Music Teaching Articles

In the Lounge Now...

September 1, 2007
"Dealing with Disappointments" by Deborah Leeson - Whether we teach privately or in a classroom, there will be times when one of our students will become disappointed, or frustrated with him or herself. We must teach our students that improvement is healthy competition. We can teach students to minimize the word lose and focus on the words, "learning experience". We can guide our students with healthy techniques that will help them deal with disappointment.

August 1, 2007
"Acquiring an Accurate Musical Map" by Tom Hess - Imagine you are taking a trip to an important destination inside an unfamiliar city without an accurate map? Now imagine the city is filled with hundreds of thousands of other people, 99.8% are also lost and without an accurate map. Asking people for directions would seem rather hopeless. If you tried asking other people in the city for advice, the result would be "The blind leading the blind". To make matters worse, imagine that reading and understanding a map of this city is very different from all other maps you may have seen. It seems obvious that in order to arrive at the correct destination, one should first acquire an accurate map.

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July 1, 2007
"FIRE and INSPIRATION" by Tom Hess - Think back to the time when your interest in playing guitar was born. Remember the time when you got your first guitar and actually started playing it. For most of us, even when we were totally beginners, clueless about how to play anything, it somehow didn't matter because we were just so excited about beginning our musical/guitar journey. I can remember the exact day I bought my first guitar (January 31, 1986). I was extremely excited about owning a guitar and banging around on it making all kinds of terrible noises at first.

June 1, 2007
"Musical Preferences" by Deborah Leeson - What are children's musical preferences? What do they like, dislike? An important goal for music teaching and learning concerns understanding children's musical preferences, as well as expanding their preferences beyond their immediate interests. This page summarizes selected research concerning the musical development and learning of elementary school-age children.

May 1, 2007
"Melodic Development: Recommended Practices from Experts" by Deborah Leeson - Today we live in a world even more oriented toward research and development, and yet the propensity to view the world through a myopic perceptual lens is still evident. The ever expanding body of research in music teaching and learning is beginning to lay a foundation for how teachers can be more effective in their teaching and how to plan significant musical learning experiences for their students. A fundamental aspect of the musical experience is melody; its understanding is an important part of musical learning.

April 1, 2007
"Extended Thoughts: The Power of Music" by Deborah Leeson - Music is not merely organized sound, but is a vehicle for expression, communication and exploration of our inner and outer selves. Music is so important to our identity, that each of us are born with our own, unique musical instrument inside. That instrument is our voice. Each voice is as unique is a fingerprint. And every voice is beautiful because of it's uniqueness. Every person must recognize their inherent ability to make music, accept it and embrace it.

March 1, 2007
"The Goal of Music Education" by Tom Hess - The amount of educators, or 'alchemists', that are willing to create a "recipe for gold" in music education is growing day by day. Our market is supersaturated with companies and individuals that claim that they can teach anybody to play the piano in minutes. In one part of the globe or another, new musically, educated -- (or not,) educated wizards are surfacing, trying to one-up each other. Yet, it seems that many have no luck with these so-called educated wizards.

February 1, 2007
"How to Become a Professional Guitarist & Musician, Part Two: Facts and Myths" by Tom Hess - There are few things more tragic than a person who has invested all of himself/herself into a life-long dream (such as pursuing a big professional music career) only to fail because of a single bad choice or a single important, but overlooked or underestimated, fact. Sadly it happens all the time.

January 1, 2007
"How to Become a Professional Guitarist & Musician, Part One: Facts and Myths" by Tom Hess - "What does it take to become a professional guitar player and musician?" The answer remains a huge mystery for the vast majority of people. Traditionally, conventional wisdom has offered three separate statements that are supposed to be answers or explanations to the question. I choose to call them what they are MYTHS! Here they are in order of greatest levels of falsehood.

December 1, 2006
"Why Aren't You a Better Guitarist?" by Tom Hess - If you really want to learn music well, you will do so much faster with a good teacher. Imagine an 8th grader saying he doesn't need to go to school anymore because he thinks he has already learned what one needs to know in life. Sounds ridiculous right? Well it is, but that is the exact same attitude that many guitar players have about music.

