I believe that music classes are more important than ever right now. During a time when everything is so uncertain and so much of our lives are lived through a computer, students need a creative outlet where they can work
Why You Should Stay in Your School Music Program
Every year I talk to students who are thinking about dropping out of their school music programs. Every student I talk to has his or her own reasons for it. Often it’s because of other classes they want to take
How to Finger String Parts – Six Basic Guidelines for Orchestra Teachers
The ability to find a great fingering for strings is perhaps one of the most under taught skills in string playing. I’ve found that many of us – even native string players who have studied our instruments for years –
What to Do When Students Fail
One of the hardest parts of teaching for me is watching my students fail. I take it personally. If my students fail, then I feel I have failed as a teacher, even when logically I know that it’s not always
Grow the Good
I bought my house about five years ago. It’s small but has a decent backyard, and I was excited to have the outdoor space. Unfortunately, the previous residents had done very little to care for the yard and it was
A Letter to My Students
To All My Students, You aren’t perfect. If I’m being honest, sometimes you got on my nerves. I probably got frustrated with you at least once or twice – for some of you it was quite a bit more than
Redefining Your Identity
I never intended to teach Spanish. I got a minor in Spanish just because I wanted to improve my language abilities, yet here I am ten years later still teaching Spanish. I’ve learned a lot from teaching both Spanish and
Beyond Surviving
I recently heard a story about people in London. Public transportation there is used by the majority of residents in the city. At some point there was some construction done and many of the normal routes were closed or changed.
Making Gratitude Work
Teaching has a tendency to become a negative profession. I’m sure you’ve heard it in the halls, the teachers’ lounge, or your own classroom. Teachers complaining about disrespectful students, uncaring admin, or ignorant legislators. Negativity spreads quickly and is frightfully
What True Self-Care Is For Me
Lately I have seen and heard a lot of people talking about self-care. Burnout is real and rampant, and many people are looking for a way to combat that. According to most of the people writing and talking about self-care,