Commercially made reeds – those profiled-cane, shinily-wound Jones and Lesher and Emerald Reeds – have their place. They are designed for beginners, or for young players, or for players thatContinue readingReed Repair Shop: Commercial Reeds
Five Minute Reedmaker: Finishing Tips and Tricks
After you get to the point where your reed has structure, symmetry, and balance, and you still don’t quite like it, what then? What can you do to fix problemsContinue readingFive Minute Reedmaker: Finishing Tips and Tricks
Five Minute Reedmaker: U vs. W
A student asked me as we were making reeds together whether I use a U or a W scrape. I didn’t immediately know the answer, so I quickly ran theContinue readingFive Minute Reedmaker: U vs. W
The Pleasure in Doing It
Sometimes I just like having run. After your shower and your coffee it feels good to have run, earlier in the day, and to feel that gentle ache and tirednessContinue readingThe Pleasure in Doing It
Five Minute Reedmaker: The Weather
If you live in a place with seasons, you will notice dramatic changes in your reeds a couple of times a year. (I’m sure I write about this twice aContinue readingFive Minute Reedmaker: The Weather
Projection
I heard a student’s sophomore recital once, and noticed that although she played all of the notes and technique well, chose appropriate tempos, and used her own reed – whichContinue readingProjection