As an elementary school orchestra and general music teacher, I have heard these two words countless times over the last ten years of my teaching career.
Build It. Sustain It.
11 Common Characteristics of Highly Effective Directors
We can all agree that music directors who run highly effective programs may possess specific traits that contribute to their success.
“Why Doesn’t My Band Sound Better?”
Top 10 Band Rehearsal Mistakes
Many band directors are frustrated by sub-par performances from their ensembles and mistakenly blame their students. My 33 years of conducting and observing have helped me identify some common band rehearsal mistakes that lead to poor performances.
Using MusicProfessor Video Lessons with Students
The MakeMusic Cloud Video lessons library is full of MusicProfessor Level 1 videos (for winds, strings, and percussion). MusicProfessor video lessons are professionally recorded, sequential, bite-sized lessons taught by master pedagogues on each included instrument.
Power Up! Smart Solutions for Solo Contest
Alicia DeSoto & Chris Meredith are currently band directors at Lewisville High School in Lewisville ISD, TX.
We have been using MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic) for a number of years now and one of our favorite applications is the impact of providing students with accompaniment tracks for their solos that can be adjusted for the performance speed of each individual performer.
Practicing with Purpose: Motivating Student Practice
Teaching students to practice is one of the most important (and overlooked) aspects of music instruction. When students are armed with effective techniques of individual practice, they become more efficient in the practice room and feel a sense of accomplishment that leads to consistent practice habits.
They Are What They Eat: Literature Selection
Does curriculum drive literature selection? Or does literature selection drive curriculum?
If choosing one option leaves you feeling a bit uncomfortable or dissatisfied, perhaps you’d agree that there is a two-way flow.
Creativity Workouts: Helping Students Build the Creative Muscles to Compose
“I couldn’t be a composer. I’m just not a creative person. It’s difficult to come up with good ideas!” Have you ever engaged in this kind of negative self-talk?
5 Keys to Success for the Small School Band Director
I firmly believe that the most rewarding career you can have is as a teacher, especially a band director in a small school.
Taking Care of Yourself Physically, Musically, Mentally, and Emotionally
This blog is adapted from an excerpt of Adrian Gordon’s new book, Note to Self.
Self-care is the most important guiding principle to have as a music educator.