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Dawkes Music Reviews: Platinum Service Award (2024)
29th January 2024We’re delighted to have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award based on Dawkes Music reviews in 2023! This independent award is the ultimate accolade for customer service. It recognises brands that consistently deliver exceptional customer service.
Most Useful Clarinet Accessories: Swabs & Pullthroughs
30th November 2023In this upcoming series of articles we’re going to be looking at some of the most useful clarinet accessories. This will include swabs, cleaning materials, slings, supports, stands, mouthpiece patches, ligatures and more! Let’s first take a look at the most important accessory to use every time you finish playing; the cleaning swab/pullthrough.
Top 5 Tips: How To Test Saxophones
6th November 2023In this video we sat down with professional player & teacher Alastair Penman to discuss how to test Saxophones. This advice applies to any Saxophone including Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Baritone, and also new or pre-owned models. The guidance here is aimed at players upgrading from a student model, or indeed someone seeking out a professional model for long-term use.
Best Clarinet Set-Up: Under £2,000 (Non-Classical!)
4th October 2023In this blog with accompanying video, we discuss and demonstrate a range of Clarinets and mouthpiece/reed set-ups for under £2,000. The emphasis is on non-classical playing such as jazz, commercial and band. We compare models from Buffet, Yamaha and Backun. We also get the input of a professional player on his preferred mouthpiece and reed set-up for this combination.
Start Small, Dream Big – Yamaha Trumpets
28th September 2023The Yamaha YTR-2330 is a perfect Trumpet for beginners. This highly durable build quality combined with unsurpassed ease of play ensures every beginner gets off to a great start. Yamaha are currently offering an extended 5 year warranty and FREE 3 month premium subscription to the online music resource ‘Tomplay’. Read on to find out more…
Aizen Tenor Sax Mouthpieces
5th September 2023Here at Dawkes we are delighted to offer the full range of Aizen Tenor Sax Mouthpieces. These mouthpieces are hand-made in Japan and are aimed at the upgrade/professional player. In this blog, with accompanying video, we discuss and demonstrate the 3 Tenor Sax models from Aizen.
Start Small, Dream Big – Yamaha Beginner Saxophones
Now is a great time to start your musical journey on a high-quality Yamaha Saxophone. Yamaha student saxophones take inspiration from their professional models and make for a reliable and accessible instrument for the best start in music.
For a limited time Yamaha are offering a FREE 3 month premium subscription to the online music resource ‘Tomplay’. This features over 40,000 scores which you can play-a-long to on your mobile device. You can also register to benefit from a 5 year warranty for your new YAS-280 Alto Saxophone.
Why Choose Yamaha?
The Yamaha YAS-280 is a very reliable and versatile Alto Saxophone. It’s easy to play, makes a great sound and is the best way to begin your musical journey. We believe the YAS-280 is the perfect beginner instrument, here’s 7 reasons why:
- A reliable instrument at an accessible price
- Precise intonation makes it easier to play
- Adjustable thumbrest for comfortable hand and finger positioning
- A bright dynamic sound to keep you engaged with your music
- Responds quickly and clearly to your playing style
- A quality instrument for a lifetime in music
- Free 5 year warranty and 3 months premium access to Tomplay
Free Interactive Sheet Music
1st September 2023Yamaha are currently offering 3 months FREE premium subscription to ‘Tomplay’ – an online music resource featuring over 40,000 scores that you can play-a-long to. Simply purchase any new Yamaha brass or woodwind instrument and register online here to receive access.
What Is Tomplay?
Choose your instrument and explore a huge library of interactive sheet music with Tomplay. It offers scores complete with backing tracks to play along to. You can filter by musical style, composer, difficulty rating and accompaniment type. Tomplay interactive sheet music scrolls automatically on your screen in time with the music. Choose the audio track you need and press play to start the interactive score with the music.
Gone are the days of poor-quality MIDI sound! All of the Tomplay audio tracks are recorded by professional musiciains. You can choose the tempo and record yourself and listen to your performances. It’s a great way to get inspired and accelerate your learning.
You can also annotate and print your scores, and create loops of particular passages for detailed study and practice. A metronome is integrated into the app to allow you to work on your rhythm and timing. For strings and wind instruments, you will even find a tuning fork for tuning your instrument.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who has recently purchased (Sep 2023 onwards) a new Yamaha brass or woodwind instrument and registers within 6 month of purchase. You need to create an account on the Yamaha site and register your serial no. with them accordingly.
Getting Started on Woodwind & Brass Instruments
31st August 2023Here at Dawkes Music we offer various options for obtaining quality Woodwind & Brass musical instruments. If it’s for a child starting a new school year or for an adult wanting to try something new. We’ve got low-cost options for everyone!
