Are music colleges preparing you for the real world with a marketable degree? An article by Bill Zuckerman outlines a few characteristics that need to be changed or revitalized in music programs around the country. “Make Entrepreneur Initiative courses a Core Requirement over Super Advanced Music Theory Classes” While the fundamentals of music theory are necessary for the success for a great musician, I would...
Read MoreWritten By Wayne Estes Last week a student of mine looked at me, smiled and said, “I get it now.” And another one grasped her head with both hands, smiled and looked at me, made an exploding sound and wildly moved her arms off of her head simulating a volcanic explosion. THIS is what I truly love about teaching. It is the impact we bring, no matter...
Read MoreBy Sarah Haughton The majority of my students enjoy learning theory. They enjoy the process of learning about the sounds they hear. Occasionally, however, I encounter a student that couldn’t care less about the “why” behind the music they are hearing, they just want to make the sounds. The traditional theory workbook does little to excite this student. More often, this student becomes frustrated and shows...
Read MoreBy Jamey Mann A couple week ago in Alexandria, VA, I had the privilege of taking Suzuki Guitar books 2 and 3 with Andrea Cannon. At this year’s institute were many returning young students and some new faces. The student’s ages were 6 to 11 years old and they were playing in books 2 through 5. Most of our observation of master classes and theory lessons...
Read MoreEach teacher hopes to give the gift of music into the hands of every student. We typically share lots of knowledge about note reading, theory, improvisation, practice and performance with our students, but I want us to think for a moment about the student’s instrument. Specifically taking time to remind each student and their parents to spend some time researching how to care for that...
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