Carrillo. Father Carrillo had two nephews (Randy and Steve Carrillo) that had been playing mariachi music for a short time and needed some guidance. Los Changos (as they are affectionately called) were very successful and it didn’t take long before other places starting taking note.

It’s hard to believe, but now is the time of year to start thinking about marching band season again! After all, many schools start rehearsing during the summer months in order to be ready and prepared for performances in the fall. West Music is ready to handle all of your marching band needs, whether it be: music, drill, software, instruments, flag and field gear... you name it. I’m pleased to say that West Music now has faster service for special orders---we now promise that your order will be processed within 24 hours! This will enhance our commitment to deliver music with a 1-week turnaround. Expedited drop-shipping is available for an additional fee. And also, don’t forget our discount on print music: if you spend $250 with us, you get 10% off of your order. Purchases of $500 and up qualify for a 15% discount. Contact your road rep to place your order (PO# required for discount). I’ve taken the time to listen to many of the new marching band releases from Alfred and Hal Leonard for the 2011 season. I wanted all of you loyal West Music customers to be the first to know about these fantastic new pieces. Simply follow this link to see my picks! Regarding drills, there are a couple of great options: Marching Show Concepts and Arrangers’ Publishing. Marching Show Concepts has some fantastic drills. Place your order with us, and you will have exclusive rights to this drill for the season within a 100 mile radius, regardless of state lines. It is a first come first serve basis! Check out http://www.msconcepts.com for all the available products. Drills from Arrangers’ Publishing are now being distributed by Hal Leonard---which means you’ll get your drill quicker than ever before! Follow this link to see all available AP titles through Hal Leonard, and order your favorites from your road rep! West Music also has the ability to order a wide array of software geared towards those of you who want to arrange and create your own marching band music! Here are a couple of great options for the DIY directors out there.

Caring for your string instrument is not difficult if you understand a few basics.

The power of music and its influence on a musician’s life is the study of a new book from Hal Leonard Publishing. “What Music Means to Me” is full of beautiful photos of assorted musicians and students of music. Each photo is accompanied by a message of what music means to that musician. This incredibly inspirational book is the perfect gift for any music educator, allowing them the chance to show the passion of music to their students.

Set aside time - Allow 1 or 2 hours in a week for the process of looking at instruments and/or bows. The process will be more enjoyable and educational without time pressure. The process has three elements: 1) Discovery - involves learning how a better violin can enable you to develop your sound - its quality, tone colors, expression and response; 2) Defining your taste and needs - requires you to ask yourself several questions: what kind of instrument suits your needs best, whether it be for playing in orchestra, doing solos or playing for your own enjoyment? 3) Learning to communicate what you hear to the professionals so they can determine whether changes can be made that will help in finding the "right" violin. Sound will be affected by a change in strings or bridge and a soundpost adjustment. If you like certain things about an instrument or bow, but not others, talk about this with whomever is helping you. It will help you get what you want in the most efficient way.

Solo and ensemble contest time is upon us. With that in mind, it might be wise to remind ourselves of a couple of things which might make the process work a little smoother. When examining the solo at the beginning of the preparation, start with some very basic items like...

West Music's Third Annual Instrument Petting Zoo is here, just in time for St. Patrick's Day! Bring the family and come down and try out various woodwind, brass and stringed musical instruments, in addition to having any questions of yours answered by our associates. The event will be at the Bettendorf Family Museum, on Thursday, March 17.

To many, it was the first song that they ever learned to play on the piano. To some, it is the most annoying tune imaginable (after “Heart and Soul”, which I believe is more annoying...) that is constantly played (and pounded) on pianos in schools and churches everywhere. You may remember Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia playing it with their feet on the “Big Piano” at FAO Schwarz in the 1988 film, Big. One thing is certain; the infamous tune “Chopsticks” has been played by pianists at all levels all over the world! However, who wrote this extremely familiar melody, and when?

Are you interested in the electric violin, but not sure if you if you're ready to take the plunge? If so, this is the event for you! Join us at West Music Coralville on March 10th to test-drive an electric violin with West Music Associate Nathan Cox. In addition, you'll be entered to win a FREE JT J.E.T. violin bow (a $135 value), simply by showing up and trying out the instruments! It's a great opportunity to learn about the benefits and unique nature of the electric violin, so rest assured you don't want to miss this!

Benjamin Coelho, bassoonist and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Iowa, provides an overview of the bassoon.

One of the most important things to know when purchasing an instrument is that the process will take some time and research. Instruments are an investment, and the effort will pay off in the long run. Start by asking several musicians, including band directors, instrument sales associates, and local professionals, their opinions on brands and models. Even if they are not clarinetists, they will likely have general advice and know of major brands. The Internet is also a good place to do research, but when purchasing an instrument it is best to go to a reputable retailer.