Let’s look at the 3 main choices, with video explanations…
Theo Wanne Alto Sax Mouthpieces – Most Popular?
9th May 2023In this blog, with accompanying video, we check out the two most popular Theo Wanne Alto Sax Mouthpieces. We’ve teamed up with pro-player Simon Bates to discuss and demonstrate the Durga and Gaia Alto Sax models in more detail.
Careers in Music – Music Production, Composition & Recording
2nd May 2023This is the second of our blogs highlighting various musical careers. In this blog we chatted with Joe Rodwell, a musician who wears various career ‘hats’ just like many in the creative industries. Joe is a music producer, arranger, composer and session musician. He’s a great example of someone who has mastered the tapestry of skills and roles that modern musicians need to forge their careers.
He recently arranged a version of Rhianna’s ‘Diamonds’ for the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton‘ (alongside producer Hannah V). Aston Martin featured his compositions and recordings at their centenary celebrations and he wrote and recorded the music for a recent TV advert featuring Michael Buble. Joe’s playing and recording sessions have seen him work alongside leading artists such as Shy FX, Tom Grennan, JP Copper and Jo Harrop.
Wood Stone Alto Saxophone Ligatures
25th April 2023The Wood Stone range of Saxophone Ligatures are exclusive to Dawkes Music in the UK. They are made by the Ishimori company in Japan to the highest standards. Wood Stone ligatures are available to fit a vast array of Sax mouthpiece sizes. They also offer three main models which affect the tone & playability.
In this blog with accompanying video we discuss and demonstrate the Wood Stone Saxophone Alto Sax ligature range with professional Saxophonist Alastair Penman.
Careers in Music – Instrument Repair Technician
13th April 2023This is the first in our new series of blogs profiling various careers in the Music Industry. First up we are joined by our own Sunniva Hellerud who is a specialist Woodwind & Brass Repair Technician here at Dawkes Music.
Sunniva’s story is inspirational for anyone who wants to explore a career in the exciting line of musical instrument making and repairs.
Yamaha Synthetic Sax Reeds – Any Good?
15th November 2022At half the price of many of the alternatives we wanted to check out these new Yamaha synthetic Sax reeds and see who they were suitable for. Check out our video demo below and some important info about the strengths below…
Clarinet Playing Tips & Advice (Part 2/2)
31st October 2022We recently hosted Peter Cigleris for a Backun Clarinet event here at Dawkes Music. This is part 2 of our follow up blog showcasing some clarinet playing tips & advice from Peter.
Synthetic Alto Sax Reeds
In this blog with accompanying video we demonstrate and discuss a range of synthetic alto sax reeds and see how they compare against a can equivalent. Can you listen and guess which is which?
Clarinet Mouthpieces: How to Test
10th August 2022We asked leading UK professional player Nick Carpenter for his top tips on choosing the correct clarinet mouthpiece for you. Dawkes offer a wide range of clarinet mouthpieces, these tips will help you when testing between different models.
Choosing A Saxophone Sling
11th July 2022To play their instrument comfortably, saxophonists use a sling or harness. When it comes to choosing a saxophone sling, how can you know which is the best for you? We sell a range of Saxophone slings and harnesses – lets look at the selection and help you decide which you need!
How Much Do Flutes Cost?
20th June 2022As with any instrument, the cost of flutes can depend on a few factors. These can be split into features like playing level, keywork styles, age and silver content. We’ll break down the features of a few highlights at different playing levels to help you understand the differences of prices on the market!
Happy Birthday to Wally Fawkes
Towards the end of June this year will be Wally Fawkes’ ninety-eighth birthday. Those who wish to celebrate the birthday of Trog or the Daily Mails’ Flook have my blessing and my encouragement. I am not going to interfere with anyone’s celebration of one of our greatest artists and cartoonists. Instead, I wish to focus on Wally Fawkes, clarinet and soprano saxophone player, and one of our finest musicians.
GUIDE: How To Test Brass Instruments
16th May 2022We asked professional brass player Rob Blencowe to create a guide for upgrading players to help them try out new brass instruments. This information is intended for players or parents making their first upgrade. Rob uses a Trumpet to demonstrate but the advice is suitable for all brass instruments.
VENN Saxophone Reeds Review
26th April 2022With the arrival of the new VENN synthetic reeds for Saxophone we asked one of our own staff members to try one for a month and report back. How do they play? How does it compare to other synthetic and cane reeds? Over to Kasey to tell us her experiences…
Selmer Clarinets: Pro Models Compared
23rd March 2022In this blog, with accompanying video, we check out the main 4 professional Selmer Clarinets. Made in the factory outside Paris, these models offer a beautiful tone and response. In this guide we check out the Recital, Signature, Privilege and Muse models.
