Thinking

Welcome to my blog. I hope that it can appeal to a wide audience and cover music topics from teaching to practice tips, travel, reviews and lots more! Feel free to sign up and comment.

Earplugs Review Part 2 - SoftBliss

My review of the SoftBliss earplugs! Brilliant for sleep.

May 34 min read

Earplugs Review Part 1 - HAPPY EARS

My review of the Happy Ears Earplugs!

May 33 min read

My Experience - 2025 Yorkshire Regional Brass Band Championships, Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

This blog post outlines my experience at this year's Yorkshire Regional Championships, held in Huddersfield Town Hall, where I performed.

Mar 49 min read

My review of the Staccator, a tool to help brass and wind players with articulation.

THE STACCATOR - Articulation Tool for Brass and Wind - Review

My review of the Staccator, a tool to help brass and wind players with articulation. Video and photos included!

Feb 194 min read

My Experience - US Army Band "Pershing's Own" Tuba and Euphonium Workshop, Washington DC, 2025.

My trip to Washington DC as soloist at the Tuba and Euphonium Workshop 2025.

Feb 58 min read

Brass Band Test Piece Solo Tips

For this blog post, I am going to give some tips that will help any soloist prepare for the challenges they may face in a brass band test pi

Feb 8, 20246 min read

Why Do Kids Quit Music? 8 Instrumental Teaching Tips.

Why do kids quit? 8 tips to help teachers.

Feb 3, 20249 min read

"Give It Some Wellie" - Brass Player Tip - Play Everything Louder!

In this blog post I am going to give you a really easy brass playing tip that you can implement instantly and get great results.

Feb 2, 20244 min read

As a Musician, What Can I learn From Mozart?

What can musicians learn from Mozart? Read to find out! This is the last in this blog post series.

Jan 20, 20244 min read

Sort Out Sticky Valves Without Using Valve Oil - 5 Ways Brass Players Probably Haven't Tried

Learn 5 unconventional ways to fix sticky valves on brass instruments without using valve oil. Say goodbye to frustrating performances!

Dec 31, 20236 min read

As A Musician, What Can I Learn From Taylor Swift?

Taylor Swift is a highly successful and influential musician, and there are several lessons that aspiring musicians can learn from her...

Dec 24, 20234 min read

As A Musician, What Can I Learn From Eminem?

Eminem is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. All musicians can learn several valuable lessons from Eminem's career.

Dec 21, 20234 min read

5 New Years Resolutions For Musicians, To Help Eliminate Bad Habits

Eliminate bad habits with these 5 New Years Eve resolutions.

Dec 18, 20235 min read

No Place Like Home or Missing the Sun? Returning Home After Living Abroad for 10 years.

What are my biggest pros and cons for moving abroad and what is it like when you return home?

Dec 5, 20236 min read

The Harmonious Connection: Exploring the Health Benefits of Playing a Brass Instrument.

I have played a brass instrument since I was 10 years old. It has given me many opportunities and I am certain that my health has been...

Nov 25, 20233 min read

What is the Best Brass Instrument to Play? With 10 Areas of Consideration.

As a brass player and brass teacher, I often get asked this question. Especially by younger students wanting to start learning but also...

Nov 25, 202310 min read

The Power of Bad: And How to Overcome It - For Musicians! The Best Book to Help With Positivity.

For this blog post I am going to talk about something that has an impact on everyone, but especially musicians. A friend recommended this...

Nov 22, 20234 min read

Inclusion in the Brass Band Movement (and Wider Musical World).

This is not a topic I ever thought I would write about, but it is nice to follow what is happening in the world and to have a view of my...

Nov 19, 20237 min read

GCSE Music (9-1) - Help With How To Score High Marks - 32 Solo Performance Tips From A Moderator

This blog post is going to give GCSE music students and teachers some tips on how to score a higher mark for their solo performance. It...

Nov 10, 202311 min read

Practice STYLE, not Notes

When learning a new piece or working with students on new material I find it useful to try and shift my focus from merely trying to play...

Apr 8, 20213 min read

MARK GLOVER