Helping String Orchestra Students Tune Independently
The goal for our students is to help them become independent learners and musicians. As educators, we want our students to be able to practice effectively, set goals, think critically about their music making, perform and play expressively with a…
After a Performance: Celebrate Student Success and Reflect
After a performance students are excited and inspired. It is a great time to celebrate their successes as well as reflect upon their hard work, dedication, growth, and progress/ Often, I’ve found it very helpful to assign students some questions…
Bringing More Out of the Music: Student Led Practice, Critique, and Active Listening
I write this as I and countless other teachers are in the throws of concert season. Teachers are tirelessly rehearsing, practicing, and striving to coax every bit of music out of their students. In our preparation, we have made clear…
Practice Routine Break Down and Feedback
In my last post I wrote about the practice habits I am trying to develop with my students. The idea is that each week my students are going to plan a practice routine that consists of four areas of their…
Developing A Student Practice Routine
Recently I have been thinking a lot about practicing. These thoughts jump between analyzing my own personal practice habits and the practice habits of my students. I have been thinking about what it means to practice effectively, to make tangible…
Improvisation in the Orchestra Classroom – Using Arpeggios – Part II
In my last post we discussed the benefits of creating opportunities for students to experiment with improvisation. We also explored some simple concepts to use with students to begin to encourage them to improvise. In this post, I will present…
6 Thoughts Leading Up To and On Audition Day
In a previous post I wrote about some ways to effectively prepare for an audition. In this post, I will share some thoughts on how to be comfortable and confident on audition day. Rest The night prior to an audition…
10 Tips for Preparing for Instrumental Auditions
Many ensembles and colleges require a performance audition in order to be admitted into their programs or groups. I have worked with many students in my school and through private study to help them prepare for auditions for youth orchestras,…
Youth Orchestras and Ensemble Opportunities in New Jersey and Philadelphia
Below is a compiled list of youth orchestras, honors orchestras, jazz ensembles, and further playing opportunities for young bassists and string players in the New Jersey and Philadelphia metro area. Please let me know of any opportunities and ensembles I…
For Families: How to Support Your Child in Their Music Education
Music is a complex area of study. The language of music – notation, symbols, and so on – can be challenging to learn. The technical aspects of playing an instrument and the development of one’s ear are all life time…