... bringing the joy of music to students and their teachers
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I share all of mine in my Music for Life Books -- two indispensable guides for music instructors and their students.
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 BREAKING NEWS:
Making Music and Having a Blast! has been chosen for the "Best of the Best From the University Presses: Books You Should Know About" program at the 2010 American Library Association annual conference June 27th in Washington, D.C. This program will highlight 18 titles reviewed for the upcoming University Press Books Selected for Public and Secondary School Libraries, 20th Edition.
We're so excited about this honor; it's like getting the Good Housekeeping seal of approval!
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Greetings!
I hope you'll find some ideas in this, my second newsletter, to jazz up your teaching. And, of course, I don't have all the answers, so I'd love to hear your ideas too. This newsletter is for all instrumentalists
and singers but, flutists, there will be a special article in every
issue just for you.
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Teaching Tip: Create Fun Recitals
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Do your students groan when they think of the spring recital? Here are some ways to make it more fun:
- Instead of the three-hour marathon of solos, have all students play in ensembles.
- Host three one-hour recitals instead of one LONG one.
- Try a new venue such as a private home, retirement home or community center, instead of a more formal church or your studio.
- Remember your audience when choosing repertoire.
- Put each student's name on a chocolate bar. The next performer is the
one whose chocolate bar is drawn out of a hat.
- Serve food. Food makes everything more fun and encourages socializing.
The students all look forward to this fun event. There are no nerves because it's ensembles only. Each group wears a simple costume and sometimes performs a skit. Students introduce each other by saying 10 things they've learned about the other student always ending with, "And he/she loves his mother and flute teacher very much." After each ensemble plays, their moms come up for pictures and to receive a small gift I've bought and a handwritten note from their child. Then we have a potluck. Each mom gets dinner, a show, a card, and a present. What's not to love?
Make your recital the social event of the year.
(Check out the video and pictures from my recent Mother's Day recital.)
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Do Your Students Disappear Over the Summer?
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How do you convince students to keep taking lessons in the summer? Try these ideas:
- Tell them it's your policy for everyone to take lessons during the summer. ( "No rest for the musical," I always say.)
- Explain that because of lighter schedules you can learn a year's worth in
just three months.
- Require a certain number of lessons over the summer to hold each student's spot.
- Break out of the normal routine with fun pop songs, sight reading,
ensembles and music games.
- Schedule a concert or master class in the fall to give them a goal to work toward.
- Remember, everyone needs a break (including the teacher!), so if neither you nor your student have any planned vacations, schedule a few weeks R&R.
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| Flute Flash |
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Here's a trick for perfect posture:
- Step 1: Put all your fingers on the correct keys.
- Step 2: Raise the flute overhead, elbows to ears.
- Step 3: Bring the flute down to your lips, and you'll be in perfect playing position. It's magic!
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The Funnies |
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It's not worth it if you're not having fun!
Here's the naked truth:
Who was the famous French flutist who was also a nudist?
Philippe Gaubert
What do you call a naked horseback rider?
Jacques Ibert
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 Here's what you've been saying
Hi Bonnie,
I just read the newsletter and LOVED it! We met and I bought your book "Making Music and Enriching Lives" at the 2008 National Flute convention.
It has not only helped in my actual teaching, but has helped me gain confidence in the way that I do things: your book has taught me to just be myself in my teaching. And when you do that, it is so much easier to make use of your skills and to choose ideas that suit you best from the many resources that are out there. It makes you a more effective teacher to just be comfortable in your own skin.
Thank you for that!
Laura Meyers Cooley
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Upcoming Events: Speaking Engagements
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June 23rd
Washington State Music Teachers Association conference (learn more)
Red Lion Hotel, Olympia, WA:
"Bringing Music Into Your Students' Lives"
July 2nd
Music Teachers' Association of California convention (learn more)
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Panel: "Building your studio in a down economy"
Keynote speaker: "Bringing Music Into your Students' Lives"
July 5th
American Harp Society national conference
(learn more)
Hotel Murano, Tacoma, WA:
"Transform Your Teaching"
August 12th-15th
National Flute Association convention
(learn more)
Anaheim Marriott Hotel
book signing in Carolyn Nussbaum Music booth
October 23rd
Greenville Music Teachers Association Seminar
(learn more)
"Transform Your Teaching"
"Do Something Different"
"Jump Start Your Teaching"
"Making Money Making Music"
All-Day seminar
Bob Jones University
Greenville, South Carolina
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If you've found this newsletter fun and helpful, please forward it to your friends, teachers, and colleagues. I'd love to hear your comments and any ideas or suggestions you might have about content; we can always learn from each other. I promise more tips, tricks, and stories in the coming months. And don't forget to check out my cool new website.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Blanchard
bonnieblanchard.com
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