As educators, we know our students best. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we care about their personal and musical growth. Music learning is different for every student and requires us to be tuned into their needs. There have…
This last week I wrapped up the second annual Summer Study Bass Camp. The camp was created last summer to reach young bassists in my community who are interested in learning more about playing the bass, connecting with other young…
“How come we never get the melody?” “My part is boring!” Perhaps you’ve heard this lament from the bass section of your orchestra or rhythm section bassist. As a middle school orchestra director, I know I’ve heard this sentiment at…
Musicians are masters at assessment. We assess our personal music making and those of our students constantly and make real time adjustments and observations. Live performance is an “in the moment” creation. During a performance, musicians are called to listen,…
A performance is often the major driving force behind our teaching as music educators. It is in a sense the final assessment. Certainly, students learning the music for an upcoming performance is top priority. No doubt, the music must be…
Each year in our district we are fortunate to host an annual solo and ensemble festival sponsored by the American String Teachers Association (A.S.T.A). Grades six through twelve participate in the festival on two separate days. One for students in…
When we hear a particular musician play and are immediately drawn into the music we may be attracted to their note choices, their feel, the way they may blend with the other musicians, and their individual and unique tone. I…
The goal for our students is to help them become independent learners and musicians. As educators, we want our students to be able to practice effectively, set goals, think critically about their music making, perform and play expressively with a…
After a performance students are excited and inspired. It is a great time to celebrate their successes as well as reflect upon their hard work, dedication, growth, and progress/ Often, I’ve found it very helpful to assign students some questions…
I write this as I and countless other teachers are in the throws of concert season. Teachers are tirelessly rehearsing, practicing, and striving to coax every bit of music out of their students. In our preparation, we have made clear…