By Jamey Mann This July I had the privilege of studying with Andrea Cannon for my Suzuki Book 1 certification for guitar. The training is a humbling experience which made me realize how much more I have to learn and how the techniques used in Suzuki can be applied to not just the very young but with older students as well. One central aspect of the...
Read Moreby Sarah Haughton The imitation of recordings has long been demonized in the music education community. Viewed as a form of creative impotence, teachers tend to discourage their students from copying recordings. To the contrary, I believe we should encourage our students to copy and imitate quality recordings as much as possible. I acknowledge there is some risk associated with having a student imitate someone else’s interpretation,...
Read MoreBy Jamey Mann As a private music teacher, I have found that there is no way to have a set lesson plan in place for every student at every age or level. Every 30 minutes to an hour is a new student with differences in, age, learning style, playing ability, and goals. Trying to have a cookie cutter method for all these students just does not...
Read MoreMy college vocal instructor often commented: “The voice is a slow moving instrument.” What he meant was that in terms of development, students are often unaware of the changes that are taking place. I often have students ask me if they’re doing well in voice lessons because they don’t hear the difference between the singing they did at the onset of their lessons and the...
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One of the things I love about being in a local music teachers association is the access to different events for students at my studio. Whether it’s a master class or a workshop, students are provided with lots of opportunities, thanks to the ideas, work and expertise of colleagues in my profession.
Several times a year, our group rents the recital hall at our university and hosts collaborative recitals. Students have opportunity to play on an absolutely incredible Steinway piano in a fabulous venue, a unique treat for them and their families.
Are you a member of a local teaching association, or do you have colleagues with whom you might consider hosting such a recital? Here’s why I think collaborative recitals are so great: