RESSOURCES - Steuer Reeds

RESOURCES⸻

December 21, 2024

Ambassador Interview - Shigeru Ikushima

Two years before entering Kunitachi College of Music, I had already decided to study clarinet in France. I knew that the French school was better for wind instruments, which is why I started learning French.

October 12, 2024

Ambassadors interview - Sabine Meyer and Reiner Wehle

I was born in a very small village in southern Germany. My father was a musician. He had studied the clarinet and piano in particular, and he was a renowned teacher of various instruments across the whole region.

February 13, 2024

Ambassador Interview - Gaël Horellou

I'm originally from Caen. My father, an actor by trade, had a passion for jazz. Thanks to my parents, I was lucky enough to attend many shows and concerts from an early age, which gave me a very early appreciation of live music. In fact, my grandparents on my father's side were amateur musicians. I started playing the recorder with my grandmother at the age of six. The elementary school where I studied, though small, had a special feature: two of our teachers were saxophonists, and they always gave a saxophone concert at the school fête. So, when I was about eight, I gave up my recorder for an alto saxophone.

February 13, 2024

Ambassador Interview - David Minetti

I started playing the clarinet at the age of nine in a wind band in Turin, my hometown. At the time, the mayor had decided to organize music lessons open to all, to set up wind bands in every district of the city, and my parents signed me up. Initially, I wanted to play drums or saxophone, but the band leader said, "You've got a clarinetist’s lips, so clarinet it is!" I think he simply needed clarinetists to complete his line-up. But he did the right thing!

February 13, 2024

Ambassador Interview - Daniel Bellovi

I began in learning music by playing with a group in Valence. When it came to choosing an instrument, I was immediately directed towards the bass clarinet. So, unusually, I started out on this instrument before learning the Bb soprano clarinet to complete my musical training in Spain.

December 4, 2023

History of the saxophone

The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in Belgium in the mid-19th century. Sax, a musical instrument maker, wanted to create an instrument that would combine the qualities of wood and brass. Around 1840, he succeeded in designing the first saxophone, a brass instrument with a clarinet-like mouthpiece and an oboe-like conical body.

December 3, 2023

What is a jam session?

A jam session or improvisation session is an informal, improvised session where musicians from different backgrounds play together in total spontaneity. It's a shared experience where artists come together without prior rehearsal or a musical score, giving free rein to their creativity and virtuosity.

December 1, 2023

5 tips when preparing for a concert

By following these tips and preparing methodically, you'll be more confident and ready to give your best. This is an opportunity to share your passion for music and communicate with your audience, so make the most of the experience!

December 1, 2023

Gift ideas for musicians

Instrument accessories: Give them useful accessories such as quality reeds, a mouthpiece, an instrument stand, or a carrying case to protect their clarinet or saxophone. If you want to give them reeds, try to find out the type of clarinet (Bb, Eb, Bass) or saxophone played (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone), the style (Classical or Jazz) and the strength of the reed. Friends and family may be able to help...

November 27, 2023

How to compose your own songs

Start by finding the inspiration that motivates you to compose. It could be an emotion, a story, a landscape, a melody in your head, or anything else that sparks your creativity.

November 26, 2023

Jazz's great periods

Jazz, born in New Orleans in the late 19th century, is a blend of African-American and European cultures, with blues and ragtime as major influences. The first musicians played brass, wind and percussion, taking advantage of surplus military instruments after the Civil War.

November 25, 2023

Behind the Reeds – Episode 6 – Interview Sandrine Lait

As a Specialist in the final stages of reed production at Steuer, my primary focus is on the crucial final steps in the manufacturing process. This includes measuring the strength of the reeds, engraving them, ensuring they are properly protected, and placing them in their boxes.

November 22, 2023

6 tips for more musical playing

Study the score and understand the musical context: Before playing a piece, take the time to study the score carefully. Familiarize yourself with the nuances, tempo indications, phrasing, and overall style of the music. Understanding the musical context in which the piece was composed will help you grasp the composer's intentions.

