Music Educators all over are being tested more than ever before. You guys truly are superheroes, but being one can take its toll. Check out this cool article from NAMM U (National Association of Music Merchandisers University) talking about how to maintain a good head space so you can help your students be their best.
Hey Guys!
Nicole here! I wanted to swing by and let you know that Band Instrument repairs are back in swing, as well as string repairs! All woodwind and brasswind repairs are currently undergoing a one-week waiting period from the time they enter the shop until they are tested for evaluation, just to keep everyone safe. I hope to see you all in the store soon!
The retail shop and repair shop are now open (June 11th) and we have new hours. Come visit us Monday through Saturday between Noon and 5PM!
We’re taking significant steps to ensure safety.
We clean and disinfect all shared surfaces; keypads, door handles, counter tops, writing utensils, and more.
We now require masks for all staff members and all who visit us. Masks are available at the front door at no charge if you forgot yours.
Like you, we are closely monitoring local and national reports on the evolving impact of COVID-19 and taking action based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), applicable public health agencies, as well as our own common sense.
If you have questions or comments, please stop by during our new hours or call the shop at (603) 356-3562 and leave a message. Email us visit us on Instagram or Facebook.
We’re all in this together, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
We’ve all seen a professional musician playing on a beautiful instrument, one that is most likely way out of our budgets. Sometimes we start to look down on an instrument because it’s not “pretty,” and I think that’s a stigma we should break.
Your horn doesn’t have to be pretty to play well. It’s just a fact. Many of us receive our instruments as hand-me-downs, or maybe the ones we bought used have some finish imperfections and don’t look new or shiny. This is totally okay! Many professional players got famous on instruments that aren’t the best looking, and that’s because it’s about the sound of your instrument. Sure, it’s nice to have your instrument look super sparkly all the time, but not necessary.
I like to bring up the example of Louis Armstrong’s first cornet. It’s currently on display in the museum that was his home growing up, but that horn has a lot of issues, from an aesthetic and a repair standpoint.
Obviously there are certain things we must consider; if there is an aesthetic “boo-boo” that disrupts the playing ability/functioning of the instrument, it’s time to take action, but most aesthetic issues don’t affect the instrument in that way.
What I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t be discouraged if your horn doesn’t look awesome. If you enjoy playing it and it sounds good to you, that’s the baseline for what matters. If you’re concerned about the way your horn looks, bring it on in for me to take a look at! We can see if what’s going on has anything to do with structural integrity, or playability. We can discuss aesthetic-improving options. See you soon!
