Someone once said, “You will be the same person you are today in 10 years except for the influence of the books you read and the people you hang around with.” This could probably be said specifically of us as teachers, too. I don’t ever want to get stuck in a rut of teaching the […]
Inspirational
Investing in Students
Years ago I heard someone make a distinction by stating, “I don’t teach piano; I teach students to play the piano.” This has stuck with me ever since I heard it, and guides my perspective from week to week as I work with my students. One of the reasons I love teaching so much is […]
10 Ways to Improve Your Musicianship in 2010
I know we’re a ways past the first of the year now, but I’m still contemplating goals I want to work toward and improvements I want to make – personally and professionally. Chris Foley has a fabulous article on “10 Ways to Improve Your Musicianship in 2010.” Check out this great statement: “Single-mindedness and dedication […]
Re-igniting Enthusiasm – Congregate with Colleagues
Okay, I think I’ve saved the best for the last! You must, must, must find a way to get together with other teachers on a somewhat regular basis. Virtually is good, but in person is the best! I am a member of several local music teachers associations, plus our state association, and Music Teachers National […]
Re-igniting Enthusiasm – Strategize and Systematize
Most of us teach because we love playing music, we love working with students, and/or we just love teaching. Few of us run studios because we just love doing recordkeeping, filing taxes, and handling other aspects on the business-side of things. I will confess, however, that I love the challenge of strategizing and coming up […]
Reigniting Enthusiasm – Cultivate Creativity
What makes you really excited? Studying music history? Sight-reading new repertoire? Dreaming up game ideas? Improvising arrangements of familiar tunes by ear? Capitalize on your own area of interest to build the enthusiasm of your students. Invest your excitement into putting together creative assignments for your students. For example, plan a group class around composers […]
