By Robin Nobles
With band just getting under way this school year, our kids may need a little extra help learning about their band instruments. Let's see what we can find on musical instruments on the Internet.
Does your child play the violin? Then Violin Making by Hans Johannsson is the place to begin. Play sound clips from violins or cellos, learn about the construction of a violin, or learn how to take care of and perform routine maintenance on your instrument.
Would you believe that you can learn to play the piano over the Internet? At Piano on the Net, you'll find a series of lessons broken down for beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students. You can also play sound clips, or download music to use later.
At Piano World, you can learn all about pianos, from buying tips and piano care to pictures and descriptions of the over 2000 moving parts inside a piano.
Guitar players, head over to the Seventh String, where you'll learn of software programs for guitar players, or general information about bands, guitarists, or their equipment. You'll find guitar links galore, from midi sites to guitar publications, and even blank tab sheets to print for free!
At Michael Moors' Clarinet, you'll find everything "clarinet," such as how to care for your instrument, a Chromatic Fingering Guide, a history of the clarinet, and much more.
The Internet Cello Society is an international community of cellists, where you can chat will fellow cello players or post messages on their forum boards. Or, learn tips, such as Putting Tape on your Fingerboard, or Tips about Standard Repertoire.
If you play any of the percussion instruments, Percussion Education On-Line is the place for you. Join into a discussion on topics such as Beginners: What Should They Start With. Or, read online articles like, "Five Ear Training Steps to Improve Timpani Tuning."
Sax on the Web features saxophone techniques, ensemble pages, and saxophone sound clips. Learn the history of the sax, or find out about saxophone newsgroups.
At the Instrumental Music Resource Page, the site is broken down into resources for beginning musicians versus intermediate and advanced students. Each section contains techniques and advice for various musical instruments, such as the flute, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and more. Learn the Secrets to Instrumental Success, or find music education resources on the Web. The site also features guides for parents, students, and teachers.
Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at smslady@netdoor.com.