One of my families (I teach three of their children) has quite a different view on what is important in their musical education. They want to learn as many pieces as possible each week, without worrying too much about all the important details (dynamics, mood, rhythm, etc.). They also put technique down at the bottom […]
Philosophical Musings
Government Funding of the Arts – To Be or Not to Be?
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 […]
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 […]
Flops, Failures, and Fortitude
“The young teacher finished arranging the game pieces for the first planned activity of the evening just as the doorbell rang. A few minutes later, the first student was seated on the floor, eagerly anticipating the fun he would have during the group class. He was soon joined by another cheerful face, and the teacher […]
BAM Radio Music Broadcasts
The BAm! Radio Network has recently posted two of the shows for which I served as an on-air commentator. Initially, I actually declined participation in this first one because I hold a different position than the group that was being interviewed. After being assured, though, that the network welcomed and encouraged opposing viewpoints, I agreed […]
5 Benefits of Group Classes
As I was working on his week’s Monday Mailbag post, I began thinking of all the benefits of group classes. And there are lots of them! Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. Let me know if you have any other benefits to add! Collaboration – Whether it’s playing games, performing in ensembles, doing […]
