Strawberry Tugboat: October 2012

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Surviving Musical Instrument Practice - Part 2 of 2

So your kid is learning a musical instrument! Last week I offered some general techniques to improve success, including how to cultivate a positive attitude, set up and structure a practice session, and deliver helpful praise. This week I’ll focus on specific things you can do while sitting in on a practice session...

Surviving Musical Instrument Practice - Part 1 of 2

Is your kid new to band or orchestra? Are they practicing at home? Are you coaching them?

My daughter started trumpet this year and has already worked her way up to first chair! We started the year with a lot of frustration, but now she is excited about her progress and generally enjoys practicing. I’ve been coaching her at home, and it occurred to me that I have plenty of good advice to share.

If your kid is learning an instrument - brass, woodwind, string, guitar, piano, percussion, whatever - and you want to help him get the most out of practice time at home, then read on. Whether you were a “bandy” yourself or are one of those people who feel totally inept at music, it doesn’t matter. There are plenty of ways you can be an effective coach...

Do Kids Really Need Their Own Genre of Music?

“Children’s Music Ain’t Got the Same Soul!”

“Children’s Music Will Destroy Your Good Taste Forever!”

“Why Does Children’s Music Make Me Want to Destroy the Earth?”

These are real headlines from online articles written by real parents who - believe it or not - are annoyed with children’s music! And in these articles, the writers seem to want to justify depriving their children of it. This attitude is not uncommon. I run into it often. A lot of parents feel they can do without children’s music.

How does this affect me as a professional children’s musician? It threatens my financial well-being and calls into question my entire life’s purpose, throwing me into a deep morose fueled by existential angst!