There are four principles that I consider to be the fundamental framework for music instruction: Posture, Pulse, Phonology and Personality.
Product Update: MIDI Assessment
You asked, we listened. In the last month, we’ve made many improvements to help educators and students work more efficiently in MakeMusic Cloud (SmartMusic).
Product Update: Sticky Settings
You asked, we listened. We have released Sticky Settings thanks to you! We appreciate the valuable feedback our community gives us so we can make the improvements you need in MakeMusic Cloud (SmartMusic).
Music Sharing: Bridging the Gap Between Sheet Music Creation and Consumption
It’s a great day for us here at MakeMusic, because today I can finally announce the debut of our new music sharing features in the MakeMusic Cloud (SmartMusic) online platform!
Developing the Skill of Audiation
Music educators are using the term “audiation” more and more, but what does this word mean? Researcher Dr. Edwin E.
Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal Tip: What to Listen To?
When I work with jazz ensembles on style and phrasing, I strongly emphasize that everyone needs to know what instruments they are listening to – and why.
Quick Rehearsal Tip: Creative Warmups for Jazz Ensembles
The jazz ensemble warmup is a great opportunity to teach some scales that are useful in jazz improvisation. Common modes like mixolydian or dorian will help get the players moving around their horns and will also give them some basic improvisational tools.
Quick Rehearsal Tip: Learning Tricky Rhythms
When planning to teach a new selection that includes a tricky rhythm, I suggest teaching the rhythm separately before sight reading the piece.
Pre-Band Instruments: Opening New Opportunities for Everyone
Beginning band instructors spend a lot of their time at the end of the school year recruiting future ensemble members.
Prepare Your Ensemble by Creating Musical Context
It’s no secret that detailed lesson planning is a great way to produce immediate results. However, this planning can take student learning to the next level when combined with long-term goals.