Balancing Music With Other Activities: Finding the Right Amount of Practice Time
It can be challenging as a parent to help your child navigate all of their interests and activities. We know that music is a valuable activity. There have been many studies done that show that music is beneficial in so many ways…
Building a Consistent Practice Routine: Tips for Parents and Students
One of the biggest challenges parents and teachers face when it comes to their children learning an instrument is helping them to practice consistently. While some students may be naturally self motivated and excited to practice, others who love music may…
Supporting Your Child’s Tone: Simple Tips For Better Sound
Are you new to playing a string instrument?Perhaps your child has just begun learning a string instrument.As you listen to them practice you might find yourself wondering how you can best support the development of their sound. Some issues with a…
Tips for Developing Strong Posture When Playing a String Instrument
Playing a string instrument is a physical activity and requires us to be mindful of our bodies when playing. Developing good posture helps students play better, avoid discomfort, and prevent potential injuries. As a teacher, I know that it…
Understanding the Basics of the String Family
Perhaps your child has started showing an interest in playing a string instrument. Maybe their school has sent home information highlighting the different string instruments they can study, but you’re not sure what each instrument is about or which one might…
Music Ice-Breakers for the Beginning of the School Year
It is mid-August right now and the beginning of the school year is quickly approaching. We as music educators know how important it is to cultivate a positive community at the start of the year. This includes setting a positive and…
Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month In Your Orchestra
In 2001 the Smithsonian Museum of American History created Jazz Appreciation month to celebrate the deep history of jazz during the month of April. While many of the most influential jazz musicians were woodwind and brass players, pianists, or rhythm section…
Get Your Students To Learn Pentatonic Scales!
Pentatonic scales are fun and can unlock so much creativity and expression for students. The sounds of pentatonic scales are so familiar and accessible to our ears. Every note sounds good!My goal is for my students to learn nine major…
Help Your Students Grow With The Music Performance Reflection Guide
The process of music making requires continued personal reflection in order to keep growing. As music teachers, we understand this process and so we work to help our students understand it too. Several years ago I began creating resources for my students…
Help Your Students Practice Effectively With This Practice Tracker and Practice Strategies Guide
Practice. It’s the only path to improving in music and really anything in life. The challenge is learning how to do it well so that we are making progress rather than spinning our wheels. We as teachers spend countless hours helping our…