November 1, 2006
"Plans are not Goals" by Tom Hess - The very fact that you have begun to read this article indicates that you probably think originality is important. But is being original a worthy goal to have? I think most people would answer yes (in theory at least). My answer would certainly not be yes or no, but rather MAYBE. I say maybe, because it always depends on the situation.

October 1, 2006
"Out of Balance" by Tom Hess - As a musician and composer, I am committed to the process of mastering only the skills I need to reach my goals. As a teacher, I am committed to helping my students master whatever things are needed to reach his/her goals.

September 1, 2006
"17 Top Secrets" by Tom Hess - No matter what your musical skill level is right now, there are going to be many significant challenges ahead of you. Your attitudes, and the ways you deal with musical challenges, will be single greatest factor in determining how much you will achieve as a musician.

August 1, 2006
"The 80/20 Law" by Tom Hess - The basic idea, as it applies to guitar playing, is how long you practice is not always as important as what you choose to focus your practice time on. This is not about efficiency or time management. This is about obtaining "maximum effectiveness" with whatever amount of time you can invest into practicing.

July 1, 2006
"How to Develop Style" by Tom Hess - "How can I develop my own style, my own sound?" This is the second most frequently asked question I am asked ("How can I become a great guitarist?" is the first). As a very broad generalization, people in the United States tend to focus more on originality, in Europe people tend to focus more on mastery.

June 1, 2006
"Take The Test" by Tom Hess - The biggest problem was that I wasn't even aware of what was missing. Years passed and a great mentor came into my life who told me, "Reasons come first, answers come second". Once I had clarity of purpose, I was able to move toward my goals much more effectively.

May 1, 2006
"Choosing the RIGHT Teacher" by Tom Hess - Yes, there are many good teachers, great teachers even, out there but which one is the RIGHT one for you. This article discusses the many areas you should consider before making that crucial choice. It's always best to shop around before deciding. Read more . . .

April 1, 2006
"The Most Important Skill That Most players Don't Have" by Tom Hess - All of the skills mentioned in this article are crucial to the development of any player that really wants to become an excellent guitarist and musician. However, the single most important skill that most players usually don't have, is Ear Training!

March 1, 2006
"Choosing a Teacher" by Tom Hess - Great teachers want to make sure that you fully understand what you are learning and, most importantly, teach you how to apply it by giving you detailed explanations and by encouraging you to ask questions when something is unclear. A good teacher sincerely cares about your musical growth and development. An experienced and competent teacher will take you far beyond what you could learn on your own. Unfortunately, guitar teachers are not licensed and there is no organization that oversees or regulates them. Anyone can claim to be a good teacher and there are lots of people who make this claim. The number of competent teachers, however, is limited. (read more)

February 6, 2006
"Self Expression" by Tom Hess - I believe "Self Expression" is the pinnacle of all art. Anything less, "is less", in my opinion. I'm not going to debate that view or try to persuade any of you to also believe it. Instead I am going to assume you already hold that view and discuss ways in which I may be able to offer you both philosophical and practical advice.

January 1, 2006
"Creative Learning" by Deborah Leeson - Improvisation is not just the province of jazz musicians. Schools should hold competitions in art, literature, and science in which creativity is the criterion of evaluation. * Encourage community organizations to use competition, prizes, and media to acknowledge and show appreciation for creative achievements. * Encourage youth organizations to establish Creativity clubs to foster the creativity of young people.

November 1, 2005
"Should You Give Private Lessons?" by Karen Stafford - One of the first alternatives a musician has in earning money with his or her craft is giving private lessons. Many people start when they are teens, as a quick and easy way to earn some extra cash. But, like anything else, personalities and practicalities often get in the way. Just what makes a great private teacher? If you are already holding down another job (such as teaching in a public school), is this a good way to earn extra cash? What are the pros and cons?

