Double Bass 101: 4 Strategies for Building Strong Time
Building a strong time feel is essential for a bass player. We are, after all, the foundation of the music. The role of the bass is one that provides the glue between the rhythm and harmony of the music. Our…
Double Bass 101: Left Hand Technique Fundamentals
Learning the double bass is a challenging pursuit. Building the endurance, muscles, and dexterity to get around the bass takes time and diligence. Young musicians looking to learn the bass will have to work at developing both solid left hand…
Tips For Creating Clear Performance Assessment Rubrics
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,…
The Benefits of a Student Led Chamber Ensemble Experience
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…
Fundamentals of Tone Production
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…
Helping String Orchestra Students Tune Independently
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: Celebrate Student Success and Reflect
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…
Bringing More Out of the Music: Student Led Practice, Critique, and Active Listening
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…
Practice Routine Break Down and Feedback
In my last post I wrote about the practice habits I am trying to develop with my students. The idea is that each week my students are going to plan a practice routine that consists of four areas of their…
Developing A Student Practice Routine
Recently I have been thinking a lot about practicing. These thoughts jump between analyzing my own personal practice habits and the practice habits of my students. I have been thinking about what it means to practice effectively, to make tangible…