Sweet Music

We recommend that our students split their practice session into 3 equal parts that can be distributed throughout the day (sometimes that helps with motivating practice!) The first part should always be scales, arpeggios and chords. Always practice scales with 2 octaves using 4th finger on the 7th (or 8th) fret. Don't skimp! Practice different picking patterns with each scale (we recommend quarter notes, 8th notes, triplets, tremolo). That part should at least be 12 minutes, maybe more if there's time, but at least 12 minutes. The second part should always be new material. Whether you're learning bluegrass or roots/folk music or classical, new material is what stimulates our minds and makes us hunger for more. We recommend practicing the tunes note by note initially, using a pencil to make notes on the sheet - pencil is great because you can erase it later. For example, take Red Haired Boy: the first measure is 2 quarter notes and 4 eighth notes. Go slowly and sound...

The evolution of Irish traditional dance music is often a story of cultural exchange, marked by influences from Scotland, England, and continental Europe. Certain dance forms—jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, and waltzes—did not originate in Ireland but were introduced over time, sometimes through itinerant dance masters, other times through cultural exchanges with Irish communities abroad, particularly in America. This post examines the documented history behind these dance forms and their integration into Irish traditional music. The Arrival of Scottish Dance Forms in Ireland The Scottish dance forms of reels and strathspeys gained popularity in Ireland after the relaxation of the Penal Laws in the 19th century. The Penal Laws, which were not fully lifted until the 1860s, restricted Irish Catholics from engaging in certain cultural practices. This makes it unlikely that organized teaching of Scottish dances, which would have required the presence of dancing masters, took place before t...

We have a selection of used student violin outfits and student mandolin outfits available at discounted prices!  Below are pictures.  If you would like to try one of these out, contact us to set up a time.   The violins typically sell for $279 (cash price) and the mandolins for $250 plus tax.  I prefer pickup of these instruments at the studio in Granby, MA.  I can deliver 3 or more to your place of business or home. Contact us to set it up Palatino student violin outfit with bow and case Rogue student mandolin outfit with pick and case  

Hide glue is one of the oldest adhesives used in woodworking and luthiery, prized for its unique properties, reversibility, and ability to create strong, flexible joints. For more than 20 years, I’ve been selling hide glue in bulk to professionals and hobbyists alike, ensuring access to the best materials for instrument repair, fine woodworking, and furniture restoration. What Is Hide Glue? Hide glue is a natural adhesive made from the collagen in animal hides, typically from cattle. It’s available in various forms—granules, flakes, or sheets—but the granules are most common due to their ease of use. Hide glue is highly favored for its ability to be reactivated with heat and moisture, making it ideal for joints that might need future repairs. This is particularly important in instrument making and restoration, where a reversible bond can be a game-changer. Hide Glue Grades Hide glue is graded by its "jelly strength," which is measured in jelly grams. This rating determines th...

At Sweet Music, I understand that establishing strong relationships with suppliers is key to your business's success. That’s why I travel to China once or twice a year to meet with suppliers in the music industry. My travels have taken me to various regions, each contributing to my expertise in sourcing quality materials and products. In 1999, I visited Inner Mongolia to see firsthand the areas where the horses that supply the tails originate. This experience deepened my understanding of the sourcing process.  In 2001, I traveled to Hebei province to visit several musical instrument factories, further enhancing my connections in the industry. In 2002, I set up a buy for a client in London, England, ensuring they received the best quality products. The following year, in 2003, I attended the Musikmesse trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, where I met with several suppliers from Europe and Asia on behalf of clients in the US and Canada. This event was instrumental in building my network...

At Sweet Music, we've been passionate about bringing the joy of music to our community since 1985. Over the years, we've grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of musicians and music enthusiasts alike. With a rich history in music lessons, sales, and service, we are proud to have established ourselves as a trusted resource for musicians of all ages and skill levels. Since launching our online platform in 2009, Sweet Music has expanded its reach, allowing us to connect with aspiring musicians beyond our local community. Whether you're looking to learn a new instrument, improve your skills, or find the perfect gear, we're here to help you every step of the way. Why Choose Sweet Music? Expert Music Lessons We offer a variety of music lessons tailored to fit your needs. Our experienced instructors are passionate about teaching and committed to helping you achieve your musical goals. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, we provide personalized lessons t...

I have been importing horse tail hair since my first trip to China in 1999. From my experience, many bow makers and luthiers still lack a clear understanding of how horse tail hair is sourced for the Western market. Rumors and misconceptions persist in the industry, with many believing that high-quality bow hair must come from Mongolia or that Siberian and Japanese hair are the best options. Having spent considerable time selling bow hair and discussing it with customers (as well as students in classes at UNH), I wanted to share some insights here as well. About 80% of the horse tail hair sold in North America originates from the Northeast region of China and Inner Mongolia. Generally, the Chinese market does not purchase much hair from Mongolia or Siberia, but they do import a significant amount from South America, where they have established long-term relationships with suppliers. The hair that is imported arrives at the workshop—more of a small, bustling facility than a factory—typi...