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Synthetic vs Cane Double Reeds: Which Is Right for You?
20th May 2026Choosing the right reed can quietly make or break your playing experience. For double reed players, the debate between synthetic and cane has never been more relevant – and thanks to significant advances in reed-making technology, synthetic options are now a genuine contender rather than a compromise. We recently sat down with Thom Conroy to talk through the debate of synthetic vs cane double reeds. Whatever stage you are at, it’s worth knowing what each option offers. Browse both synthetic and cane double reeds at Dawkes Music and find what works for you.
BG Ligatures for Saxophone: Which One Is Right for You?
10th March 2026If you’re a saxophone player, your ligature matters more than you might think. In this post and the accompanying video , pro player, Jimmy Merchant breaks down the full BG ligature range, explaining what makes each one unique and how to find the right match for your reed, mouthpiece, and playing style.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to fine-tune your setup, there’s a BG ligature built for you.
Gear Spotlight – The Team at Dawkes
9th February 2026Imagine handling thousands of Clarinets and Saxophones every year, and all manner of interesting mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds. That’s the privileged position we’re in here at Dawkes Music and many of our staff are active woodwind musicians owning multiple instruments.
However, whilst temptation lies in every cabinet here, like everyone else we can’t buy one of everything! So, we caught up with a few of our staff to find out what gear they choose to use for their different musical pursuits, and why.
From the Workshop: Preparing a Secondhand Howarth S40C Oboe
22nd January 2026Written for the British Double Reed Society
The Shop at Dawkes has a constant stream of customers bringing in instruments for potential part exchange or commission sale. This means the workshop has an interesting, ever-changing pool of high-quality second-hand instruments to service and prepare lovingly for sale. Assessing instruments deeply and thoroughly to identify any potential pitfalls, underlying damage, previous questionable repairs or wear and tear is so important to ensure that we can confidently enhance the new owner’s experience, then offer longevity through our warranty support.
Quick Guide to D’Addario Clarinet Reeds
20th January 2026Everybody needs a good reed. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be good quality. That means no chips, no discolouring, and no warping. Your reed is where your sound starts, so it matters more than most players realise. Pro player Jason Alder brings you this quick guide to D’Addario clarinet reeds, explaining the journey from student reeds through to premium options, showing how the right cut and profile can completely change how your clarinet feels and sounds.
Common Trombone Faults – and How to Avoid Them
15th January 2026Trombones may look simple in their look, but that simplicity hides a lot of precision. A small amount of damage or misalignment can have a big effect on how the instrument feels and plays. In the repair workshop, certain trombone problems appear again and again. Most of them are avoidable with careful handling, regular maintenance, and a better understanding of how the instrument works. Here are the most common trombone faults our technicians see – and how you can avoid them:
Upgrading Your Sax Mouthpiece
13th January 2026Upgrading your sax mouthpiece can be a real turning point in your playing. It’s often the moment where things start to feel easier, more responsive, and a way of finding ‘you’ in your sound. In our latest video, professional saxophonist Thom Conroy is joined by UK Product Specialist Tom Miller-Swain to explain why a mouthpiece upgrade is such an important investment, and how to choose the right option for your style with D’Addario.
Brass Awards 2025
30th December 2025Celebrating Brass Highlights of the Year
The Brass Awards 2025 highlight the instruments and accessories that have made a real impact over the past year. Our selections are guided by hands-on experience from our brass specialists and workshop technicians, focusing on build quality, performance, value and what genuinely excites today’s brass players.
Woodwind Awards 2025
27th December 2025Celebrating the Best in Woodwind for 2025
Each year, we take time to reflect on the instruments, accessories and innovations that have genuinely stood out in our woodwind department. The Woodwind Awards 2025 are chosen based on highlights, excellence in manufacturing, and products that have truly impressed us on the shop floor.
Backun Bass Clarinets – The Ultimate Guide: Alpha vs Q series
17th December 2025The moment has arrived, Backun have answered our wishes and have finally created an ABS Bass Clarinet to Low C. Previously, all low C models have been made in grenadilla wood which contributes to a high cost. Backun have bought the “lowest notes of the bass clarinet to the masses” by creating this lightweight and affordable design.