One of the most important things to know when purchasing an instrument is that the process will take some time and research. Instruments are an investment, and the effort will pay off in the long run. Start by asking several musicians, including band directors, instrument sales associates, and local professionals their opinions on brands and models. Even if they are not saxophonists, they will likely have general advice and know of major brands. The Internet is also a good place to do research, but when purchasing an instrument it is best to go to a reputable retailer.

The guidance of professionals is invaluable to help make sure that you get a flute customized to your needs. Ask questions - talk to sales representatives at music stores, band directors, and local flutists. Each of these people will have insight from a different perspective, which can help you develop a well-rounded information base.

Deana Swoboda, former tubist of the internationally recognized Dallas Brass and Assistant Professor of Music at West Michigan University, answers some common questions about Baritones, Euphoniums, and Tubas.

When thinking about starting a child on the oboe it is important to recognize the child’s demeanor, persistence, and physical stature. The young oboist’s demeanor should be that of a patient problem solver.

Congratulations on your decision to join the school band! By now you have undoubtedly given much thought as to which instrument you wish to play. This is an important decision that will be discussed in further detail with your parents and band director. Important considerations are taken into account when students join their school band. These are not only for your benefit as an individual but are some of the fist steps to a quality band that all students and members of the band community can take pride in.

At first glance, the woodwind mouthpiece looks simple in shape and design. The mouthpiece is actually complex and crucial to getting good results. The poor sound of an instrument can improve with the selection of a quality mouthpiece suited for the instrument, the music being played, and the musician.

A carefully selected mouthpiece can help improve a player’s embouchure, attack, tonguing and endurance. Learn more about the features of brass mouthpieces and how to pick the one that's right for you.

A chart comparing reed strength for both clarinet and saxophone instruments.

A look at the different attributes of reeds and how they determine playability, sound, technique, and style.

I should really know better after how many decades of violin playing – but I must admit… I forgot to use my Dampit – and paid the price.

It’s been three months since your child’s first day in band or orchestra. At first, it was new and exciting, and music seemed to be ringing all through the house. But now, the newness has worn off and the progress is starting to slow down. How can you help keep the joy in your child’s music experience like he/she had in the beginning?

A six week course focused on ensemble playing techniques and culminating in a final recital at College Square Mall!

Be the marimba player you never know you were! West Music and Paul Corbiere is proud to present the West Music Marimba Ensemble, a totally hands-on rocking Zimbabwean-style marimba class. No experience or note reading is necessary. Sign up today and we'll get you started!

Now is the perfect time to remind yourself or learn about the proper care of stringed instruments. For violin, viola, cello, and bass players of all ages and abilities who would like more information on taking care of their stringed instruments.

When parents come in to lease a string instrument for their children, they often wonder about the care and maintenance of this fragile piece of wood. A frequently asked question is how often should the strings be changed? There is no warning light that comes on anywhere when the strings are ready for a change and no set rule, like change every 3,000 miles. Really, what it comes down to is how often one plays.

West Music is now the primary dealer in Iowa for 5 Starr Valve oil. 5 Starr Super Valve Oil is available in clear, blue, and red--an ideal lubricant for trumpet, trombone, and all brass valve instruments. It is highly recommended by players and repair techs alike. 5 Starr Valve Oil is unsurpassed for smooth long-lasting trumpet valve lubrication. If you can find a better oil, we'd like to see it! http://www.5starrproducts.com/products.html

Nothing Shines as Brilliant as a Diamond. The natural diamond, when cut by a master gem-cutter, shines with a brilliance and radiance like no other gemstone. Similarly, our new ‘Diamond Level’ lease instrument plays with a brilliance and resonance that is truly stunning in a student instrument.

Our Military Families funds activities that keep children strong and honor their family’s service, including music lessons! This organization pays the teacher directly. Along with the sacrifice of having a parent away in service for months at a time, many Guard and Reserve families are so financially stretched they cannot afford the fees for sports, fine arts, or tutoring programs so crucial to their children’s sense of well-being. Read more to see the form.

Music Advocacy: Music Matters! Let your voice be heard about the importance of music education for every child! Find out more from the links on this page.

Do you snore? Just ask your bed partner if you’re not sure! Snoring disturbs everyone sleep and can leave you feeling less rested in the morning. There are many causes and many treatments for snoring. Recently, I came upon some ways in which music can improve snoring.

An awesome video by thewistube kids.

Here are a few exercises that you can do before every practice to strengthen and limber up your bow hand. Younger students should only do each exercise a few times, and older beginning students can start with 10 times. As your hand strengthens, increase the repetitions to a few more. In the end, you should plan on doing these exercises for no more then 5 minutes each session. Begin by holding the bow approximately one inch above the strings. Straighten your fingers down and lower the bow to the string. Curl your fingers up to raise your bow back above the strings. This exercise is all done with the fingers; you don’t need to move your wrist or hand.

I play euphonium in the Coe College Concert Band. That means I get to sit in the back row of the band near the tubas and timpani. This gives me a unique perspective on the inner workings of the school band. Here are a few thoughts and observations.

