Learning an instrument can be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming task once you have made the decision to do so. From buying a quality instrument to finding a qualified teacher many beginners can find themselves spinning in circles before getting any traction. The flood of information on the internet and other sources can at times only complicate things further. Here are a few things to...
Read MoreLast week a promising young student came in for his lesson somewhat down and despondent. A sophomore in high school, we are beginning to talk about his options for college and subjects he may want to study. Naturally, being a talented student I suggested studying music as an option and we discussed several different majors and other possibilities. The student was intrigued so I told...
Read MoreFostering the habits of a successful music major I often meet students who have high hopes of pursuing music on a collegiate level. Sometimes these students are elementary school students just beginning their musical studies, and sometimes they’re in high school and much closer to their college career. No matter what age, there are habits that I believe set a student up for a better chance...
Read MoreDo your students have trouble playing in time? Years ago, when I first began teaching some part-time lessons to friend’s kids I did not have a home or studio to teach in, so I taught in each students home, driving from house to house. This gave me a bunch of great experience in seeing the family dynamic and it created some great stories, so I guess...
Read MoreSchool is out, so stress levels go down, and schedules lighten….right? Not really. At least, not for teachers that continue to teach in those lazy, hazy days of summer. It can be a unique challenge to maintain student progress when schedules are in flux. Teachers are tasked with planning the curriculum around a long string of vacations and stay-away summer camps, or forsake progress until...
Read More