October 1, 2005
"Are You Unique?" by Kyle Hicks, stage name - Kole - Have you ever asked yourself or been asked by other people questions like these: "What does my music have that really makes it different and unique from anyone else's?" or "What sets you apart from every other musician out there trying to make a name for themselves?" Well, if you are like me, then you have not only had these questions come up, but put much time and thought into them while trying to prove and understand what really separates you from everyone else.

September 1, 2005
"Special Sites for Those Instrumentalists!" by Karen Stafford - Wanted: a list of Web resources for the band director! Your wish is my command. There really is a wealth of stuff out there for the band, including drum and bugle, newsgroups, lists, and individual instrument pages.

August 1, 2005
"Teaching Music to Young Children" by Mary K. Deans - When some people hear that the pleasure of my life is working with young children, they react with an overwhelming sense of admiration and fear. It is particularly interesting to observe the reaction of other music teachers, especially ones who define their lives teaching older children the complexities of the oboe or marching band. Oftentimes, with changing economic situations, these same teachers find themselves teaching elementary general music or early childhood music. They come to me with almost the same question: What do I do?

July 1, 2005
"Tone Matching Games (vocal)" by Deborah Leeson - One of the best ways that I have found to help students focus on pitches and intervals is to use mental imagery. This particular exercise involves proper placement within the mouth and head. For the brighter vowels, I ask the student to approach the note as though they are about to take a bite out of an apple. It also helps to have the student raise their eyebrows.

June 1, 2005
"The Development of the Musical Ear" by Emile DeCosmos - As the child grows, his hearing is constantly being bombarded with the music of television, radio, and recordings. The child continues his musical education with musical activities in the early grades, including singing, dancing, and playing instruments. His hearing and voice are tied together enabling the child to learn and sing the lyrics and melodies of numerous songs. When a child has an instrument placed in his hands, he now has a new sending instrument through which he learns to speak musical sounds

April 4, 2004
"How were the notes born?" by Hellene Hiner - It happened in a small Italian town called Arezzo, where there once lived a monk named Guido. Guido did not like the alphabetical names of the music notes. Indeed, nobody would like the fact that different sounds are written as one line and the duration of the sounds cannot be easily determined.

March 25, 2004
"Build Your Private Music Practice" by Milana Leshinsky - At some point in their careers, private music teachers have all faced the challenge of building a solid student base. How do I get the word out about my service? How do I build a network of customers that will continually help me bring in more students? As with any business, the key is marketing: Advertise. Be visible. And network network network! These are a few of the suggestions offered by professional music teacher Milana Leshinsky in this excerpt from her booklet "77 Ways to Build Your Private Music Practice."

January 4, 2004
"A Mini-Course in Copyright" by Deborah Leeson - Music teachers and musicians often make use of copyrighted music material for a variety of purposes: from using autoharp sheet music to teach a class, to practicing with an instructional guitar video. They must, however, make sure not to violate the creative copyrights of others. Copyright laws protect individuals from the wrongful reproduction of their original works. To help you ensure that you do not infringe upon the copyrights of others, experienced music educator Deborah Leeson provides a quick reference about copyright laws as well as links to helpful online resources.

January 4, 2004
"Climb Every Mountain" by Jamie Andreas - Widely-acclamed guitarist and teacher, Jamie Andreas discusses a sort of "80 / 20" principle for music and for life. She asserts that "it is relatively easy to achieve about 80% of anything"... but that going after the last 20% is what separates the truly great from the mediocre. Andreas conveys this profound insight through the lens of her experiences as a beginning guitar player and later as a seasoned guitar instructor. MusicStaff.com is proud to present this sample of Andreas' inspiring musical wisdom.

August 14, 2003
"Is Using a Method in Teaching Music really that important?" by Deborah Leeson - Every teacher, young or old, has their own way of teaching. Of course, there are the widely used Methods of teaching. Every teacher, at one time or another, might feel they are constrained by having to stick to a specific method of teaching. Of course, every student is different, and thus different Methods will suit different students. Deborah Leeson tells you why there is no absolute best method when it comes down to teaching.

