By Julia Kossuth Well, we are officially into a brief summer break before we start summer lessons here at the Studios of Sarah Strout! And, of course, the even that finished our school year was our end of year recital and awards ceremony. As our studio has grown, this has created the need to revamp our recital structure. In the past, we've held one recital, or one...
Read MoreBy Julia Kossuth As we are approaching our spring recital in the end of May, as well the middle and end of the school year, I like to implement new practice strategies and reminders. With each student I often take a slightly different approach, so there are always suggestions and changes to be made to refresh their practicing habits. One comprehensive source from which I've gleaned...
Read MoreBy Patrick Fritz Every teacher has his or her favorite method of helping students keep track of what they are supposed to practice every week. The trick is finding something that works for the student, family, and the teacher. My favorite tool is a weekly practice list. My early middle and early high school kids often receive a weekly practice sheet that I fill in for them. ...
Read MoreThe purpose of a masterclass is to give students an opportunity to perform for and be critiqued by an esteemed artist. Performing for a master teacher is considered an honor and an educational opportunity. Observing a masterclass is a rare opportunity to see a great artist at work.
History
The idea of a masterclass was first developed by Franz Liszt in the 19th century. Liszt was one of the most revered and sought after teachers of his generation. He is said to have more than 400 students; many of whom were famous such as Carl Tausig, Hans von Bülow and Emil von Sauer. At these early masterclasses, pianists as well as composers, violinists, cellists, singers, and even painters and poets would gather in Liszt’s home in Weimar to experience his teaching. A rather intimidating experience, it is said that students would enter the music room first and place their scores on the piano. Upon Liszt’s entrance, students would stand respectfully while Liszt went to the piano, leafed through the scores and chose the music to be performed.
By Patrick Fritz Almost all of my most successful motivational ideas are borrowed, stolen, or are a modified version of another teacher’s idea. “Listen Like a Maniac” is no exception. Michelle Horner and her daughter were practicing daily. Together, they were carefully following the advice of her daughter’s violin teacher. But even though Michelle is an accomplished guitar teacher, her daughter’s progress on the violin was slow...
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