The Backun Bass Clarinet range includes; a Q Series wooden model to low C, and an Alpha ABS model to low Eb and low C – the first high-quality synthetic bass clarinet down to low C to exist. Let’s take you through the main features that make each of these models so desirable.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Trombonists
12th December 2025Trombone players have a wide range of needs depending on their experience level, rehearsal schedule, and performance setting. This ultimate gift guide highlights practical, reliable options across several budgets to help you choose something genuinely useful for trombonists, from beginners to advanced players looking to refine or upgrade their setup.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Trumpet Players
Selecting an appropriate gift for a trumpet player can be challenging, as many will have specific preferences. To simplify the process, we have an ultimate gift guide offering a range of practical and well-considered options across multiple budgets.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Saxophonists
1st December 2025Shopping for a saxophonist? To help narrow things down, this ultimate gift guide highlights reliable, player-approved favourites across a range of budgets. Whether you’re buying for someone else or upgrading your own setup, these are solid choices that’ll get used, not forgotten.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Double Reed Players
27th November 2025Buying gifts for double reed players can be… an experience. Between reeds, tools, cases, and instruments that cost as much as a small car, it’s easy to feel lost. Whether you’re after a practical stocking filler or a show-stopping upgrade, this guide has something for oboists and bassoonists alike.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Clarinet Players
25th November 2025Clarinetists know how to obsess over tone, reeds, and the never-ending hunt for the perfect setup. Whether you’re shopping for a student, a doubler, or a seasoned orchestral player, these gift ideas hit a range of budgets and make a difference.
Highlights From Our Big Clarinet & Sax Weekend
Our Big Clarinet & Saxophone Weekend was bursting with music, inspiration, and a whole lot of reed-fuelled excitement! From inspiring workshops to stunning concerts, the two days had something for every player.
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Flautists
19th November 2025Finding the perfect gift for a flute player can be tricky – you want something practical, inspiring, and tailored to their musical needs. This blog brings you the ultimate gift guide for flautists, covering a range of options across different budgets and requirements for every player.
Discover D’Addario Saxophone Reeds
11th November 2025When it comes to saxophone reeds, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every player has their own sound, setup, and style. As Thom Conroy says, “The right reed on the right mouthpiece is the dream combination.” Finding yours means exploring a few options.
D’Addario offer one of the most complete reed ranges on the market – from student-friendly reeds that make learning easier, to premium organic reeds designed for the world’s top performers.
Finding Your Sound: The D’Addario Reserve Clarinet Mouthpiece Range
4th November 2025If you’re ready to upgrade from a standard plastic mouthpiece, the D’Addario Reserve clarinet mouthpiece range is a great place to start. We’re joined by D’Addario’s pro player, Jason Alder to demonstrate each mouthpiece and offer his impressions and advice when looking for your next upgrade.
Technician Tales: Common Saxophone Faults – And How to Prevent Them
27th October 2025Saxophones look tough, but they’re full of sensitive parts like pads, springs, and keywork that can be thrown out of alignment with the wrong kind of handling. In the repair workshop, our technicians see certain issues over and over again. Most of them are preventable with better habits and a little more care. Here are the top faults seen by saxophone repairers – and how to avoid them.
Master Your Flute Vibrato: Simple Steps to Improve Your Vibrato, Fast
23rd October 2025Vibrato is a defining element of flute tone, adding warmth, colour and expressive depth to the sound. Vibrato is a controllable skill that develops through focused breathing, air control and consistent practice. With the help of pro player, Thom Conroy, the following simple steps and exercises are designed to help improve your vibrato in both the mechanics and the musicality.
Technician Tales: Common Clarinet Faults How to Avoid Them
21st October 2025Every clarinet player, from beginner to professional, relies on their instrument’s precision. Yet many of the repair issues technicians see are entirely preventable – small habits that, over time, lead to avoidable faults.