Army Musicians: A Unique Career Path
7th February 2022Fancy an exciting life as an Army Musician? This unique career option is well worth exploring if you want to experience the thrills and spills of a professional musical life. Here’s Saxophonist Paul Lamstaes of the Household Cavalry Band to tell us all about his journey into the Royal Corps of Army Music…
Joining the British Army as a musician doesn’t always seem like the most obvious choice of career when mentioned in conversation. What if I also said that you can play music whilst riding a horse? Most people would probably need to see it to believe it. It is however a legitimate career path individuals can take, should they choose to join British Army Music.
Top Tips: Baritone Sax Playing
5th January 2022The Baritone Saxophone can be an unruly beast of an instrument, but that’s the fun of it! We asked top UK sax professional Simon Bates to share some tips and tricks for getting the most out of a Bari Sax…
Vegan Saxophone Pads – The ‘V-Pad’
14th December 2021We’re pleased to announce the new ‘V-Pads’ for Saxophone. Produced in association with the world’s leading pad manufacturer Pisoni, these are fully Vegan saxophone pads. They are the result of 12 months of testing, experimenting and innovation with our workshop, leading professional Saxophonists, and the Pisoni team.
But why Vegan? Have a read below to find out more…
Select Jazz – Saxophone Mouthpieces
29th November 2021If you want to branch out and try some new mouthpieces for your jazz set up, D’Addario’s Select Jazz Saxophone mouthpieces are a great place to start. In this blog we take a look at the design and production processes of these models, and how that rewards the player with a versatile and flexible tone.
Which type of Saxophone is best?
26th August 2021In this blog we check out which is the best type of Saxophone. We take a look at the main four members of the Saxophone family, alongside some of the speciality instruments. We also discuss which might be most suitable for you…
The Best Accessories for Yamaha Brass Instruments
25th August 2021If you’ve invested in a quality Yamaha Trumpet, Cornet or Trombone, it’s a sensible idea to keep it well maintained. Choosing and using the best accessories for your Yamaha instrument will help maintain its finish, keep it playing better and support a stronger resale value.
In this blog we’ll take a look at the best accessories for your Yamaha brass instrument…
Which is the best brand musical instrument?
Here at Dawkes we offer a range of Woodwind & Brass instruments from top brands such as Yamaha, Buffet, Selmer, Bach, Getzen and more. We’re often asked by customers which is the ‘best’ brand to buy. In this blog we’re going to take a look at some of the main brands and how to consider their relative merits…
Dawkes Music Tuition: New Teachers…
17th August 2021We are thrilled to have welcomed Rob Blencowe (Brass) to our teaching team. Rob brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team! Check out more about Rob and his role with us below…
(more…)Adult Tuition: What’s On (Autumn 2021 )
We have a wide variety of lessons and ensembles to play in during Autumn 2021. From small groups to our larger bands, there’s something for every player at every level. All the info about our upcoming groups is below…
If you would like to book your place on any of the termly groups please drop Vicky an email: teaching@dawkes.co.uk
Kids Tuition: What’s On (Autumn 2021)
We offer a range of kids musical tuition here at Dawkes Music, from individual lessons to group sessions. Why not check out some of our highlights for the Autumn term below…
NEW! Yanagisawa Saxophone AKZ Necks
16th August 2021Yanagisawa have recently released a new ‘AKZ’ range of Alto Saxophone necks. These models differ from the standard necks that are supplied with instruments. As such they offer players the chance to upgrade their Yanagisawa set-up and play with new tonal colours and response.
Check out our guide below to the NEW models…
NEW! Wera Screwdrivers for Repair Techs
9th August 2021In the large arsenal of useful tools that technicians have, none are quite as important as the humble Screwdriver. When approaching almost any repair on Brass or Woodwind Instruments, repairers will use a multitude of various shapes, sizes, and lengths of Screwdrivers which is why it’s important that these valuable tools are of a good enough quality that they can be used time and time again with a constant and reliable result.
Dawkes Music is pleased to now stock a Screwdriver brand which has been a favourite of some of our repairers for a while now: Wera Screwdrivers. In this short blog we take a quick look at what we stock and why…
Buffet R13 vs Buffet RC – What is the Difference?
11th July 2021For many years the Buffet range of clarinets has been quite dominant in the upgrade and professional clarinet market. Whilst the competition has certainly come on strong in the last few years (Yamaha and Backun primarily) it’s fair to say that for many players and teachers the Buffet is still first on the list to start the comparisons.
