By Alyssa Cowell Every once in awhile, a student will ask me a question that seems like it should be easy to answer, but isn’t. Recently, I had a young vocalist ask me who my favorite singer is. The follow-up question: “Why are they the best?” got me thinking a little bit more. The student in question is fairly young, and while it is flattering to think...
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One of the things that I think is so important as a music teacher, is to understand the end goal of the majority of our students. Most parents don’t enroll their students in lessons because they think they have the next Mozart on their hands (though you may end up having a few concert pianists in your bunch!) — they enroll them in lessons for the many benefits of learning a musical instrument, not the least of which is a richer and fuller life.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to inspire our students and help foster a love and appreciation for music. In order to do this, it’s vital to create a positive studio atmosphere. While you may have students who dread practicing (don’t we all?!), we want them to look forward to their time in the studio and be proud of what they accomplished.
By Patrick Fritz Each year, I try to re-read “Nurtured by Love” by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Over a decade ago, his short book helped shape the direction of my teaching career… “When love is deep, much can be accomplished.” “Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it,...
Read MoreBy Kate Powell As musicians and artists, it is important to be philanthropically involved in our immediate community (or global community) and use either our talents or other resources to help those less fortunate around us. Art is a soul language and it is fitting that those who practice it will invest in the “soul food” of the surrounding community. The good karma can only be...
Read MoreDoes your studio have a Facebook page? It seems as though nearly every business these days has one. When I am checking out different businesses — whether it’s a summer camp I want to enroll my daughter in or a new coffee shop in town — I often check out the business’ Facebook page. Checking out a Facebook page helps me get a real “feel” for a place or activity to know whether or not it’s something I want to invest my time and money in. When choosing an activity or camp for my daughter, I can often tell by the Facebook page if the business is active and thriving by whether or not they are posting events, photos and information.
What does your studio’s Facebook page say about your studio? Are you letting your community know that you are an active studio with a lot to offer? Remember that maintaining a Facebook page doesn’t cost a thing! Free advertising!