August 14, 2003
"An Interview with Composer, Stephen Barber" by Deborah Leeson - Stephen Barber has received commissions from the Meridian Arts Ensemble, the Czech Radio Orchestra, the Folk and State Ensembles of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the American Boys Choir, and chamber musicians from the New York Philharmonic, and the London Sinfonia. Musicstaff.com presents this exclusive interview with Barber who is the recipient of numerous honors. It is a personal pleasure to have him share his expertise as a musician with our readers.

May 27, 2003
"The Glue of Repetition" by Jamie Andreas - Do you ever feel like you are getting nothing out of your practice? Whether you are practicing for the first time or you are an expert of ten years, there is always a way to improve your practice technique. Jamie Andreas will show you the correct way to practice, so you can squeeze every ounce of progress that is possible from your practice sessions.

May 27, 2003
"Elementary Singing Games: Combining Song and Play in Your Classroom" by Dan Johnson - For music teachers, gaining the attention of elementary school kids can be the hardest task to accomplish. Singing games are perfect for getting kids involved, as kids have a lot of fun with them, while at the same time getting the kids to be creative, learn, and actually sing. Dan Johnson includes two simple singing games to help you get started.

November 1, 2002
"Why Teach Music?" by Lounge Editor, Deborah Leeson - In the mix of a busy life, we may not remind ourselves why we do what we do. Deborah Leeson presents a refreshing reminder for music teachers in this article as she answers the question "Why Teach Music?" She shows how music encompasses fundamental elements of education (history, science and math) as well as spirituality and human development.

November 1, 2002
"Musician Nutrition" by Greg Nolan - Are you a healthy musician? Greg Nolan puts musicians synonymous with Olympic athletes and shows you that health is just as important to the athlete as it is to a musician.

July 15, 2002
"The Yamaha Music System" by Antonia King - The Yamaha Music System is an integrated approach to teaching music, which believes that musical enjoyment is pivotal in helping students learn effectively. This article explains the Yamaha approach, including their angle on sight singing, teaching notation, and how a typical Yamaha lesson is conducted. The Yamaha Music System is an integrated approach to teaching music, which believes that musical enjoyment is pivotal in helping students learn effectively. This article explains the Yamaha approach, including their angle on sight singing, teaching notation, and how a typical Yamaha lesson is conducted.

July 15, 2002
"Natural Talent" by Jamie Andreas - What is natural talent? How important is having this gift in relation to becoming a successful musician? This article presents an interesting perspective on how important natural talent is for musical achievement.

January 15, 2002
"Do, Re Chi: The Tao of Voice" by Steven Cheng - This article gives a Taoist alternative to vocal instruction. Stephen Cheng's book, The Tao of Voice gives some suggestions for vocal instruction which varies from the traditional western methods of teaching.

January 3, 2002
"Developing Creative Thinkers through Music and Writing" by Deborah Leeson - Are your students tapping into their creative potential? Our very own Lounge Editor Deborah Leeson, describes the importance of creativity in music and explains how we can help free the minds of our timid students. Writing and Music, she says, are two very important ways to help students think "out of the box."

December 1, 2001
"Learning to Play Music is like Learning to Talk" by Emile DeCosmos - To become a professional musician, you must memorize all major and minor scales. Memorization takes practice, and practice doesn't have to be a drag! Emile DeCosmos provides teachers with ways they can combat boredom and reinforce learning.

November 12, 2001
"Voice and Body in Harmony: An Eastern Approach to Western Singing" by Steven Cheng - Improve the sound of your voice with Tai Chi exercises and Taoist philosophy! Read how Steven Cheng's vocal method uses Eastern techniques to encourage relaxation through breathing and light exercise.

August 20, 2001
"Discover Your Discomfort or Why Are So Many Guitarists Masochists?" by Jamie Andreas - We shouldn't feel muscular pain or tension when we practice or perform. So why not get rid of it? This article helps us to identify if we are using our body the right way when we play.

July 26, 2001
"The True Teacher" by Jamie Andreas - What makes someone a "true teacher?" Teachers should have the directive of empowering the student. See how Jamie Andreas views the role in student development and why it is so important.

