July 18, 2017
Becoming a good guitar teacher requires the perfect combination of education, intuition, and practice, and a big part of being a good teacher is knowing what NOT to do. When you avoid common guitar teaching mistakes, from overloading your students to not tracking progress, not only do you become a better teacher, but your students […]
June 21, 2017
As a nominee for the Music Educator of the Year 2016 title, there is someone who thinks your music teaching has touched students in a deep and profound way. Every music educator that earns the honor of this nomination should take the time to apply! This was very affirming for me as I was able […]
June 4, 2017
I have been teaching guitar for over 30 years, and through those years I have taught students of all ages 12 through the mature adult. I was working out of the local music store where the bulk of my students were teenagers, young adult rockers or the retired adult who always wanted to play guitar […]
May 13, 2017
So, you’ve completed all your end-of-year performances and summer is right around the corner. While rest, relaxation, and some great vacations may be in your near future, you need to finish out the school year first. Unfortunately, wrapping up the school year can be just as stressful and complicated as preparing for a new one, […]
May 4, 2017
By Thomas Furdon Something I find most helpful in guiding my students while keeping them motivated is “Top 5” lists. I ask all of my students to make top 5 lists while keeping a practice journal. This helps them, and me, realize their goals and set benchmarks while tracking their progress. All of my students […]
April 28, 2017
By Dennis McCorkle I first have to state up front that I am neither a certified music therapist nor a medical practitioner. I am however a teacher with over fifty years’ experience, a parent with personal experience dealing with an emotionally challenged child, a Christian lay counselor, and have had tremendous results with learning […]
April 22, 2017
Written by Susan Lawrence As you know, there are so many strategies used in effective teaching. Recognizing the student’s lifestyle, schedule, and learning style is important in knowing what I can set for expectations. Students teach me about themselves. I am constantly adapting my teaching approach in order to keep the lessons moving in a positive […]
April 6, 2017
As a piano teacher, it can be hard to learn new teaching methods, stay creative in the classroom, or find ways to earn more money–especially when you’re also tasked with finding new students and keeping your current students enrolled in lessons. Sure, you can join teaching organizations, visit message boards, and head to monthly meet-ups, […]
February 21, 2017
I have always loved the cool sounds of jazz or blues music. My Jazz, Rags & Blues series has been very popular with today’s young piano students. Many piano teachers have told me that these books have prevented “drop-outs” in their studios. Their students would be losing interest, but when given a jazz book, their […]
February 16, 2017
Teaching is an art form that positively touches the lives of our students. I’ve seen many changes and improvements of this art in my 50+ years of public school and studio teaching. One big change is technology. Digital media is changing the way students learn. Music educators today have access to a wide variety of […]
