Correspondence with Norman Herzberg

Well-known teacher and reed-making pedagogue Norman Herzberg discusses ideas about reed making, the general lack of teaching reed making during the 1930s, and his vow to remedy that situation.

Cane Hardness Testing

A study on how to use hardness testing gauges and what they can teach us.

Tonguing and Double Tonguing

Instructions for producing good single tonguing and suggestions for learning to double-tongue. A look at starting the first note and why the concept of “attack” is problematic.

Prolonging a Reed’s Life

All reeds eventually wear out. A few strategies for delaying a reed’s demise.

Efficient Practicing

A look at a psychology of successful practicing.

Finishing Strategies

In addition to several plans and measurement charts detailing ways to finish the reeds, there is a major study of the second “cycle of reeds” that encourages the reader to understand the importance of allowing the reed to stabilize without trimming too much at one time.

Using a Dial Indicator

Using a Dial Indicator: Various uses of this measuring tool as a guide to learning, without becoming a slave to it; the consideration of metric and inch systems of measuring.

Musical Influences and Reed Making

Knowing our musical goals and needs sculpts how we make, design, and build our reeds. The study of all of the arts helps us to understand our music more thoroughly.

Gouging

How to use the gouging machine and factors to consider in gouging cane for successful reeds.

Cycles of Reeds

How reed cane changes as we machine and trim the reed over time; why it is crucially important to understand these cycles.