That is the question! 🙂 There has been a flurry of activity lately in my neck of the woods as word spread quickly that our new governor (Sam Brownback) has proposed cutting funding for the Kansas Arts Commission. Music educators across the state are being called upon to send letters of opposition to the governor […]
Teaching
Monday Mailbag – Teaching Eighth Notes
How do you teach eighth note rhythm patterns to students? Any tricks? I’ve used all sorts of approaches for this over the years. In fact, I distinctly remember a phase I went through where I would use different food names for rhythm patterns. One of my students was struggling with rhythm, so we spent a […]
Books, Books, and More Books!
Thanks to everyone for the fabulous suggestions you offered in response to my quest for more good biographies! I know many of you are equally interested in getting good biography recommendations, so I’ve compiled several lists that I hope will be helpful. Biography Recommendations from Others Albert Einstein: Biographical Portrait by Anton Reiser A Chance […]
A Student Success with Scales Patterns and Improv Book!
How do you know if a particular book or approach is helping a student? Well, when the student tells you that they think the book has really helped them, that’s a pretty good indication. 🙂 If only all students would just come right out and say so! One of my older beginners has been using […]
Technique Troubles
There are basically two schools of thought on technique: Technique is in the music. Draw from the repertoire to learn the necessary skills in order to play it well. Technique is what you bring to the music. Develop fluency in various skills so that when you want to learn a new piece of music you […]
Monday Mailbag – Ear Training for Blind and Autistic Student
I’m looking around for a VERY basic ear training program for a new blind/autistic student. He has an excellent ear and is motivated to learn. Any ideas? Yikes! This is a hard question, so I’m hoping some others will have some helpful answers. I’ve taught a number of students with various learning disabilities and visual […]