In the pro upgrade range Buffet start with the R13 and RC. These two clarinets are the same price, made of the same quality materials, made by the same team etc so what differentiates them? We take a look at the differences below and also feature a video demonstrating both models…
(more…)New Look Repair Dept, Shop & Testing Rooms
2nd March 2021Although we’ve been kept very busy here at Dawkes Music during the 2020-2021 lockdowns we wanted to make some changes to our in-store environment. We’ve been in this building since August 2000, and we wanted to draw on some of our inspirations from 1966 when we originally began as just a small repair workshop in a shed back in Uxbridge…
Yamaha Sax Custom Necks – for Alto & Tenor
20th October 2020The new range of Custom necks for Yamaha Alto & Tenor Saxophones have proven to be very popular since their introduction. We’re often asked to explain the differences in model design, and in the finishes. So, with the help of top UK player Simon Bates, let’s take a listen to these models in action on Alto Sax…(The Tenor Sax demo is available here)
Home Recording – Top 5 Tips
7th May 2020Whilst performing with friends and in public isn’t an option at the moment, plenty of people – myself included! – are exploring the world of home recording. After all, as musicians, we live to showcase our art!
But a percentage of these people – again, myself included! – are novices when it comes to the editing processes. From one beginner to another, here are a few tips I’ve figured out since I started experimenting with home recording and video editing.
Arranged, performed and edited by Jesse Harte
Backun Clarinet Barrels – How to choose?
19th February 2020One of the most popular accessories we sell for Clarinets is additional barrels and bells. This is a great way to change your tone and response without having to mess about with mouthpieces which can take much more getting used to. The range of Backun clarinet barrels has led the way for these upgrades due to the quality of materials and design.
Backun produce various models in two different materials, so let’s take a look at the range and discuss how they can improve your sound…
(more…)Flute Upgrade Guide
1st February 2020In this flute upgrade guide we’re looking at everything you need to know. When to upgrade, why to upgrade, what the spec differences are and much more. Read on for more info…
Our Pick: Top 5 Brass Bands in the World
6th October 2019Brass bands are the ultimate in uplifting, joyful music. Brass bands are known for filling the streets with amazing music and uplifting the spirits of people passing by.
Brass bands have a special place in our hearts and we love the music they make, and how they make us feel.
Jug – Gene Ammons
19th February 2019“When I heard (Gene) Ammons play that saxophone, I knew that I was going to become a saxophone player. There was no doubt in my mind about it.”
Johnny Griffin
“His big sound and driving beat established him as one of the giants of modern jazz saxophone.”
Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler
In August 1947 Albert Ammons, whose business card read, “Albert C. Ammons – King of Boogie Woogie”, went into a Chicago studio to record for the Mercury label. As he had done off-and-on during his career, Ammons would be recording with a group named as ‘Albert Ammons and His Rhythm Kings’, and guitarist, Ike Perkins, and bassist, Israel Crosby, who were part of the ‘Rhythm Kings’ when the group first recorded in 1936, would be part of the 1947 ensemble. But the twenty-two year-old tenor saxophonist was new to the group. The tenor player was Albert’s son, Gene.
(more…)
Flute Videos: Krzysztof Kaczka in Conversation
22nd January 2019Our ninth and penultimate video in this Flute Technique is a little bit different…This time we chat with Krzysztof about his life as a professional Flautist. We chat about the dedication required to make it to the top level, and some of his inspirations and motivations. Hopefully this is a useful (and entertaining!) glimpse into the life of a Pro Flautist…
Buyers Guide: New Instruments
21st January 2019Buying a new instrument (or indeed second hand!) should be an exciting prospect. Your choice should help you progress as a musician and help propel you forward. For over 50 years we’ve helped musicians at all levels choose equipment. From new beginners aged 5, 6 and 7 through to top professionals who tour the world as musicians.
With all that experience we wanted to put together our ultimate guide to testing new instruments.
The Dawkes Music Story – Jack Dawkes (part 1/2)
2nd November 2018Here at Dawkes we’re proud to be a family business, in fact the fourth generation has just started working with us full time! We wanted to share some of this history through the words of our founder Jack Dawkes over two blogs.
In this first part Jack looks back at his early life including his first musical studies and his time in WWII including the Normandy campaign…
Low C Bass Clarinets – Buffet vs Selmer
27th September 2018
The Bass Clarinet is quite simply a majestic instrument in many ways. If you’ve never seen a low C professional model it’s a piece of engineering and natural beauty. The elegant grenadilla joints filled with keywork make it look mesmerisingly complicated! However, with patience and practice the Bass can be a very expressive and versatile instrument in Orchestral and Jazz situations.
