If you're looking for the best music technology on the planet, that can deliver both the ease of use and the robust qualities you'll need for educational use, you can now download one of our free Yamaha Educational System guides, a set of 1-page A4 suggestions of the best Yamaha equipment for seven common music technology applications that music educators - working from primary to higher education levels - frequently ask for.

1. Small Computer System (804k)

The combination of the AUDIOGRAM6 with the HS50M studio monitors creates an affordable recording and mixing solution on any USB-equipped computer. Simple to set up and even easier to use, this set-up allows for audio recordings to be made from any audio source (up to two microphones, CD players, keyboards, etc). The AUDIOGRAM comes bundled with the highly respected Cubase AI4 software from Steinberg and will run on either Mac or Windows computers.

2. Medium Computer System (917k)

A versatile computer-based set-up using the MW10C USB mixing studio and two HS50M studio monitors. Connected to the computer by one single USB cable it’s simple to set up but offers advanced degrees of sonic mixing. Connect up to 10 inputs, including up to 4 microphones, mix the signals together and then record the output to your host computer. Two of the microphone inputs also feature a highly advanced, but incredibly easy-to-use, single knob compressor which can help ensure that your signal is recorded at an optimum signal level.

3. Large Computer System (892k)

For sessions and productions that require true multichannel multitracking, the perfect solution is the N12 and MSP5STUDIO combination. The N12 Digital Mixing studio allows for up to 12 different input signals to be mixed and controlled at the highest possible audio quality. For example, record a band with a full drum kit, keyboards and guitars to independent tracks in the included Cubase AI4 software. The signals are carried to the host computer through a single FireWire cable, removing the need for the complexities of additional hardware boxes and unreliable analogue cabling.

4. Portable Recording System (759k)

There are so many compelling reasons to record rehearsals, performances or music lessons that a portable recorder is an essential item. POCKETRAK 2G is an easy-to-use portable digital audio recorder that captures any sound or performance at up to CD-quality without the need for any other hardware. Take it anywhere and simply hit record! From a rehearsal to a major show or from a presentation to a lecture – the creative potential is endless. With its own high-quality internal microphones that can be tilted, you can capture of the best quality sound in any location. A special rechargeable ‘eneloop’ battery also means that the POCKETRAK will record for up to 19 hours on a single charge - it’s always ‘ready to roll’.

5. Portable PA Systems (926k)

A versatile and brilliant tool for busy music departments: live sound has never been easier! We recommend one of the two robust and easy-to-operate STAGEPAS Portable PA systems, which have all the power and high-quality sound you need to fill a small performance space, while being small and light enough to take wherever it is needed. Combining a built-in powered mixer and PA speakers, a STAGEPAS is incredibly easy to use – you can be set up and playing in a matter of minutes without any PA ‘knowledge’! Plug in your mics, keyboards and even CD players – connect the speakers with the supplied cables – switch on – turn volume up – perform!

With the quality and quantity of UK jazz degree course blossoming in recent years more schools want to run jazz ensembles. So we thought it would be helpful to produce a list of the kinds of instruments you'd find in a jazz ensemble and tell you what Yamaha can offer. Click on the links below to see the instruments (in a new window).

RHYTHM SECTION

The power house of any jazz ensemble: traditionally piano, bass and drums.

Pianos:

• Acoustic grand piano
• Acoustic upright piano
• Silent Pianos
• Stage Pianos
• Clavinova CLP

Basses:

• Electric bass guitar
• Silent double bass

Drums:

• Acoustic, Electronic & Compact Drum Kits

Rhythm Section Options:

• Electric guitar (incl Pacifica 112)
• Electric-acoustic guitar
• Vibraphone
• Yamaha Synths

REEDS

• Saxes (Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone)

HORNS

• Trumpets
• Trombones

PA SYSTEMS

• StagePas 300
• StagePas 500