May 3, 2001
"Everybody was a Beginner Once" by Emile DeCosmos - Even Charlie Parker was grilled as a young musician. But Bird had a touching streak of compassion, as evidenced by this article. Parker touched the life of a young horn player by his encouragement. This article shows how encouragement is important for your students.

April 24, 2001
"Music Education provides a Lifetime of Skills" by Emile DeCosmos - Music is education. It strengthens the mind and helps us cope with the world. Music promotes the ability for a person to be well-adjusted, and it's value should not be overlooked.

February 5, 2001
"Review is Required!" by Jamie Andreas - Reviewing excercises or songs we have learned is vital to improving as musicians. Often, we don't review. Just "moving on" to the next thing does not reinforce what we have learned. Jamie pinpoints why we sometimes don't review and why reviewing is so valuable.

January 12, 2001
"Changing from Guitar Student to Guitar Player: Part 2" by Jamie Andreas - Musicians need a scientific method that accurately measures their growth, just as an athlete measures their progress. Come see these valueable insights for measuring your growth!

December 11, 2000
"Changing from Guitar Student to Guitar Player: Part 1" by Jamie Andreas - Playing, practicing, and performing. They are very different. Ourselves and our students sometimes forget to just PLAY for enjoyment. Isn't that why we started music in the first place?

November 1, 2000
"Making the Most of Music Technology: Part 3 of 3" by Kelly Demoline - The final in a series of 3 articles, this article will introduce new software pieces which aid students in learning ear training. A vital article that will keep you abreast of new technology.

October 15, 2000
"Opera Singing 101: A Beginning Study" by Alice Baker - How do vocalists relax the throat while providing support from the diapragm? Working the diaphragm while relaxing the vocal mechanism is a necessary achievement for vocalists. Read some suggestions in this article on how to achieve this.

September 29, 2000
"Making the Most of Music Technology: Part 2 of 3" by Kelly Demoline - This informative article reviews software packages that teaches ear training to students. Ear training is an important skill for any musician, and several software pieces out there instruct this aural skill. Read about the programs Auralia, Practica Musica, and Rhythm Ace.

August 15, 2000
"Making the Most of Music Technology: Part 1 of 3" by Kelly Demoline - Software can be a great way to motivate students. Kelly Demoline describes how specific software programs can be used to help get students to embrace ear training. Come see how the software constructively gets students involved!

July 21, 2000
"An Interview with Anna Moo" by Deborah Leeson - Anna Moo is an award-winning songwriter who entertains children throughout the world. Anna gives insight into what inspires her songs and her performances, and her drive to create music in general. Find out what it's like to entertain adoring children worldwide!

June 11, 2000
"Providing Learning Experiences in Music" by Deborah Leeson - Music helps us to learn essential skills that make us whole human beings. Music strengthens our brain and our heart, so it is vital that society recognizes the value of music and makes sure that music education's torch burns decisively.

May 11, 2000
"The Solitary Path to Jazz Improvisation" by Emile and Laura De Cosmos - There is no substitution for the true grit of practicing. Successful jazz improvisors must spend years practicing alone to acheive greatness in their field. "Woodshedding" means spending large amounts of time either alone or with other musicians honing one's craft, but the benefits are worth the effort.

April 1, 2000
"The Tao of Voice. An Interview with Stephen Cheng" by Deborah Leeson - An Internationally acclaimed Revolutionary East/West Method to accelerate your Vocal Progress is the topic of this interview. Stephen Cheng, teaches musicians how to successfully integrate ancient Chinese philosophy and breathing practices (ch'i), with modern psychological approaches and the best of Western techniques.

April 1, 2000
"Build it and they will Come…" by Deborah Leeson - This article gives teachers some helpful hints on how to market themselves, and also how to maintain a profitable student base. Gain valuable insights on how to get out there, and how to cultivate lasting relationships with students and parents.

March 15, 2000
"Making More Music" by Kelly Demoline - Imagine being able to "paint" a musical composition.Making More Music is a CD-Rom package that allows students to gain insight on musical composition and arranging, by giving them a palette of tools to work with to paint original compositions with a virtual paint brush. Students can hear their compositions, and make a variety of modifications to their creations. Become informed about this great new tool!