Whilst there are a few options in the market, including Yamaha and Uebel, the main choice for most players looking for a low C comes down to Buffet vs Selmer. We wanted to take a quick look at some of the models and differences with this blog…
Selmer MKVII Alto Sax – 3rd Octave Key
23rd August 2018Every now and then we get some nice ‘oddities’ in the workshop. Some are for customer repair and others for sale second. This early Selmer MKVII features the 3rd octave key that is a rare option on some Selmer Saxophones. Take a look at the set-up below. It features an added vent hole and key on the neck. With the additional thumb lever near the left hand thumb rest.
Selmer MKVII Alto with 3rd Octave Key Vent
Flute Playing Videos: AIR SUPPORT pt.2 with Krzysztof Kaczka (5/10)
16th August 2018Our fifth video in this Flute Technique series focusses on another exercise to improve your breathing and air support. This is the fifth of a ten part video series we recorded with top international flautist Krzysztof Kaczka. Throughout the videos Krzysztof will talk about various techniques and exercises to help improve your flute playing, whatever your level.
Meet the Team – Ana (Repair Dept)
About Ana:
Hi, I’m Ana! I moved from Lisbon, Portugal to England to study a 3 year Woodwind Instrument Making and Repair Course at Newark College. This is an internationally known course that is recognised and valued among the industry. I believe for that reason I was accepted to join the team at Dawkes Music Workshop. Also the passion I bring to put my knowledge and skills into each repair.
Meet the Team – Jocelyn (Repair Dept)
About Jocelyn:
Hi, I’m Jocelyn, one of the Repair Technicians at Dawkes. I work on both woodwind and brass instruments.
Flute Playing Videos: AIR SUPPORT with Krzysztof Kaczka (4/10)
10th August 2018Our fourth video in this Flute Technique series focusses on an exercise to improve your breathing and air support. This is the fourth of a ten part video series we recorded with top international flautist Krzysztof Kaczka. Throughout the videos Krzysztof will talk about various techniques and exercises to help improve your flute playing, whatever your level.
Brass Players – Valve Oil Guide
2nd August 2018For brass players, especially new ones, one of the most-asked questions regarding accessories is about valve oils and lubrications. It has been a couple of years since the new CLP (Classification Labelling and Packaging) rules were brought in which affected all the regulations around bottling and caused some supply issues with certain brands. So, it is high time we rounded up all of the valve oil that is currently available, examine the top sellers and look forward to a returning old favourite…
Flute Playing Videos: PRACTICING STACCATO with Krzysztof Kaczka (3/10)
20th July 2018This is the third of a ten part video series we recorded with top international flautist Krzysztof Kaczka. Throughout the videos Krzysztof will talk about various techniques and exercises to help improve your flute playing, whatever your level.
Flute Playing Videos: TONE EXERCISE with Krzysztof Kaczka (2/10)
23rd June 2018This is the second of a ten part video series we recorded with top international flautist Krzysztof Kaczka. Throughout the videos Krzysztof will talk about various techniques and exercises to help improve your flute playing, whatever your level.
Flute Playing Videos: WARM UP with Krzysztof Kaczka (1/10)
1st June 2018This is the first of a ten part video series we recorded with top international flautist Krzysztof Kaczka. Throughout the videos Krzysztof will talk about various techniques and exercises to help improve your flute playing, whatever your level.
REPAIR CAM – Great Bass Recorder (Abi)
26th May 2018This ‘Great Bass’ recorder in C (by Mollenhauer) is a regular visitor to the Dawkes workshop.
It gets a fair bit of use in a local recorder ensemble, which is after all what its there for! These instruments are really beautiful to behold and make a gorgeous haunting sound.
Besson Anniversary Sovereign Euphonium BE967T-2M-0
8th May 2018Something a little bit special has arrived on the brass scene, and you’ll want to be quick! Besson turns 180 years old this year and to celebrate, they have very aptly produced a limited edition set of 180 brass instruments. Out of those 180 are 50 euphoniums in a special finish with various unique aesthetic and physical characteristics.
Remarkable Repairs
23rd March 2018Here at Dawkes, we are lucky to say that our business thrives on the strength of not only our friendly sales team but also our technically qualified repairers in our onsite workshop. We employ more qualified brass and woodwind repairers than any business in the UK, and are proud of our legacy built by Jack Dawkes back in the 1960’s from a shed in his back garden.