November 22, 2023

The Saxophone in classical music: difficult beginnings

The saxophone's identity is deeply rooted in jazz, but the instrument has also flirted with classical music. But is its near-absence from the symphony orchestra really due to its sound, or are there other, more complex reasons for this sidelining?

November 18, 2023

The first jazz waltz ever recorded

In 1936, jazz purists were about to be shaken by an experiment that would go down in history: the jazz waltz. A 3/4 compositional style was born, shaking up the world of traditional jazz which, let's not forget, was still in its infancy: this was still just 20 years after the first recordings became available. Its name? "Waltzing the Blues". At the heart of this fusion was Benny Carter, playing tenor saxophone and trumpet on the recording.

November 14, 2023

How to relax before playing in public?

By incorporating these relaxation techniques into your routine before a performance, you can feel calmer, more confident, and ready to give your all on stage as a clarinetist or saxophonist.

November 13, 2023

How to learn from your mistakes?

Ask a teacher for help: Your clarinet or saxophone teacher can help you identify errors and give you the right advice to correct them, so feel free to ask questions and learn from their expertise.

November 12, 2023

History of the clarinet

The clarinet is descended from the chalumeau, a wooden instrument resembling a recorder with a reed, widely used in the Middle Ages. It was Johann Christoph Denner, a German instrument maker, who brought major improvements to this instrument, notably by adding a bell and two keys, thus transforming the chalumeau into a clarinet around 1700.

November 10, 2023

5 steps for memorizing sheet music

Analyze the structure of the score: Start by analyzing the overall structure of the score. Identify the main sections of the piece, as well as repetitions and recurring musical motifs. Understanding the structure will help you better assimilate the music as a whole.

November 9, 2023

What's the difference between jazz and traditional saxophone reeds?

Jazz reeds are designed to give musicians more brilliance and projection. They enable saxophonists to stand out in a jazz or rock band, cutting through brass and amplified instruments.

November 8, 2023

5 essentials for playing in a group

Making music as a group is a journey that can seem intimidating at first. Finding your place, adapting to the nuances of others' playing, and synchronizing with fellow musicians can create a certain amount of anxiety. However, it is in this challenge that the essence of the group musical experience lies: an opportunity to grow as a musician and as an individual.

November 7, 2023

Behind the Reeds – Episode 5 – Interview Thierry Maison

As a Professional Musician and Musician Adviser at Steuer, my main responsibility is to test some samples before launching the beveling process. I ensure that the reeds exhibit the desired tonal properties and have the correct strength. Additionally, I also have the opportunity to represent Steuer and interact with musicians at various events and exhibitions.

November 3, 2023

5 tips for a successful conservatory audition

For a successful conservatory audition, there are several key factors to consider. First of all, it's essential to control stage fright, even if it's normal to feel a little stressed before an audition. Secondly, it's vital to maintain regular discipline in your work. So always remember that a successful audition is more than just a "demonstration of your playing".

November 2, 2023

Behind the Reeds – Episode 4 – Interview Marc Charpentier

The Exclusive is cut from the core of a thick reed cane and has the particularity of being cut exclusively in the direction of reed cane growth. With greater material density, it produces a warm sound, rich in harmonics. The Exclusive is intended for professional musicians. The qualities of the Exclusive are a great purity of sound and very good projection, precise staccato attack, flexibility in articulations, and an excellent response in all registers.

November 1, 2023

Reeds: truths and myths

Lip moisture helps preserve reeds; The thicker the reed, the better the sound; Reeds are traditionally made from cane; Different brands of reeds have different characteristics...

October 31, 2023

How to develop your musical ear?

Listen actively: Take the time to listen carefully to different styles of music, instrumental and vocal pieces, as well as various musical genres. Try to discern the different musical elements, such as melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and timbres. Try to mentally isolate the different instruments by actively listening to each one. Focus on the melodic or harmonic line of each instrument.