Below are some of the most common clarinet faults our repairers encounter, along with guidance on how to avoid them. A little awareness during daily handling can save you a trip to the workshop (and your clarinet a lot of stress).
Technician Tales: Common Trumpet Faults and How to Prevent Them
8th October 2025Looking after your trumpet keeps it playing smoothly and sounding its best. Small issues can quickly become big problems if ignored. Head Technician, Abi Taylor, brings you this guide on the most common trumpet faults and how to prevent them, helping you avoid an emergency trip to our workshop!
Technician Tales: Common Double Reed Faults and How to Avoid Them
25th September 2025Every double reed player knows the love-hate relationship with our instruments. As much as we adore them, they can be fragile, fussy, and expensive to repair if mishandled. We spoke to Head Technician, Abi Taylor for some of the most common double reed faults our technicians see and how to avoid them.
The Art of Breathing for Musicians
22nd September 2025Breath is at the heart of music-making. Whatever your instrument, the way you breathe shapes your tone, stamina, and expression. It’s tempting to think that “more air equals more sound,” but in practice, the opposite is often true. In this blog, ‘The Art of Breathing for Musicians’ we offer a range of advice to get your diaphragm working and start improving your sound and stamina!
The Classical Guide to Funk: Saxophone Edition
18th September 2025If you’ve come up through the world of études and sonatas, funk might feel like a different planet. The good news? You already have the control and discipline – now you can channel that into crisp articulation and improvisation. Funk solos don’t demand endless runs; they thrive on short riffs, rhythmic variation, and space. With the foundation you already have, it’s about loosening the edges and letting groove take the lead.
Christopher Bill at Dawkes Music
15th September 2025Featured in The Trombonist, magazine of the British Trombone Society
In late April, we were delighted to welcome trombonist and YouTuber Christopher Bill to Dawkes in Maidenhead. The event came together at fairly late notice, but the opportunity arose for us to host a workshop with Christopher, kindly supported by Denis Wick, with whom Christopher is an endorsee (he plays a Wick 12CS mouthpiece.) Many thanks to the British Trombone Society for featuring the event in their magazine, The Trombonist.
The Importance of Warming Up (with Hannah Shilvock)
12th September 2025It’s easy to skip a warm-up when you’re short on time, but those few minutes of preparation make a big difference. Just like athletes don’t sprint without stretching, clarinettists need to ease their body and instrument into playing. A mindful warm-up not only helps your clarinet respond more easily, it also protects you from tension, pain, and potential long-term injury. Here are some easy steps to add into your routine, along with a pro tip from clarinetist and yoga teacher, Hannah Shilvock!
Improve Your Flute Tuning Today! With Thom Conroy
3rd September 2025Getting the flute in tune isn’t just about pulling out the headjoint or rolling it in. Improve your flute tuning fast today with the help of pro player and multi-instrumentalist Thom Conroy. He reminds us that the quickest way to improve tuning is to understand how your own setup affects pitch, and how each note requires precision. Small adjustments in flute placement, embouchure angle, and the direction of your air stream can make all the difference.
Upgrading Your Clarinet: Selmer Prologue & Presence
30th August 2025When it comes to upgrading from a student clarinet, or even choosing your very first wooden instrument, two names in the Selmer range stand out: the Prologue and the Presence. Both are beautifully designed wooden clarinets with features that make them ideal stepping stones at different stages of your musical journey.
We spoke with Selmer clarinet product manager Stéphane Gentil, Dawkes’ head technician Abi Taylor, and professional player Hannah Shilvock to find out what makes these models so special.
Back to School: Picking Up Your Woodwind Instrument After a Break
28th August 2025As the new school year begins, the music bags are being dusted off and practice routines are starting up again. Whether you’re a student returning back to school or an adult player getting back into the swing after some time away, picking up your Woodwind instrument after a break can seem a challenge, but easing yourself (and your instrument!) back in carefully makes all the difference.
