Category: Educator Resources

Band Student

A Band Director’s Guide to Choosing Concert Repertoire

Veteran educators share important and practical considerations for music selection. No two band programs are alike, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing music. Yet there are certain overarching topics and themes that steer those decisions and build a foundation for brilliant student performances. In this primer, experienced band directors from across the country, spanning […]

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Child Guitar Practice

How to Build the Perfect Practice Routine

Essential tips for making the most out of your focused practice time. It’s happened to all of us. You sit down with your instrument with the intention of practicing, but quickly feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. Where do I even start? Am I practicing the right way? What should I […]

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Guitar Care

A Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Care & Maintenance, Part 2: When Does My Guitar Need a Setup & Intonation Adjustment?

Understanding the fundamental maintenance tasks that will help your guitar stay in tune. It’s hard to overstate the importance of having a guitar that consistently plays in tune. Many beginners struggle more than necessary simply because their instrument isn’t set up correctly. Proper tuning and intonation can make the difference between becoming a lifelong guitarist […]

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Carli Kennedy

Carli Kennedy’s Singer-Songwriter Secrets

The Nashville-based Music & Arts instructor, who performs with her sister in the acclaimed classical-country duo Twin Kennedy, reveals her tricks of the songwriting trade. Carli Kennedy started crafting songs before many children have picked out an instrument. “I wrote my first song at 7,” she recalls, “and I’m sure it rhymed, but I’m also […]

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music classroom

Building a Musical Classroom Culture, One Day at a Time

From celebrating diversity to encouraging active music listening, these ideas will help band and orchestra directors create a vibrant, immersive learning environment. Think back to your school days. Chances are you can recall a teacher who made learning not just educational but genuinely enjoyable. Whether they found ways to make the subject relatable, approached teaching […]

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Child Pianist

Five Ways Music Education Can Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential

While the obvious goal of music education is to teach your child to play and appreciate music, there are many other benefits along the way. Learning to read, play and understand music builds several important skills at once, from physical and mental dexterity to emotional maturity and social skills. Here are five important ways music […]

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Parent daughter guitar practice

Learn to Thrive: A Parent’s Guide to the First Year of Music Lessons

Essential tips and strategies for navigating the challenges of early music education. Learning a musical instrument can be immensely rewarding for any child. Through school band or private music lessons (or both), your child can discover their unique talent and passion, build self-confidence through performance and forge lifelong friendships. While the first year of your […]

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band and orchestra education

How to Maximize Your Band & Orchestra Budget

Running a successful band and orchestra program takes more than musical talent and dedication—it also requires financial savvy and resourcefulness. While some schools are flush with cash, most have limited funds and need to make every dollar in the budget count. In order to get the money you need to have a successful band and […]

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Young musicians

How Music & Arts Rentals Work for You

To meet the needs of young student musicians and their families, our rentals program offers outstanding flexibility. Here’s how we can help your child through their early music education. When we talk about your child joining their school band or orchestra as the start of a musical journey, we mean it! They’re embarking on a […]

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Music Band Director

The Parent’s Guide to Band & Orchestra: Everything You Need to Know

Band and orchestra (B&O) programs offer a myriad of benefits, from fostering a love of music to nurturing essential life skills like teamwork, self-discipline and time management—all while providing a ton of fun. As a parent, B&O programs offer you a unique chance to connect with your child in a whole new way. By sharing […]

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