True music literacy extends beyond symbol recognition to actually being able to internally conceptualize the sounds that the symbols represent.
Power Up! Step by Step: Building the Foundations for Successful Music Learning
It is a musician’s job to synthesize rhythms, note names, pitches, articulations, expressions, sound, and more…all at once. Dr. Anita Collins, who is an educator, researcher, and writer in the field of brain development and music learning, says that “playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout.” Applying all of those skills when you are learning a new piece of music can feel particularly daunting.
Countdown to Concert Night
The performance is the culmination of weeks of rehearsing, but the music is not the only thing that needs to be prepared in advance of the concert.
Power Up! Visual Rhythms
Musicians are multitaskers. Our brains, fingers, and bodies do so many things all at once to perform with our instruments.
4 Tips to Help Non-String Players Teach Strings
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.
Introducing MakeMusic Cloud
For many years, our music-passionate team has worked hard to support music making of all kinds. Beginning in 1995 with our accompaniment software Vivace, we have continuously worked to improve our solutions for musicians.
Power Up! Integrating Scale Studies into Rehearsals and Student Practice Routines
As we begin another school year and welcome our students back, we all know that many of them will not have practiced as consistently as they did during the school year.
SmartMusic October 2022 Repertoire Update
Last month, SmartMusic added 108 interactive tracks to the music catalog! Continuous new repertoire updates are included with your regular subscription, adding further depth and value every month.
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.
SmartPicks – Cartoon by Paul Hart
Cartoon by Paul Hart
Ensemble type: Concert Band
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Recommended by: Ted Scalzo, Education Specialist
“If you want your students to improve their technical performance skills and have fun at the same time, this is your piece.