Understanding Brass Mouthpieces: A Beginner’s Guide
15th August 2025by Matt Sanders (Dawkes Brass Specialist)
All brass players wonder at one time or another whether or not making a change to their mouthpiece will help. Could it give them more range, more volume or a bigger sound? A change in the mouthpiece can yield fantastic results to the player. You can achieve faster, higher and louder from just a small change.
This beginner’s guide to understanding brass mouthpieces will walk you through the golden rules of choosing the right mouthpiece and explain what all the technical details really mean. We spoke to trombonist Christopher Bill, who shared insights into his current setup using Denis Wick products – and why your own setup can make such a big difference to your playing.
Exploring Selmer Paris’ Professional Clarinets
with Hannah Shilvock, Stéphane Gentil, and Abi Taylor
In our recent video, clarinetist Hannah Shilvock joined Selmer Paris product manager Stéphane Gentil and our head technician Abi Taylor are exploring four of Selmer Paris’ professional clarinets: the Recital, Signature, Privilege, and Muse. Together, they offered a combination of performer insight and technical expertise – discussing design history, acoustic goals, and the Hannah’s personal experience for each model.
A View from the Bench
29th July 2025By Abi Taylor, Head Technician
In collaboration with the British Double Reed Society, their Spring 2025 edition for ‘Double Reed News’ features Abi Taylor, our Head Technician, who offers a personal look into life at the repair bench. “A View From the Bench” shares insights into the craft that keeps our instruments – and performances – in top form.
Exploring Extended Techniques on the Flute
25th July 2025The flute is often associated with elegance, clarity, and soaring melodies – but there’s a whole world beyond the standard classical tone. Extended techniques push the boundaries of what the flute can do, opening up an exciting palette of sounds and effects. Whether you’re a curious student, a composer, or a flautist looking to expand your expressive range, these techniques offer new ways to interact with your instrument.
Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting extended techniques, and listen to Thom Conroy’s amazing demonstrations!
Vandoren VK Synthetic Reeds
18th July 2025Vandoren’s VK synthetic reeds are the result of seven years of research and development in France. The VK line offers a synthetic, fully recyclable alternative to cane reeds, crafted from a composite material. Designed to closely replicate the acoustic qualities of natural cane, they provide the durability and consistency players have long wished for, without sacrificing tone, response, or feel.
Caring for Your Single Reeds: Essential Tips for Clarinet and Saxophone Players
16th July 2025Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, caring for your single reeds will extend the life of your favourites and provide the best performance. Good reed maintenance not only saves you money, it ensures your playing stays consistent, smooth, and expressive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get the most from your clarinet or saxophone reeds.
Finding Your Musical Voice
Five Steps to Make Your Playing Truly Yours
In the world of instrumental playing, it’s easy to get caught up in perfecting the technical aspects – clean articulation, accurate intonation, and solid rhythm. But great players don’t just play the notes – they say something with them. Finding your musical voice is about making your playing unmistakably you. It’s a lifelong journey, but here are five steps to help you start carving out your unique sound, inspired by brass supremo Christopher Bill.
Top 5 Upgrade Flutes: Features, Benefits & What to Consider
10th July 2025Upgrading your flute is a pivotal step in evolving as a musician. Whether you’re transitioning from a student model or simply refining your sound, the right instrument can dramatically enhance tone, ease, and expression.
In this blog, we explore the top 5 upgrade flutes – each offering distinct technological innovations and tonal profiles. Alongside features and benefits, we’ll point out what to consider when evaluating these instruments. Don’t forget to watch our video with flautist Thom Conroy to hear his wonderful demonstrations and reviews.
This Is Your Sign To Try A New Instrument!
4th July 2025Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned musician thinking about doubling, take this as your sign to take the plunge and try a new instrument! We get it – investing in a new instrument can be a big step, especially if you’re not quite sure how it’ll fit into your playing or your practice routine.
That’s where our rental scheme comes in – a flexible, affordable way to explore new instruments without the pressure of a full purchase. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to dip a toe into the world of doubling or starting fresh with something completely new.
