What Is a Guitar Setup?

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Instruments

If your guitar doesn’t feel quite right—maybe the strings buzz, notes sound off, or it’s just harder to play—it might be time for a guitar setup. At Chagrin Valley Music, a guitar setup is one of the most common and valuable services we provide. It’s the process of...

How to Read Drum Notation: A Beginner’s Guide

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Instruments

Drum notation may look intimidating at first—lots of lines, dots, and symbols—but once you understand the basics, it’s your roadmap to rhythm. At Chagrin Valley Music, we help new drummers learn to read drum music so they can practice effectively and play confidently...

Fingerstyle Guitar: A Beginner’s Guide

by | Oct 3, 2025 | Instruments

Fingerstyle guitar is one of the most beautiful and expressive ways to play. Instead of using a pick, you pluck the strings directly with your fingers, creating intricate patterns, melodies, and bass lines all at once. At Chagrin Valley Music, we love introducing...

How Often Should You Change Guitar Strings?

by | Sep 4, 2025 | Guitar Tips

Fresh guitar strings make a big difference in your playing—they sound brighter, feel smoother, and stay in tune better. But one of the most common questions we get at Chagrin Valley Music is: “How often should I change my guitar strings?” The answer depends on how...

How to Clean a Clarinet: Step-by-Step Guide

by | Aug 14, 2025 | Band Tips

Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your clarinet sounding great and lasting for years. Daily care helps prevent moisture damage, sticky keys, and unpleasant odors while ensuring a smooth, clear tone. At Chagrin Valley Music, we teach every clarinet student how...

How to Clean a Flute: A Step-by-Step Guide

by | Aug 13, 2025 | Band Tips

Keeping your flute clean is essential for good sound, smooth playability, and a long instrument life. A clean flute not only looks better, it helps prevent sticky pads, buildup inside the tubing, and damage to delicate mechanisms. At Chagrin Valley Music, we teach...

The Benefits of Playing an Instrument

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Instruments

Learning to play an instrument is one of the most rewarding skills a person can develop. While it’s an obvious way to make music, the benefits go far beyond the notes you play.At Chagrin Valley Music, we see firsthand how music transforms students of all ages—from...

How to Oil Trumpet Valves: A Step-by-Step Guide

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Band Tips

Oiling your trumpet valves is a quick maintenance task that makes a huge difference in playability, tone, and instrument life. Without regular oiling, valves can stick or slow down, making it harder to play and even damaging the horn over time. At Chagrin Valley...