February 21, 2000
"Female Jazz Vocalists" by Emile and Laura De Cosmos - This article presents recommended female jazz vocalists for any jazz fan's "collection." Come see the authors' opinion. Feel free to add your own recommendations!

February 2, 2000
"The Healing Flute" by Carl P. Strandberg - Soothing, pure, and simple. The flute has the ability to change our mood. Its beautiful tone carries us off to a special place. When we return, we are healed from our anxieties, soothed by its magical sound.

November 30, 1999
"Focusing on Music Software" by Kelly Demoline - Music software is an exciting new music teaching medium. Allowing for self-pacing and also keeping in touch with growing technology, music software can be an appealing lesson augmentation for students. Kelly Demoline's informative article demonstrates how this technology reinforces what is taught in traditional lessons, maximizing the impact of the teacher.

November 5, 1999
"What is Jazz?" by Emile and Laura De Cosmos - What do you say if a student asks you "What is Jazz?" We all know what it is, and yet it is something different for everyone. For some, it is improvisation, for some it is swing, for others, it is a certain ambience. This article explores a deceptively simple question, but it reminds us how music hits everyone differently.

October 21, 1999
"Diversifying in the Music Business" by Trevor McPherson - Established multi-instrumentalist Trevor McPherson explains how skilled teachers can easily cross over to become successful in promotional roles in the music business. This practical article will not only make you feel good about your hard work as a teacher, it may (if you're not careful), empower you to venture into areas of the music business you never thought you'd explore.

September 20, 1999
"Teaching Styles: What Are They? and Why Do I Need Them?" by Dan Johnson - Music specialist Dan Johnson of New Boston Central Schools explores basing music teaching on student learning styles. This informative article will give you food for thought on how to reach your students.

September 7, 1999
"An Interview with Sister Lorna Zemke: Master Kodaly Educator" by Deborah Leeson - World renowned Master Educator, Sr. Lorna Zemke discusses her revered achievements in working with the Kodaly method--a system that uses singing as the fundamental teaching medium.

July 15, 1999
"An Interview with Tom Glazer" by Deborah Leeson - Read the words of Tom Glazer - one of the country's foremost balladeers and the composer of hundreds of children's songs including "On Top Of Spaghetti."

April 15, 1999
"Musical Expression and Ways to Teach It" by Beth Vosskuhler - Expression is what the majority of musicians believe music to be. Yet for some unknown reason, it's rarely talked about. How could this be, if so many musicians believe that the purpose of music is to convey emotion? Beth Vosskuhler sets out to find the answer.

March 15, 1999
"Extended Musicality - a Background" by Ladislaus Horatius - According to 5th century philosopher, Boethius, everything is music. Using this idea, Ladislaus Horatius explains his own theory of Extended Musicality. You won't think of music the same way after reading this article.

January 29, 1999
"Dealing with "Dead Weight"" by Joe Mazza - The following words of advice and encouragement come from trying to keep things in perspective, and trying not to go crazy week to week. I trust that most teachers' situations will resonate with mine and that they will feel the load lightened a bit.

January 15, 1999
"Tips and Tricks on Teaching Guitar- Part II" by Trevor McPherson - Trevor McPherson has built his student enrollment by taking a "value-added" approach. His informal teaching style helps students discover that music is easy and fun. Does it work? Well, he's been stealing students from the other teachers in town. Here's how he does it

January 1, 1999
"Tips and Tricks on Teaching Guitar" by Trevor McPherson - With students varying greatly in age and ability, my lesson plans vary greatly in approach and content. To support this diversity, I have come up with a 3-fold approach to teaching music that I believe will support any instrument. I have used it successfully with guitar, bass, and mandolin students at all levels.

December 28, 1998
"Music, Fine Arts and You" by Deborah Leeson - There has been a great deal of discussion in the past year about the importance of Fine Arts programs in our schools. Having lost the moral support, music and arts advocates have resorted to scientific arguments to plead the case for music and arts.

