What is reflective practice? James Stronge, in Qualities of Effective Teachers (2007), describes reflective practice as “a careful review of and thoughtfulness about one’s own teaching practice.”
Who has time for that?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.
Taking the Pain Out of Sight Reading
True music literacy extends beyond symbol recognition to actually being able to internally conceptualize the sounds that the symbols represent.
Rehearsal Tip: Make Repetition Meaningful
Let’s face it: sometimes your students just need to repeat difficult sections over and over and over again. Unfortunately, doing it the same way every time has some issues:
It gets boring really quickly It may not be the way every student learns best It makes your students not believe you when you say, “Last Time!” And #3 opens you up for sarcasm and hilarious music teacher jokesTo help, here are some ways to make repeating the same line or phrase fun and engaging for every student.
Performing The Stars and Stripes Forever
Composed on Christmas Day, 1896 by John Philip Sousa, The Stars and Stripes Forever quickly became one of the most famous marches both in the United States and abroad.
The Assessment Road Trip: Creating an Assessment Plan for your Ensemble
Assessment in the ensemble room can be a daunting task. The process can lead to a lot of moans and groans (from students and teachers).
10 Easy Ear-Training Exercises for Choir
As a former high school choir director, I recognize both the challenges and rewards of teaching aural skills within the context of large group rehearsals.
No Questions, Please: Managing Expectations Before Rehearsal
Every instant of rehearsal time is a precious commodity. You don’t need me to tell you this. However, if you regularly find yourself starting rehearsal holding a French horn that needs oiling, a $13 check, and a permission slip, then this article is for you.
Mix It Up: Take a Fresh Look at Those Same Measures
Sometimes you reach a place in your ensemble rehearsal where woodshedding a few difficult measures is no longer fun – or effective.
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.