Teaching string instruments can be daunting if you are not a string player yourself. Below, I’ve highlighted four areas of focus you can use if you find yourself teaching a string class with little to no experience.
Power Up! The LAWS of Tone and Dynamics
Musicians are multitaskers. Our brains, fingers, and bodies do so many things all at once to perform our instruments. When approaching practice, I encourage students to break things down into small OMGs–Obtainable Musical Goals–rather than attacking everything at once.
Power Up! Keys to Successful Articulation
My favorite thing in the world to teach is fundamentals. The development and continued refinement of fundamental skills are key to the overall success of our students and ensembles.
Power Up! Improving Ensemble Sound
The sound of any ensemble is its first impression on the listener; therefore, this should be the priority. There are 3 elements of the band sound: Breathing, Tone, and Intonation.
Power Up! Rhythm from Day One
At the beginning of the year, the band hall is ripe with potential! Beginners walk through our doors with wonder and excitement, maybe some nerves—only natural in the newness.
Power Up! Connecting Early in the School Year
As we welcome the beginning of another school year, daily routines, tests, and rehearsals for upcoming concerts will no doubt take up the majority of our time and thoughts.
10 Ways to Use SmartMusic Playlists in Your Teaching
Using the Playlist creation and sharing features in the SmartMusic by MakeMusic Music Catalog is an easy and quick way to organize yourself and share music with students and colleagues.
Power Up! Beginning with the End in Mind: Daily Fundamental Processes
For an instrumental music teacher at any level, the most important moments of the rehearsal are the first moments, when students prepare both mentally and physically for the rehearsal to begin.
Power Up! Recharge, Rebuild, and Reinvigorate
This year feels different. While many programs may be in a rebuilding mode, a lot of things have become more certain.
Power Your School Year with SmartMusic
SmartMusic is your partner in and out of the classroom with our standard included features of Assignment Creation, Gradebook, Sight Reading Builder, and Compose Tool.