... bringing the joy of music to students and their teachers
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You've enjoyed reading these books and appreciate how they've recharged your studio and performing. Now share the inspiration with your friends this holiday season!
Buy the books for a friend, a deserving student or your own child. Or put them on your own wish list! Order now
for free shipping and special discounts. 
| | Don't miss out! Order before December 31 to receive free shipping on all books plus special holiday discounts. |
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| The Funnies |
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This month I am going to regale you with funny moments from my own flute studio.
After a much better than normal flute lesson, I asked 10-year-old Vlad, "Why are you so good today?"
"Don't blame me. Blame my mom."
'You must have practiced a lot this week. What caused the big turnaround?"
"Well it may be because I want this cool computer game for my birthday."
"What?? It's not because you want to get better and please your teacher?"
"Well, I guess that too."
The next day, 12-year-old Luke also had a stand-out lesson. After relaying Vlad's story I asked Luke,
"Did your mom promise you anything if you had a good lesson?"
"No, she didn't promise me anything."
"Then you mean you're good for nothing?" ___________________
Students always have trouble remembering that the major is above the minor so I use the analogy, "Would you rather be in the major (above the minor) baseball league or the minor?"
Luke responded, "I would rather be in the minor leagues since I hate baseball."
__________________
Another Luke story:
I asked Luke what the musical term "simile" meant? He said, "Does it mean you're supposed to smile there?"
His sister, a violinist, always wondered why there was Pizz(a) in the score.
Yet another Luke story (the kid really keeps me entertained):
Luke was awarded a gold seal (an honor for the highest performers) at the music festival. When I told him he got a gold seal he said, "A gold seal? What do you feed that?"
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Greetings!
I love the thought of the upcoming holiday music in November, but by December 20th I feel like screaming every time I hear that dorky Burl Ive's "Holly Jolly Christmas" or "O Holy Night" by some pop singer with misplaced musicality warbles on the radio. But no matter how many times I have to play the same old holiday music with my students, I remember how important it is to teach them about these traditions, get them excited to play familiar tunes, and just break out of the normal lesson routine. (And I do truly love most of it!)This holiday season, remember to share the gift of music even if it is the 50th rendition of "Jingle Bells," "Joy To The World," or "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel." Perform at your place of worship, carol with neighbors, bring students to retirement homes, and create musical traditions with your own family. There is no greater gift than music. Share your music this season!More Musical SurprisesThe Gift Of Song Thank you for your emails about the books and newsletters. I don't have all the answers, so I'd love to hear your ideas too. |
What Keeps Me Inspired
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In November's newsletter, I shared with you Dr. Karl Paulnack's welcome address at the Boston Conservatory and the riveting stories he told about the power of music in the aftermath of 9/11, in the Nazi concentration camps and in everyday life. ( Read the whole speech.) This month, I discovered a powerful online video that is the official trailer for a new documentary short about the oldest Holocaust survivor in the world, 107-year-old pianist Alice Herz-Sommer. Alice and other survivors tell us how music literally saved their lives and the joy it still gives them. Don't miss this one!
They Played For Their Lives
Alice Dancing Under The Gallows |
Practice Steps Worth Their Weight In Gold
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 Last month we talked about writing down a step-by-step approach to tackling a new piece.
Click here for a way to get students to remember and use the practice steps.
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| Another Remedy For the Mother-in-Law Practice Problem | |
 | | Where do you begin? |
As I mentioned before, a few years ago my mother-in-law stayed with us for a week. One day she stood in the middle of the kitchen and exclaimed, "I'd really like to help you clean this up, but I have no idea where to start!"
My student Rachel had the same problem when she started taking flute lessons. Though she was a smart girl and practiced an hour each day, Rachel's lessons were messy -- like my kitchen. At home, she was frustrated and wanted to quit.
The answer was to give Rachel a daily practice chart that she could follow without having to make practice decisions on her own. After two months of following my daily charts, Rachel spent two months concocting her own. After that she knew how to schedule her daily and weekly practice and is now a stellar student.
Just as my mother-in-law "didn't know where to start," our students don't either if you just send them home to practice but don't tell them how to practice.
Here's a sample daily practice chart that you can tweak for your own use.
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Flute Flash: Good Vibrations
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 Students should have a good steady airstream and long tones of about 20 seconds before they're ready to tackle vibrato. Get them excited about this new step by demonstrating a straight straight sound then showing them how much more "grown-up" they sound with vibrato.
Explain that vibrato is a variation in pitch: string players move their fingers back and forth to change pitch, we flutists change pitch with changing dynamics (loud=sharp, soft=flat.)
This method for teaching beginners vibrato also works wonders with more advanced students with vibrato problems.
Click here for six steps to controlled vibrato.
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Mailbox
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This month's mailbox features common questions I receive. Making Music And Having A Blast! answers all these questions and more in detail. Are these your students?
Q: I've been taking piano lessons for three years now and my parents won't buy me a real piano. They say our keyboard has all the keys I ever use, takes up less space, is less expensive and it can sound like a fire engine. How do I convince them?
A: A keyboard is a fun "piano-shaped object" but doesn't have the same action and feel as a piano and will put you at a real disadvantage when you play a real piano. Unless the keyboard is a fancy one with weighted keys and the notes of a real recorded piano (a sampler), it's like practicing on a toy
Q: I'm so busy (whine), I can't find time to practice.
A: Make a list of things you spend time on. Are they the important things? Plan a specific time every day -- even a few minutes to practice. Perhaps a parent can help. Most importantly, focus on accomplishing a small goal -- not the amount of time you spend.
Q: I want to quit.
A: Before you take any drastic steps, talk with your teacher -- maybe different music or less pressure or new goals can help. If you're in a practice rut, learn new ways to practice. Is this really about the music or is it an attempt to rebel against your parents? Have you just had a bad performance experience? Consider a compromise and stick it out three more months. Then make your decision.
If you see your students in any of these questions or if you just want some new ideas to spark up your teaching, you can find detailed answers in Making Music and Having A Blast! A Guide For All Music Teachers. There is something for everyone! |
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Upcoming Events: Speaking Engagements
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A special thanks to my friends in Vancouver.
You were a great audience.
February 18th, 2011
MENC Northwest Division Conference
(learn more)
Bellevue, Washington
"Tips and Trick For Teaching Flute"
February 19th, 2011
MENC Northwest Division Conference
(learn more)
Bellevue, Washington
8:00 - 9:15 a.m.
"Jump Start Your Teaching"
July 25th, 2011, 1:30 p.m.
World Harp Congress
Vancouver B.C.
Learn More
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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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