“Faz” by Peter Gardner
9th March 2018The number of great clarinet players who were born or learned to play in New Orleans when jazz was in its infancy is quite amazing. Johnny Dodds, Edmond Hall, Albert Nicholas, Omer Simeon, Leon Roppolo, Jimmy Noone, Barney Bigard, Sidney Bechet and Irving Henry Prestopnik are just some that come to mind. If the last of these is not too familiar, maybe you know him under the Mediterranean name for ‘beans’, possibly acquired as a term of commendation, or because in his early days he only played from music in a prim and proper or ‘fah-so-lah’ kind of way. Still, whatever its etymology, ‘Fazola’ replaced the east European name of his father, ‘Henry’ was dropped and for most of his adult life he was known as Irving Fazola or ‘Faz’.
5% OFF – Top 10 Clarinets Offer
6th March 2018
We’re delighted to be offering an extra 5% discount off our Top 10 Clarinet models until April 30th, 2018. There is limited stock available so don’t miss this chance to grab a bargain for either a beginner, upgrader or pro player – we’ve got something for everyone.
‘Jaws’
23rd February 2018“I didn’t buy an instrument for the sake of the music…I wanted the instrument for what it represented. By watching musicians I saw that they drank, they smoked, they got all the broads and they didn’t get up early in the morning. That attracted me. My next move was to see who got the most attention, so it was between the tenor saxophonist and the drummer. The drums looked like too much work, so I said I’ll get one of those tenor saxophones. That’s the truth.”
A Golden Age?
1st February 2018Nostalgia isn’t history; it’s too caught up with sentiment and rose-tinted recollections to let the facts and diligent research get in the way. So, forgive me if accuracy and well-grounded judgement are casualties in my trip down memory lane to an age or at least a time which for me was and still is golden. As The Good Book says, giants walked on the earth in those days. And please don’t think I am setting out to brag; it just so happens that I was fortunate enough to have experienced a wonderfully rich period of jazz, and only desperate people brag about sheer good fortune.
Squeaking? Blame the mouthpiece??
13th January 2017Post Author: Prof. Anton Weinberg (www.antonweinberg.com)
I am always concerned when teachers and players assume that squeaks on a mouthpiece are caused by the facing being crooked. Yes indeed, it might be a possibility, however my research over many years has found that a great majority of the mouthpieces used by clarinetists that we admire are indeed crooked.
5 Minutes with…Andrew Marriner (Principal Clarinet LSO)
29th November 2016
We managed to catch up briefly with Andrew Marriner – Principal Clarinet with the London Symphony Orchestra and we fired a few questions at him to help all you Clarinet players out there. Andrew Marriner has held the position of principal clarinet in the LSO since 1986, when he succeeded the late Jack Brymer. During his orchestral career Andrew has maintained a presence on the worldwide solo concert platform, in the field of chamber music, and as a teacher. (www.andrewmarrinerclarinet.com)
‘Big Ben’ by Peter Gardner
3rd November 2016In January 1967 Ben Webster was playing a short season at Ronnie Scott’s Cub in London. As often happened back then, star soloists who were playing at Ronnie Scott’s would play some out of town gigs. That was how, a few months earlier, I had heard Johnny Griffin in Coventry’s Leofric Hotel. Griffin, ‘The Little Giant’, ‘The Fastest Tenor in the West’, had left his audience enthralled and somewhat drained by his astonishing speed, unquenchable imagination and stamina.
Benny Carter: ‘The King’
11th October 2016…he is a king, man! You got Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and my man the Earl
of Hines, right? Well, Benny’s right up there with all them cats. Everybody
that knows who he is call him King! He is a King!
Louis Armstrong
Generations of jazz fans grew up in the firm belief that the three greatest alto saxophone players were Johnny Hodges, Benny Carter and Charlie Parker. Of this wondrous trio, only one could claim to be multi-talented; he was Benny Carter. His principal instruments were the alto sax and trumpet, which prompted someone with the pen-name of Snooty McSiegle to wax poetic:
The Shy Revolutionary
22nd September 2016Join Jazz aficionado Peter Gardner as he takes a look at the glorious Lester Young…
By the autumn of 1936 someone who would become one the most influential and imitated of all jazz musicians had been ‘on the road’ for most of his twenty seven years, but hadn’t yet been heard on record. Lester Willis Young had started out as a boy drummer in his father’s band, though in early adolescence he discovered that by the time he had packed up his drums at the end of an evening, the girls had gone. So, he switched to saxophone.
