Stories

New brass quintet arrangements for festive performances

New brass quintet arrangements of holiday classics are giving Australian musicians fresh ways to celebrate the festive season. With two trumpets, horn,…

Why every violinist should own a shoulder rest

A violin may be small, but playing it comfortably requires careful attention to posture. The instrument rests between the jaw, collarbone and left hand,…

The Best Guitar Chord Books for Songwriters

A strong chord book can become a working tool rather than a reference volume that gathers dust. For songwriters, the most useful titles connect chord shapes…

Educational Resources for Teaching Rhythm to Young Children

Rhythm is one of the first ways children experience music. Before they can read notation or play a complete melody, they can clap a steady beat, copy a…

Finding Out-of-Print Sheet Music Through Special Orders

A favourite piece can become surprisingly difficult to find once a publisher stops printing it. A teacher may assign an older edition, a choir may need a…

Choosing Between Spiral Bound and Perfect Bound Music Books

For musicians across Australia, the format of a music book affects far more than shelf appeal. At Opus II in Kitchener, advisors field questions every week…

Easy Duets for Two Flutes: From Beginner to Intermediate

Learning flute in pairs has long been a beloved part of Australian music education, from weekend workshops associated with the Australian Music Examinations…

How Australian Players Can Read Casino Withdrawals on Bank Statements

A casino withdrawal can appear on an Australian bank statement under a payment processor, merchant group, or abbreviated trading name rather than the casino’s…

Recent vocal solo collections for audition preparation

Choosing repertoire for an audition is rarely just a matter of finding a song in the right key. A strong collection needs to offer contrasting moods,…

Smart Strategies for Buying a Used Instrument

Buying a pre-owned instrument can be one of the smartest moves a budding musician makes, giving access to higher-quality gear at a fraction of the showroom…