A saxophone or clarinet players intonation can have a lot to do with how tight his/her embouchure is. All players develop different jaw sets as they are learning and adjust for intonation based on that jaw set and their specific instrument. These jaw sets and adjustments often make it difficult to play the entire range of the instrument “In Tune”.

Double-stops can sound great when they are played correctly, but they are often maddening to work on. Getting them in tune is a daunting task and transitioning smoothly from one to the next can seem nearly impossible, but it can be done. Here are two tips to help you successfully navigate the treacherous territory of double-stops.

Mark Wood string instruments are the newest line of instruments at West Music. These unique instruments are fun professional instruments that break the string mold. Mark Wood is one of the principal violinists for the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Being tired of not seeing string instruments break into the rock world, Mark designed his own line.

Now that you have bought your instrument, the most important thing to do is get it insured. Learn some of the details and conditions involved in instrument insurance.

If your child expresses an interest in learning to play a stringed instrument you will find that you need a child-sized instrument. Unlike brass and woodwind instruments which are a one size fits all, there are many sizes for stringed instruments, such as violins, cellos and basses.

A little good, old-fashioned sweat and heart-pumping action is good for your overall health, especially if you’re a musician. Anne Roos, 52, of South Lake Tahoe, California, is a Celtic harp player who has been performing at weddings and private functions for the past 25 years. A few years into her performing schedule, Roos hit a point where she felt she needed to start a regular, physical routine.

Are you an advocate? Advocacy has to do with the way we make changes. We usually associate this with positive change for a specific purpose. “Music advocacy” is a term that has been in the forefront recently. What does that mean? How can we become music advocates?

From the AMC: With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to start shopping for that guitar, violin, oboe, tuba, piano or whatever instrument your musical child is begging to receive as his or her top-choice gift. But first it’s important to be an educated consumer so that the new violin doesn’t wind up collecting dust under the bed or being returned to the store.

“Technology” is one of those words that we use and believe we understand. However it’s a difficult word to define. Wikipedia.com defines the word like this: Technology is a broad concept that deals with human as well as other animal species’ usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment." New technology is always being applied as we create, use and adapt to new learning tools. Musical instruments are good examples of tools that are constantly in a state of change. We search for ways to make them easier to play, more sturdy, more unique and more fun. We learn from and adapt to these changes, and then find more ways to apply new technology – it goes on and on.

Ellis Kell, Terry Hanson, and six other local musicians performed at the River Music Experience in Davenport to benefit Rock Island's Thurgood Marshall school, raising funds to bring musicians and artists to students who lack creative outlets. Thurgood Marshall has students who have had family, behavioral, or truancy issues.

Never! Most 91-year-olds are quietly spending their time at a peaceful retirement home. Not Californian Jerrie Thill, who spends her days beating the drums and recording new offbeat tracks while lugging around an oxygen tank. Jerrie Thill is a spunky percussionist from the Jazz Age who still performs regularly.

How do you get your students to practice? It's a question that comes up again and again. Here are some suggestions!

I've been around drums for quite awhile now. Longer than some, not as long as others. I would like to share, in my opinion, a common misconception about cymbals: They should all be the same brand. Again, this is my opinion, so please take it's for what it's worth. When I was a lad, I was the typical rocker, breaking cymbals on occasion. Okay, a lot. I've tried a total of four brands over the years, which we will refer to by letter. Because I like variety, I currently own 17 cymbals that are 3 different brands, set up between two different kits. Mind you...none are cracked. The cracked ones are on the third kit at the band house.

Oh, the ocean drum! It is a favorite of young and old. A music therapist has many uses for this delightful instrument. You can use it for relaxation or stimulation. You can use it as a sound effect or as a focal point for sharing. You can pass it around a circle. You can play it over someone’s head. Maybe you count coins on it. You can probably think of more!

Play anytime - even when your family is sleeping! The mute's patented design gives you a remarkably free response and accurate intonation - in any range. Use the pocket-size ST9 play along with your favorite pre-recorded music by plugging in a CD player and use the output jack to connect to an external amp. System includes sound module, ear phones, and silent mute.

As an educational and band/orchestra consultant, I get asked often for print music. Sometimes I have to put my Sherlock Holmes hat on and find the music. Many times the music is easy to find and upon occasion, I really get stumped and have to apply the little grey cells.

It's a common misconception that fiddles and violins are different instruments. Actually, they are the exact same instrument with one minor difference, THE PLAYER! Fiddle is a style of music played on a regular violin. Players do, however, often set up their instruments a little different to help stylize their music. Flatter bridges often help players play double stops (playing two strings at once) easier. And if you think all fiddlers are farmers in bib overalls playing country music, you're wrong.

When learning to play a stringed instrument parents and students have the option of taking traditional lessons or Suzuki lessons. Most people understand what traditional lessons are, but what exactly are Suzuki lessons? The Suzuki method was developed by Shinichi Suzuki after World War II. Mr. Suzuki desired to create beauty in the world again after the devastations of the war and knew that children would be the best place to start.