The flute is the oldest of the woodwinds dating back 800 years in Western Europe and North America. It is also unique because it is the only non-reed woodwind instrument. By the 17th and 18th centuries, the flute became a standard classical instrument through such composers as Vivaldi, Mozart, Brahms, and other famous composers of that era. The flute came into its modern appearance by the 1900s and has continued to be a part of the modern classical repertoire. As well as being a mainstream classical instrument, the flute has found its place in modern western music styles such as jazz, rock, pop and blues.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your flute!

• The different parts of the flute
• How to form the correct embouchure
• How to play a flute headjoint
• How to hold the flute and proper finger placement
• How to play “Mary Had A Little Lamb”
• How to play “Hot Cross Buns”
• How to clean  your flute

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.

Johann Christoph Denner invented the clarinet around 1690. The clarinet is a single-reed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical tube. The clarinet evolved from an earlier instrument called the chalumeau, the first true single reed instrument. It is also the foundation of the modern woodwind family which includes both the saxophone and flute. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johannes Brahms brought clarinet to its modern popularity with their concertos featuring this beautiful instrument. Since then the clarinet has gained much popularity and is a featured instrument in all major orchestras. In addition, the clarinet has found its place in dixie-land jazz, big band swing, and modern jazz.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your clarinet!

• How to assemble the clarinet
• The different parts of the clarinet
• How to hold the clarinet
• Proper playing posture
• How to form a correct embouchure
• How to clean your clarinet
• How to take care of your reeds

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.

The saxophone was invented approximately in 1842 by Adolph Sax. The first saxophones were played in Paris at that time and were intended to be a part of the classical orchestra. Striving for a combination of both the beauty of the violin and strength of the brass section, the sax failed to find its place in the modern orchestra. It was the jazz musicians of the 1920s and ’30s who were finally able to put the sax in its rightful place. Sidney Bechet and Coleman Hawkins were among the first of that era to bring popularity to this beautiful instrument. Since the jazz age, the saxophone has been an important part of all the major western styles of music from jazz to blues to rock and pop.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your saxophone!

• How to assemble a saxophone
• Breathing techniques for the saxophone
• How to form the correct embouchure
• How to tongue on the saxophone
• How to disassemble your saxophone
• How to take care of your saxophone

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.

The trumpet is an ancient instrument that was initially used to send signals across great distances. Many developments over the years led to a very good sounding baroque trumpet and eventually the modern valve trumpet, which was developed in the early 19th century. Even with these changes, the trumpet has retained its ‘soul’ as an instrument of power, glory, and grandeur. These traits are present in the classical trumpet repertoire and are also exemplified in blues, jazz, funk, and other pop styles where the trumpet is used.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your trumpet!

• The different parts of the trumpet
• How to breathe properly
• How to hold the trumpet and place your fingers
• How to produce a sound on the trumpet
• How to tongue on the trumpet
• How to clean your trumpet

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.

The fundamental concept of the trombone has remained unchanged for centuries. It produces an extremely full sound and in the hands of a skilled player is considered the most powerful instrument in the orchestra. The trombone is unique in that it uses a tuning slide in order to reach different tones, instead of keys or valves. This fact enables the famous trombone ‘slide’ sound, and also allows players to hit certain ‘blue notes’ often associated with blues and jazz. The trombone is part of the heart and soul of the big band, and is also featured in many different pop styles as both a supporting and solo instrument.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your trombone!

• Introduction to the trombone
• Slide positions for the trombone
• How to breathe when playing the trombone
• How to produce a proper embouchure for the trombone
• How to warm-up on the trombone

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.

Out of all the modern day instruments, none has a longer history than the drum. The drums are known to have existed since 6000 BC from all over the world. The first drum sets were put together in the late 1800s sometime after the invention of the bass drum pedal. This invention made it possible for one person to play several percussion instruments (snare drum, bass drum, and cymbals) at one time. The set developed as it was used to accompany jazz musicians in New Orleans during the 1920s. Since that time the drums have served as the driving force behind such music as jazz, blues, R & B, rock, and modern pop music.

Check out the videos below on how to set up, grip your sticks and play your snare drum! To view a video, click on the link below. A video window will open. Please allow 1 minute for the video to load.

• Proper Setup and Playing Position
• How to hold your drum sticks
• The Basic Stroke
• Roll Fundamentals
• Care and Maintenance

Also, you can watch three more snare drum lessons and a bass drum, triangle and cymbal lesson below.

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.

The piano is still one of the most diverse instruments today. Technically a percussive instrument, the piano is incredibly melodic and beautiful in sound. An all encompassing instrument that has been a major part of every musical movement since its invention in 1780, new and veteran players alike benefit by being able to accompany themselves in the style of their choosing.

Check out the videos below on how to use proper playing techniques for the piano!

• Beginning piano basics
• Correct piano posture
• Correct piano hand position
• How to read sheet music
• Finding middle C on the piano

To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen.
To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen,
To choose a new video, click on a video from the right sidebar.