Flute Masterclass – 6th October, 2016
14th September 2016Together with Pearl Flutes we’re delighted to be supporting a Flute Masterclass with top European flautist Krzysztof Kaczka in Oxfordshire on October 6th…
Details:
Where: Oxfordshire County Music Service, Centre for Music, Bayswater Road, Oxford, OX3 9FF
When: Thursday October 6th (5pm – 7pm)
Suitable For: Any advancing flautist from Grades 2/3 onwards
Cost: FREE (Parents & Pupils all welcome)
Booking: Direct through OCMS: (Tel) 01865 816 999 (Email) paul.bruce@oxfordshire.gov.uk
More Info: If you’d like any more info please contact events@dawkes.co.uk or call us on 01628 630 800 (Contact Name: Karen or Linda)
‘Bagpipe Lung’ – Cleaning Care Advice & Gear for Wind Instruments
23rd August 2016Many of you will have seen the recent article and report warning players of so-called ‘bagpipe lung’ infections. So, what’s the truth behind the situation and what can you do to ensure you keep your instrument clean and safe…
The Making of a Masterpiece…
16th August 2016Join Jazz aficionado Peter Gardner as this time he takes a look at the origins of ‘Body and Soul’…
It would become one of the world’s most recorded songs. One recorded performance would reach artistic heights rarely exceeded in the history of jazz. As the result of that performance, the tune would become something of a test piece for jazz musicians, particularly tenor saxophonists. Yet, some accounts of the song’s origins give little hint of the memorable things that were to follow.
When Johnny Hodges Doubled…
10th June 2016Join Jazz aficionado Peter Gardner as he takes us back to 1938 & that famous Carnegie Hall Concert with many of the Jazz greats…
On the evening of 16th January, 1938, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra played before a packed house at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Billed as ‘The First Swing Concert in the History of Carnegie Hall’, it was not the first time jazz had been played in what Down Beat called the “sanctum of long-hairs”, but it was the first time an entire Carnegie concert had been devoted to such music.
Légère Synthetic Oboe Reed – A snip at £129 ?!
Légère Oboe Reed Review – European Scrape (Medium)
Oboe Reeds are a very personal thing to an oboe player. All players go through different scrapes, brands of cane and makes, all in the search of the ‘perfect’ reed; again the ‘perfect’ reed being different for each player.
New Buffet Clarinets – Launch on Saturday May 28th…
12th May 2016The New Buffet ‘Tradition’ Professional Model:
The new Tradition has been inspired by a pre-1950s design while taking into account the needs of modern musical repertoire and performance practice, this brand new cylindrical bore compliments the R13 and RC bore families, adding a new acoustic dimension to the Buffet offerings.
Featuring a cylindrical bore design, the new clarinet harkens back to the purity of sound produced by the BC20, with a tone hole placement inspired by the Tosca design. The result is an instrument that presents a clear, focused, rich sound suitable for any acoustic environment and an even scale for consistent intonation throughout all registers.
Stan Getz: Delving back…
9th May 2016Join Jazz aficionado Peter Gardner as he delves back into the family history of Stan Getz, one of the very greatest Jazz Saxophonists…
When The Observer’s jazz critic Benny Green heard Stan Getz playing at Ronnie Scott’s Club in March 1971 he spoke of Getz as “one of the greatest jazz masters of all time” and he added: “It is doubtful if Getz has ever played better in his life…Getz’s genius has flowered again”.
Eddie Daniels pt.3: Choosing an Instrument…
27th April 2016Join virtuoso clarinettist Eddie Daniels as he discusses how to choose an instrument…
Eddie Daniels pt.2: Jazz Phrasing…
21st April 2016We hope you all enjoyed Part.1 (It’s all about the blues), now you’ve got at least a few notes going on in a more blues or jazz feel let’s think about how we can phrase them in a jazzier way…
New Vandoren V21 Sax Reeds…
14th April 2016Whilst it’s no surprise that Vandoren have just released the new V21 Sax reeds (hot on the heels of the Clarinet V21’s) what is more intriguing is quite who or what they are intended for, or at least getting this information out of them (as a UK Retailer or Customer) isn’t as easy as it could be.
Eddie Daniels pt.1: It’s all about the Blues…
13th April 2016Sometimes it’s important to get inspiration from other players, re-connect us with why we play and the great benefits it can give us in life.
NEW Yamaha YFL-212 Beginners Flute…
11th April 2016Wow, even writing YFL-212 feels very odd! Ever since I’ve been in this industry (1996) the premium student flute on the market has been the Yamaha YFL-211. Sure, it’s had the odd roman numeral II or lettering after it but fundamentally the 211 has always been a 211. It’s become synonymous with quality and a safe bet for any student starting out. Why? Well, it’s surely been the best engineered model in production since the early 1990’s and the headjoint cut has been especially easy for new players to strive on.
Beginner Oboes – An overview…
30th March 2016Here our Oboe specialist Louise will walk through the main beginner oboes:
Beginner oboes come with a variety of prices and differences. Whether it is the reputation of the manufacturer, the quality of the materials or what you get with regards the key-work to help your playing improve. These oboes are designed to encourage the player and would suit complete beginners all the way up to grades 4 or 5.
