Clarinet Bridge Key Issues  Words by Shawn Royer What are Bridge Keys? Bridge keys are the connector-keys that connect one joint of an instrument to another. These specific keys can be found on clarinets, oboes, and bass clarinets. The bridge key mecha …

Inclusive Practices You Can Incorporate into Your Ensemble Rehearsals By Shawn Lynn Royer & Sarah Breann Royer When we talk about inclusion in education, we are most often talking about including the students that require more classroom support in …

How To Raise A Young Musician Words by Crystal Hammon Imagine a contest that ranks the most commonly shared childhood experiences. A few rites of passage would quickly rise to the top. Taking the training wheels off your bike, dreaming that you’ve gone …

Differentiated Instruction in Music Ensembles Words by Shawn Royer The idea of differentiating instruction in music ensembles simply means that we are cognizant of and teach towards students with varied learning preferences, experience/ability levels, …

Make Music Meaningful for Children With These Expert Tips Words by Crystal Hammon If you’re teaching your kids at home for the first time, there’s a good chance you’re getting an education all your own. Learning what works with children – and what does …

Teaching Your Kids At Home? Here’s How Music Can Help. By Crystal Hammon You’d be hard pressed to find an educator – let alone a music educator – who would discourage you from listening to classical music or sharing it with a child. And with good reaso …

5 Helpful Tips for Teaching High Notes on Clarinet and Saxophone Written by Shawn Royer As a Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Artist Clinician, I typically work with many young clarinetists and saxophonists each year in sectionals and masterclass …

This year when the pandemic hit, Shawn Goodman channeled her energy into figuring out how to rehearse her jazz band online. The following information is based on her experience during the summer of 2020 rehearsing the SYO Jazz Ensemble online. “While n …