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Using Accountability Partners in Your Ensemble

photo of people near wooden table

This year I wanted to try something different with my students. Instead of using practice records or playing tests to hold them accountable, I decided to experiment with accountability groups. While we’re only halfway through the year and still figuring

megthorup January 18, 2025January 12, 2025 Creating a Culture of Excellence, Orchestra Tips Read more

Five of my Favorite Ways to Mix Up Rehearsal

people playing musical instruments

Our concert is less than a week away, but I’m ready to be done with this music. Normal rehearsals aren’t cutting it for me anymore. Honestly, I feel like we keep going over the same things and there’s not much

megthorup December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 Orchestra Tips Read more

What to Do When Your Students Aren’t Motivated

What to Do When Your Students Aren’t Motivated

Do you feel like your students are just not very motivated, or does it seem like students are less motivated than they used to be? If so, you aren’t alone. Lack of motivation is one of the most common excuses

megthorup March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 Happier Teaching, Orchestra Tips, Uncategorized Read more

What Makes You Happy?

What Makes You Happy?

A little while ago I heard an interview on a podcast. The interviewer was talking to a well-known fashion designer and asking what initiated all her success. Her answer was that back in 2018, instead of making New Year’s resolutions

megthorup January 2, 2022January 2, 2022 Happier Teaching Read more

Recent Posts

  • Warmups for Orchestra Part 5: Improv Practice

    Warmups for Orchestra Part 5: Improv Practice

    March 15, 2025
    As a classically-trained violinist, I didn’t learn improvisation at all until just a few years …Read more
  • Maximizing Rehearsal Time: Keeping Students Engaged When You’re Working with Another Section

    Maximizing Rehearsal Time: Keeping Students Engaged When You’re Working with Another Section

    February 16, 2025
    Every music teacher has been there—you’re working with one section of your ensemble fixing a …Read more
  • Giving People an A

    Giving People an A

    January 19, 2025
    I’ve been reading a book called The Art of Possibility lately, and in the book, …Read more

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  • Meagan Thorup
  • Email: megthorup@gmail.com
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Recent Posts

  • Warmups for Orchestra Part 5: Improv Practice

    Warmups for Orchestra Part 5: Improv Practice

    March 15, 2025
  • Maximizing Rehearsal Time: Keeping Students Engaged When You’re Working with Another Section

    Maximizing Rehearsal Time: Keeping Students Engaged When You’re Working with Another Section

    February 16, 2025
  • Giving People an A

    Giving People an A

    January 19, 2025
  • Make a Class Composition that You Can Perform at Your Next Concert!

    Make a Class Composition that You Can Perform at Your Next Concert!

    January 4, 2025
  • Five of my Favorite Ways to Mix Up Rehearsal

    Five of my Favorite Ways to Mix Up Rehearsal

    December 10, 2024
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