In the latest newsletter from Character First!, column writer Gene Linzey asks the question, “What’s the Purpose of Your Business?” He shares the responses he received from several business owners and then reveals what he considers the correct answer: To serve others without a selfish motive. I was immediately compelled to ask myself the same […]
Philosophical Musings
Inspirational Quotes to Ponder
A couple weeks ago, our pastor at church shared a portion of a quote that caught my attention. I jotted it down and looked it up when I arrived home. It is attributed to British historian, Arnold J. Toynbee. I’ve been thinking about it off and on since then in relation to teaching and thought […]
Commitment to Innovation
In the latest issue of the American Music Teacher magazine, a publication of the Music Teachers National Association for its members, I found a couple statements by Executive Director Gary Ingle to be quite thought-provoking: “I believe the next 15 years will be the most challenging in our history and will require more commitment to […]
Congratulations on Brushing Your Teeth!
I had to smile when I read this opening excerpt in a recent column by Jane Magrath that a blog reader kindly e-mailed me: Recently I saw a cartoon that showed two smiling parents watching their child as he brushed his teeth. A banner was posted over the top of the bathroom mirror that said, […]
The Anatomy of a Practice Incentive Theme
Every year the process looks slightly different, but in a nutshell there are some tried-and-true steps that seem to work for developing a practice incentive theme that will captivate students! In the spring, use year-end questionnaires to collect input on what they liked best and least about the theme, what things they’d like to focus […]
A Wealth of Thoughts on Early Childhood Development and Music Programs
Even though I have had a number of students begin piano lessons with me as early as 3 and 4-years old, I feel like I have a long ways to go in learning and understanding the most effective approaches for working with children this young. That’s why I made a point to keep Jenny’s post, […]