December 1, 1998
"Teaching Methods: The Montessori Method" by Dan Evola - Every child carries within them the man or woman they will become. In order to develop their "whole self", a child needs the freedom to achieve through order and self-discipline. This is the basic goal of the Montessori approach to education.

November 15, 1998
"Teaching Methods: Suzuki Violin Versus Traditional Violin" by Richard Coff - The Suzuki violin method has come to dominate the way violin is taught in America and throughout much of the world. Mention the Suzuki violin method to music educators, and you will get a variety of responses.

November 8, 1998
"Certification: Why and Why not?...the Pros and Cons....and the Rewards!" by Dan Johnson - Certification can open the door to higher pay, benefits, and security, but it also challenges the perserverence of the most seasoned musician.

November 1, 1998
"Teaching Methods: The Dalcroze Method" by Monica Dale - A thorough study of Eurhythmics, solfege, and improvisation form the foundation for Dalcroze pedagogy.

October 25, 1998
"An Introduction to the Alexander Technique" by Nora Nausbaum - The Alexander technique teaches students to identify and change habits that lead to neck ache, back pain, tendonitis, shallow breathing, performance anxiety and other problems.

October 18, 1998
"Technology in the Music Classroom" by Andrew Farnham - Midi technology is a great way to help students practice performance and learn basic music skills?

September 28, 1998
"Private Piano Lessons: Getting Started" by Verla Jones - Here is some great advice for starting up your own private practice, getting new students and even moving your studio to a new town.

September 22, 1998
"Teaching Methods: A Conversation with Edwin Gordon" by Mary Ellen Pinzino - Read the words of Dr. Edwin Gordon, one of the most respected figures in the field of music education, as he reflects on his life's work.

September 14, 1998
"Teaching Methods: Kindermusik" by Dan Johnson - A growing music phenomenon, Kindermusik fosters a love of music in children even before they are able to read.

September 7, 1998
"Spontaneous Improvisation" by Bill Powelson - Drum Teacher, Bill Powelson says, "There is no such thing as a mistake - as long as you remain in time."

August 24, 1998
"Teaching Beginner Flute" by Karen Stafford - Karen Stafford shows you "eight" steps for teaching a successful first lesson.

August 17, 1998
"Teaching Methods: The Suzuki Method" by Maxine Komlos - The Suzuki method is based on a feeling of continued success. No student can fail.

August 3, 1998
"Blues Guitar" by Bill Brownell - Guest writer and guitar guru Bill Brownell uses guitar riffs to keep his students on the path to enlightenment.

July 20, 1998
"Teaching Methods: The Orff Method" by Deborah Leeson - Carl Orff believed that rhythm was the key to music learning.

July 6, 1998
"Balancing Artistry and Technique" by Joe Mazza - An article on teaching guitar - How does one balance artistry and technique, former guitar editor at About.com

June 29, 1998
"Teaching Methods: The Kodaly Method" by Deborah Leeson - Deborah presents various teaching methods that have worked well for her in teaching her students to sing in tune.

June 29, 1998
"MusicLink Program" by Joshua Rich VI - This summer I had a chance to go to a very special music recital.

June 15, 1998
"Back to Basics: Visual Images for the Vocal Coach" by Deborah Leeson - This article is the second in a series on "back to basics" teaching methods. For the first article see: Ear Training. If you have a student that is having difficulties in learning to accept the challenges of making music, it could be helpful to point out some of the benefits of becoming a musician of excellence. Music can build poise and confidence. It teaches us…

June 1, 1998
"Back to Basics: Ear Training!" by Deborah Leeson - The best time for students to learn ear training is at a young age. Why is ear training so important? It develops greater musicality and confidence. Ear training helps students become better sight readers. Ear Training is essential, it's a basic and is a foundational requirement for becoming a proficient singer…

June 1, 1998
"How to Turn 90% of Prospect Calls into Students" by Bill Richards - Friendly Beginning When a prospect calls on the phone, I'll introduce myself and then try to get them talking. "I'll say something like, "Have you ever taken music lessons before?" Or if they are calling for a son or daughter, "Has (name of student) ever taken music lessons before?" If so, I'll ask them about it. If not, I'll ask what kind of music they…