Music Education Expo (2016)
23rd March 2016For the first time, this year Dawkes Music took a stand at the Music Education Expo at London Olympia at the end of February. We were aiming to raise awareness of our products and services within the music teaching community. With an estimated attendance of 2500-3000 teachers, we were feeling confident that we could have lots of conversations about activities such as our ‘Hands on’ instrument sessions for schools, our Teacher Loyalty Scheme, the new Education Workshop series, our expertise in instrumental repair/ maintenance and the availability of repair days, as well as our range of beginner and intermediate instruments – all with a view to create, inspire and support new young musicians.
Feefo – Gold Trusted Retailer (Independent Reviews)
11th February 2015
Dawkes Music receive ‘Gold Trusted’ Retailer award…
Feefo has introduced the Trusted Merchant accreditation to recognise the hard-work of merchants that consistently deliver excellent customer service in the eyes of their genuine customers.Those businesses that meet the criteria, have been accredited as either a ‘Trusted Merchant’ or a ‘Gold Trusted Merchant’.
Award Winners! Dawkes scoop ‘Best Classical Music Instrument Shop’ award…
26th November 2014We’re delighted to have been voted by the public as the ‘Best Classical Music Instrument Shop’ for the UK in 2014.
Having been previous winners in 2011 & 2012 we were excited to get the award back to our shop in 2014. We’d like to thank everybody that took the time to vote for us, we do appreciate it very much and we hope we can continue to fulfill your musical needs throughout 2015 and beyond!
Allen Vizzutti Video Series – Episode #4 (How to approach the jazz idiom)
26th March 2014
Top US Trumpet professional Allen Vizzutti spent some time with us discussing all things Trumpet related.
As part of his video tip series we present #4 – ‘how to approach the jazz idiom’
Allen Vizzutti Video Series – Episode #3 (performance anxiety)
19th February 2014Top US Trumpet professional Allen Vizzutti spent some time with us discussing all things Trumpet related.
Cannonball artist Gerald Albright in the UK…
31st January 2014
I was lucky enough to meet Gerald Albright a couple of years ago at the NAMM show in the USA where the great and good of the music industry assemble (and me!). I had been an admirer of his playing for some years, his CV is pretty impressive with 16 solo albums to his name and well over 1 million records sold…1 million! For an instrumentalist that is a pretty major output! He’s also recognised for his work as a touring live Saxophonist with great Pop stars such as Whitney Houston and most commonly Phil Collins. This work has propelled him onto a world stage and I’m pretty sure he must be one of the most ‘seen’ live Saxophonists because of this.
Allen Vizzutti Video Series – Episode #2 (Warm up advice)
29th January 2014Top US Trumpet professional Allen Vizzutti spent some time with us discussing all things Trumpet related.
Julian Bliss visit to Dawkes Music
30th October 2013For those of you that have been to Dawkes you know we have a big shop area, but now we’ve converted our previously ‘unseen by the public’ front building (maybe we need a better name for this area!) into a spacious teaching and master-class/clinic suite. The front couple of rooms are taken up by our MyMusic adult teaching service and that leaves a larger room for events and ensemble rehearsals etc. Well, in true Dawkes style we thought let’s give this room a little launch so to speak and invite arguably the most well regarded young clarinettist the UK has produced for many a year…Julian Bliss.
Learn to Play Day 2013 (Live @ Dawkes IV)
30th March 2013
Saturday March 16th saw this years National Learn To Play Day land in style at Dawkes. As one of over 80 retailers taking part we were proud to offer free music lessons throughout the day, and in the usual Dawkes fashion we like to think we took it up a notch with some live performances from a Big Band and two local youth wind groups.
Dawkes Music – 2012 Award Winners…AGAIN!!! ‘Best Classical Instrument Retailer’
23rd November 2012
The annual MIA (Music Industry Association) awards took place last night at the Emirates stadium in London. A gathering of all corners of the music industry from small independent retailers to large world renowned manufacturers meet at these annual awards to sort the ‘best from the rest’.
Wayne Bergeron (Top US Trumpet Player) visits Dawkes… Sat March 10th
4th February 2012
Top US Trumpet ‘superstar’ Wayne Bergeron will be in-store at Dawkes on Saturday March 10th (10am-Midday). Wayne will be on hand to talk all things trumpet, technique, high notes etc and discuss his vast experience as the worlds #1 lead trumpet player.
Madejski Academy Music Trial Day
6th October 2010Thursday 30th September, John Madejski Academy, Reading- Matt Sanders, Brass Dept