Funding, whether we like it or not, plays a critical role in nurturing the artistic talents of students and enriching music education programs.
Rhythmic Sight-Reading: Friend or Foe?
In an era where attention spans are shrinking, and the pursuit for entertainment and “fun” shapes academic choices, the challenge of engaging students in rehearsals looms large.
Power Up! Beginning Percussionists Success on Keyboard Instruments
Before even tackling how to approach and play the instrument, students need to know their notes on the staff (both treble and bass clefs!) and where they fall on the keyboard.
Teaching Concert Music or the Method Book
Do I teach concert music or the method book? It’s a conversation I have with colleagues all the time and it’s something I ask myself each day in the classroom.
Preparing for Festival with MakeMusic Cloud
Dan DiPasquale is a member of the MakeMusic Innovators program.
Throughout my career, I’ve strongly believed that it’s important to involve as many students as possible in festival and contest.
Power Up! Taking Your Clarinets Over the Break
Taking clarinet students “over the break” can be a daunting task for many band directors. Often, a single method book does not give the students enough access to the needed skill for them to be successful.
Introducing Young Percussionists to Concert Music
Rachel Maxwell is a member of the MakeMusic Innovators program.
With multiple instruments to learn and independent parts, integrating the percussion section into full-band music can be a challenge.
Sight-Reading Success in Just a Few Minutes Per Day
Sight reading is a skill that every musician can always improve upon, but creating daily opportunities to practice this skill can require a lot of preparation and materials.
Power Up! Oboe Technique, Tone, and Performance
A good reed can make a “mediocre” to “not so strong” player sound beautiful.
The Benefits of Sight Reading: The What, Why, and How
Being able to look at a brand new piece of music and play it at sight is a pretty amazing skill to have.