Celebrating 20 Years of P. Mauriat in the UK!
25th June 2025We are celebrating 20 years of P. Mauriat in the UK, bringing you a full review of their flagship range, the Influence tenor and alto saxophones. While P. Mauriat originated in the U.S. in 2003, it was in 2005 that these horns first arrived on UK shores – and over the past 20 years, they’ve carved out a loyal following among players seeking the warmth, feel, and soul of vintage horns with the reliability and precision of modern craftsmanship.
The Influence series has stood out from the beginning for its bold design choices, hand-built construction, and unmistakable tonal palette. Now, two decades on, it’s the perfect time to highlight these flagship models and see why they are becoming a household name amongst pro players.
A Self-Care Guide for Woodwind and Brass Players
24th June 2025World Wellbeing Week 2025
During World Wellbeing Week 2025, let’s shift the focus inward: from performance to presence. Woodwind and brass players know the intense demands of their craft – daily pressure on the breath, fine motor control, long practice hours, and often, physical tension. We’ve put together a self-care guide for musicians with 5 tips on slowing down and taking a moment. Whether you play oboe, saxophone, trumpet, or tuba, you’re constantly balancing technical skill with physical stamina and emotional focus.
We’ve also included some invaluable resources from the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine at the end of the blog to support all musicians through their journey.
Saving Newark College: The Future of Instrument Repair
By Abi Taylor, Head Technician
For decades, the Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts has been a cornerstone of excellence in the world of instrument making and repair. It has trained generations of skilled technicians – including many at Dawkes Music – who honed their craft and built their careers through the school’s exceptional programs.
Now, with the institution at risk and the future of instrument repair lying in the balance, Head Technician Abi Taylor reflects on her journey and the lasting influence Newark College has had on her and the wider repair community.
Unlock Your Sound: 5 Essential Tips for Bass Clarinet!
19th June 2025Mastering the bass clarinet takes more than just playing low notes beautifully – it’s about developing habits that support tone, technique, and longevity. Based on expert advice by low woodwind specialist, Preston Cummins, here are 5 essential tips for bass clarinet to unlock your sound and take your playing to the next level:
Technician Tales: Common Flute Faults And How to Prevent Them
17th June 2025The flute may look sleek and simple, but it’s a delicate and complex instrument, and even small missteps in handling can lead to frustrating and expensive damage. We spoke to Head Technician, Abi Taylor about the most common flute faults they see come into the workshop, and advice on how to prevent them.
Developing Low Notes on Trombone & Brass: Techniques and Tips
11th June 2025ft Christopher Bill
For many brass players, hitting those booming low notes, the low register presents a set of unique challenges: breath control, embouchure flexibility, and tone consistency, to name a few. Luckily, with the right techniques and mindset, you can unlock the depth and power of the low end. We spoke with Christopher Bill, a trailblazing trombonist known for his virtuosic YouTube performances and practical advice, and have put together a few techniques and tips to support you in developing low notes on trombone and brass.
The Stylish Saxophonist; Setup Choices for Jazz vs Classical Playing
10th June 2025By Alastair Penman
Although I see myself predominantly as a “classical” player, I also love playing jazz, and a fair amount of my work inhabits the area between the two. As saxophonists we’re often called upon to be musical chameleons, shifting between different styles (and even instruments); how can we choose a setup that allows us to do this as easily as possible?
Understanding Harmony Clarinets: Expand your Clarinet Journey
6th June 2025A recent arrival of two vintage Uebel instruments – a Bass Clarinet to low C and a Basset Horn in F – sparked excitement in our workshop and inspired us to explore the world of harmony clarinets. For many clarinetists, the Bb clarinet is home base. But beyond the familiar lies a fascinating family of instruments known as harmony clarinets. Whether you’re looking to deepen your ensemble experience, explore new timbres, or take on a fresh challenge, understanding harmony clarinets offers a world of musical possibilities and can expand your clarinet journey.