October 30, 2023

Your role as a parent in your child's musical development

Does your child want to start learning a musical instrument, in particular the clarinet or saxophone? As a parent, you play an important role in your child's musical development. By following the advice in this guide, you can create an environment conducive to learning music, choose the right equipment, and support your child's progress.

October 25, 2023

Behind the Reeds – Episode 3 – Interview Manon Mancaux

As a Tabling Specialist at Steuer, my main responsibility is to handle the crucial process of tabling the cane segments. Tabling involves using specialized equipment to flatten the inner part of the reed, which will be in contact with the mouthpiece. After the cane segments have been prepared by our skilled team, it's my role to ensure that each segment undergoes precise tabling. This process requires using a machine with three different-sized sanding discs to achieve the desired levels of flatness and smoothness. The tabling operation is critical, as it directly influences the sound quality of the reed.

October 24, 2023

How to adjust your reed to your requirements?

Steuer offers a wide range of reeds for clarinet and saxophone, suited to your level and playing style. Strengths range from 1 (the weakest) to 5 (the strongest) and are available in half-strengths. Choose the reed best suited to your level and playing preferences.

October 23, 2023

Behind the Reeds – Episode 2 – Interview Noémie Dubois

At Steuer, I'm in charge of splitting tubes and sawing cane segments. These are the initial stages of reed production. I use cane tubes already selected by diameter according to the instrument.

October 20, 2023

Why are reeds made of cane and not bamboo?

Reeds are made from the Arundo donax plant, also known as "giant cane", a member of the grass family. Cane is a material naturally suited to the manufacture of musical reeds, due to its acoustic properties and flexibility.

October 19, 2023

What is the purpose of a metronome when learning music?

The metronome is an invaluable ally for mastering the rhythm of a piece and developing your sense of timing. It was invented in 1812 by the German clockmaker Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel. Indeed, before this period, teaching oneself to keep time while learning to play was done by other means and was not always a simple matter.

October 18, 2023

Are there any special instructions for looking after reeds in different climates or weather conditions?

In humid climates, it's essential to keep reeds in a dry, well-ventilated environment to prevent mold growth. In dry climates, reed humidification systems are recommended to maintain optimum humidity levels. Inspect and rotate reeds regularly to ensure even exposure to air and to avoid warping.

October 18, 2023

Behind the Reeds – Episode 1 – Interview Alexandre Donati

As a Specialist in the early stages of cane tube production, my main responsibility lies in transforming cane stems into high-quality tubes. This step takes place after the sun drying process. I meticulously inspect the canes for straightness, remove any irregularity, and carefully examine their color.

October 5, 2023

What is the secret to successful improvisation?

Improvisation is a stimulating challenge for musicians who have achieved a good level of technical mastery, yet may still be reluctant to embrace the unexpected. It is also an opportunity to liberate yourself from perfectionism, and find the freedom to express your personality to the full.

September 30, 2023

How often should reeds be replaced, and what are the signs that it's time to use a new one?

The lifespan of a reed varies according to factors such as playing frequency, technique, and maintenance. Saliva, which has a pH of around 7.2 but can be above this average (base) or below it (acidic), can also have an impact on the gradual degradation of a reed's mechanical properties. Signs that it's time for a new reed include reduced responsiveness, poor sound quality, and visible signs of wear or damage.

September 27, 2023

6 creative summer vacation projects

Summer offers you the luxury of time and space for creativity. If you’re a beginner musician, this is your chance to put into practice what you’ve learned over the past year in the form of your very first compositions. If you’re more experienced, it’s an opportunity to play in a group or perform in concert. Because in summer, the days get longer, the diary gets lighter, and the mind gets freer. Fewer constraints means more freedom: meet-ups with friends, dreams becoming concrete projects, ideas maturing, and decisions being made. Let's take a look at the steps you can take during your summer vacation!

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