By Julia Kossuth As we are approaching our spring recital in the end of May, as well the middle and end of the school year, I like to implement new practice strategies and reminders. With each student I often take a slightly different approach, so there are always suggestions and changes to be made to refresh their practicing habits. One comprehensive source from which I've gleaned...
Read MoreBy Julia Kossuth As we've begun the spring semester and gotten back into the swing of music lessons post-break, I've noticed a few practicing habits--or lack thereof--that I want to address with my students. Here are a few of the tips I walk them through during their lesson or have as a handout for them. 1. Some of my students have a set time that they practice...
Read MoreWhen a new student starts with me, and they display a bit of natural ability, I get excited. I think, this is going to be fun. It will be really easy to teach them. And sometimes that is true. But sometimes I get a student who is naturally talented and lazy. And they never seem to really progress. Or their progress takes way...
Read MoreSH: Tell us about your studio. Jim Beaver’s School of Music, located in beautiful Hendersonville, NC offers private and group classes for: Classic/Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Voice, Percussion and Drum Set, Ukulele, Dulcimer, Flute, Recorder, and strings instrument repair and maintenance. www.jimbeavermusic.com SH: What is your experience, and the style you teach? Our studio is staffed with instructors from all walks of musical life, from classically trained academics to weekend warriors. Our...
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The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. – William Arthur Ward
As summer draws to a close, I reflect on my studio goals for the coming year. September always provides an opportunity to begin anew! This year, I will strive to empower students to be accountable for their own learning. As the above quote states, the most effective teaching is that which inspires the learner. I would like to inspire my students to learn, not for me or for their parents, but for themselves. A tall order. For the students that already have a passion for music, this is easy. My job is simply to keep that flame glowing by assigning appropriate repertoire and challenges. For others, however, it can be difficult to ignite that spark.