Orchestra Central

Your local Target sells band t-shirts aimed at a Gen-Z demographic, and they blare out names like Def Leppard and The Rolling Stones. Have the people wearing the t-shirts heard of the bands they're displaying? Possibly not, and it's probably time that they did. With their notable long locks and heavy metal music, these ten hair bands from the 80s need to be added to playlists everywhere. Rock on! What's a Hair Band? No, it's not what you would buy at Target to hold back your hair. It's a nickname for glam metal bands or pop metal bands from the 1980s...

The cello is famous for its deep and reverberating sound. But do you know its unique shape and design contribute to its sound? In this article, we'll break down each cello part and how they contribute to the instrument's sound and playability.  Anatomy of a Cello's Body Since the cello is part of the string family, it has features similar to its violin and viola. It has bouts, strings, scroll, tuning pegs, and many others. However, the instrument's body is significantly larger, with a length of 30 inches or more.

Grote Guitar have gained attention over the last few years thanks to their affordability, but are they just another cheap guitar with bad sound and low-quality hardware? Before you purchase one, here's everything you need to know about this budget-friendly guitar brand.  Who Are Grote Guitars Grote Guitar is a relatively new player in the guitar industry. The company takes pride in crafting reasonably priced, high-quality instruments that cater to guitarists of all skill levels. Their entire guitar line-up, which, as of this writing, only consists of electric guitars, is made...

Have you ever encountered the Lydian mode or the Lydian scale in music? If so, you might be curious about how it works. In this guide, you will discover everything you need to know about it, including interval patterns, scale degrees, and more. What is a Lydian Scale? It is a type of major scale that creates a unique and bright sound thanks to its raised fourth note. Most people refer to it as Lydian mode because, essentially, it's the 4th mode of the major scale.  The Lydian...

The flutophone is an easy-to-play wind instrument that has existed since the early 1940s. In this article, you'll learn more about this woodwind instrument, its difference from the clarinet and recorder, and why it's recommended for young children and beginners. We've also included a step-by-step guide to jumpstart your flutophone mastery.  What is a Flutophone? See on Amazon Flutophone looks like a toy flute, but it is a popular wind instrument commonly used in kids' music education programs. It resembles a recorder but has a mouthpiece that looks like a...

Breakups are a part of life; for many of us, music serves as a therapeutic escape from heartbreak. Countless songs have been written about the end of a relationship, but some have become timeless anthems for the broken-hearted. Whether it's anger, sadness, or acceptance that you're feeling, there's a song out there for you. Here's a list of some of the best breakup songs of all time. For No One by the Beatles "For No One" is a melancholic ballad by Paul McCartney, included in the Beatles' 1966 album "Revolver." It...

The clarinet might seem intimidating with all of its rods and keys. Luckily, in this article, we'll discuss the different clarinet parts and the purpose of each one.  Anatomy of a Clarinet Mouthpiece See on Amazon A clarinet's mouthpiece, which can either be plastic or hard rubber, creates the initial sound wave that sets the air column inside the instrument's body into vibration. It also helps shape and focus this sound wave as it exits the device. Doing so allows for...

Have you ever heard someone talk about a half-diminished chord and felt confused? Don't worry; you're not alone! Many music theory beginners need help understanding what this chord is and how it works. Here we'll cover the fundamentals of these chords and equip you with the knowledge you need to start using them in your music. What Are Half-Diminished Chords This chord, which some also refer to as minor seventh flat five chord, consists of four notes:  Root note  Minor third 

A euphonium instrument is crucial in many music genres, including classical, jazz, and brass bands. If you are a beginner or looking forward to learning this instrument, this guide will explain everything you need to know.  What Is a Euphonium? The euphonium is a brass instrument with a conical bore and a flared bell. It differs from a tuba in its smaller size and narrower bore. It also differs from a baritone horn because of its larger bore size. However, they share the same B♭pitch, which means they work best for music in...

If you are shopping for a new guitar, you might have already come across "granadillo," which many touts as an excellent alternative to the famous rosewood. But what is it, and what makes it a highly-sought exotic wood for guitars and other instruments? In this article, we'll take a closer look at granadillo and why you should consider it.  What Is Granadillo? Granadillo (Platymiscium spp), also called Macacauba, Hormigo, and Orange Agate, is a highly sought-after exotic hardwood. This Platymiscium species is native to Mexico and...