... bringing the joy of music to students and their teachers
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If you want to get new ideas that you can use in your studio tomorrow you'll find them in both my books
Order now
for concrete solutions to your everyday problems and ideas to get more satisfaction from the
best job in the world!
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Greetings!,
 | Different Strokes
For Different Folks |
My husband Don and I are in the beginning stages of building our dream home on a little lake in the middle of Seattle. My job is choosing the window and siding colors, so I walked my neighborhood to look at house colors. There were very few color combinations I liked, but I realized that when my neighbors each chose their house windows and paint they thought those were the very best colors.
Many of us are in the thick of contest season, and we'll soon discover that the judge will not always choose the winners we would select. Why? Because music is a matter of opinion... just like house colors. Our students are playing "our opinion" of great music, but it might not be the same as the judge's, and that's what makes music so personal and so wonderful! |
You Are A Winner!
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We have no power over the judge's opinions or how well the competition performs. But you are a winner if you can answer yes to the following questions:
- Did I work hard?
- Did I improve?
- Did I learn more about my instrument and music?
- Was it fun?
Answer these questions before the contest, and you will know if you are a winner.
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Teaching Tip:
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Hold contests, teach specific topics, or give class assignments around holidays to help you remember to include them in the year. This also gives kids an easy- to-remember target. Halloween could be "know your scales month," February is "sight-reading month" (with a big romantic piece on Valentine's Day week), St. Patrick's Day is memorized pieces, Easter is "have your notebook in order," etc. Reward the kids with holiday treats. (Big hint: Buy the treats the day after the holiday to score on half-price holiday treats!)
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Performance Pointers
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 | | Own The Stage |
- Arrive in plenty of time to check out the room before you perform.
- Is the room hot?
- Where does the judge sit?
- How are the acoustics?
- Is the piano loud?
- Do you announce yourself before playing?
- Sit in on a few contestants to get the feel of the room and the atmosphere created by the judge.
When it's your turn, you'll be ready!
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Flute Flash: Try the Pneumo Pro
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I recently began using the Pneumo Pro for my beginning students. They can immediately understand the embouchure and air position.
For advanced students, The Pneumo Pro helps with tone production, tuning (especially when playing changes in dynamics), focused double and triple tonguing and smooth and connected flexibility between octaves. Learn more.
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Mailbox
| |  Bonnie, I've been reading your marvelous book, "Making Music And Having A Blast!" The first thing I did was to go to the chapter on practicing -- not for my students' sake, but for mine! It was so inspiring. I am now keeping a practice journal and asking my kids to do the same. I also liked the chapters on preparing for a performance, conquering stage-fright, and memorization. You have given teachers a wealth of information. What a gift to us all! Dorothea Cook, Setauket New York |
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Upcoming Events: Speaking Engagements
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 | Teachers can keep their skills sharp
by performing regularly as well.
My Silverwood Ensembles quartet plays at weddings, private parties, and corporate events throughout the year. |
July 25th, 2011, 1:30 p.m.
World Harp Congress
Vancouver B.C.
Learn More
October (date TBA)
Spokane MTNA
All-Day Workshop
Whitworth College
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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 website for even more tips and tricks.
Sincerely, Bonnie Blanchard
bonnieblanchard.com
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