A Beginner’s Guide to Double Reed Adjustments
4th June 2025Whether you’re just starting on oboe or bassoon, one thing becomes clear quickly: your reed matters. A great reed makes playing enjoyable – a bad one makes it frustrating. We’ve created a beginner’s guide to double reed adjustments to help you get the most out of your reeds. With a few tools and some basic understanding, you can make small adjustments by carefully scraping the cane that have a big impact on your sound and help make your reeds last even longer.
A Beginner’s Guide to Reed Adjustments
29th May 2025Whether saxophone or clarinet, your reed is the heart of your sound, without it you couldn’t even make a sound! A great reed can make playing effortless, while a poor one can turn practice into a struggle. Learning how to adjust reeds gives you control over tone, response, and comfort. In this beginner’s guide to reed adjustments, we’ll show you how to get the most out of every reed.
Making the Switch – Advice for Transitioning to Bass Clarinet
23rd May 2025Making the switch from Bb to bass clarinet opens up a rich and resonant sound world – but it also comes with new challenges. From adjusting your embouchure to navigating the larger keywork, transitioning to bass clarinet requires patience and practice. In this post, we’ll offer advice on overcoming common hurdles, helpful techniques, and essential maintenance tips to help you make a smooth and successful switch.
A Guide to Ishimori and Wood Stone Super Custom Saxophones
14th May 2025About Ishimori and Wood Stone
In the late 1990s, Shinji Ishimori, a master craftsman, launched the ‘Wood Stone’ brand – named by combining ‘Ishi’ (stone) and ‘Mori’ (wood) – to create original products that met the evolving needs of saxophonists.
The brand began with a handcrafted ligature and has since expanded its lineup to include saxophones, mouthpieces, reeds and other accessories. They craft each product by hand, believing this to be the only way to achieve the quality they strive for. For example, all the screws are hand-made, allowing the products to feel more personal and not as structured as machine-made products.
Ishimori’s commitment to handcrafting ensures that each product, from ligatures to saxophones, meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
How To: Care For Your Double Reeds
8th May 2025Whether single or double reeds, proper care and maintenance are crucial. We’ve put together a quick guide on how best care for your double reeds. Following these tips can help ensure the reeds longevity and optimal performance.
Understanding Your Double Reed
A double reed consists of two pieces of cane that are bound together and vibrate to produce sound. Due to their delicate nature, oboe or bassoon reeds must be handled and maintained with care. Whether you’ve made your reed yourself or, alternatively, bought one specially prepared, this guide will help you get the most out of your reeds!
How to Glissando on the Clarinet
1st May 2025Glissando, a smooth glide from one pitch to another, is a technique often used in jazz and contemporary music. Mastering the glissando on the clarinet can add an expressive dimension to your playing.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a successful glissando on the clarinet, including a short video by Clarinettist extraordinaire Julian Bliss!
(more…)New Selmer Muse Clarinet – Limited Edition 2025!
14th April 2025To celebrate Henri SELMER Paris’ 140th anniversary, the beloved Bb Muse clarinet is released as the exclusive “Limited Edition 2025”. A true masterclass in craftsmanship and with only a mere 85 in production, Dawkes is thrilled to be in possession of such a rare addition to the Selmer family.
What Type of Clarinet Should I Start With?
8th July 2024In this blog we’ve got some information for beginners and parents wondering what type of clarinet is best to get started on…
NEW: Altus Flute Range A9-A12 Models
7th May 2024The new Altus Flute range continues on the legacy of excellence created by the Japanese company. In this blog we discuss some of the new features of these stunning professional flutes.
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!
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.
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…
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.
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.
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)
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)
Légère Synthetic Oboe Reed – A snip at £129 ?!
10th June 2016Légère 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.
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 2014Top 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 has performed as a soloist all over the world with many of the best musicians around, and covered all genres from Classical to Jazz and pretty much everything in between!
If you’re taking the first steps towards playing jazz this is well worth a watch…
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’.
Madejski Academy Music Trial Day
6th October 2010Thursday 30th September, John Madejski Academy, Reading- Matt Sanders, Brass Dept