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... bringing the joy of music to students and their teachers
In This Issue
Tips for Hosting a Master Class
What Inspires Me
Practice Pointer
Flute Flash
Mailbox
Upcoming Events
Learn More Online
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Music For Life Books








Check out the Blast! review in the April edition of American Music Teacher magazine. 

 

Order now
for concrete solutions to your everyday problems and ideas to get more satisfaction from the best job in the world!


The Funnies
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April 2011
No matter how long you've been teaching or how successful your studio is, there's always more to learn and what better way to learn than from respected colleagues?

My students and I have been very lucky to have in-studio master classes from some of the world's greatest flutists. I've invited flutists from colleges in the Northwest and asked concert artists or master teachers who visit Seattle to extend their visit a day for a master class in my studio. If you don't live in a large city or college neighborhood, why not trade master classes with one of your colleagues?

Why have a master class in your studio?
  • It gives your students a non-competitive goal.
  • Your students learn from the teacher -- and you do too!
  • Master class teachers and students can "audition" each other for future summer and college programs.
  • Master classes are fun!
  Tips for Hosting a Master Class
  • Each student should have 15-20 minutes for performing and comments.
  • Students individually pay for the class.
  • Require each student to stay at least two hours. They can learn a lot by watching others!
  • Make it a party with food.  
What Inspires Me

Don't you hate it when people imply that being a music major is easy? Learning music is valuable in its own right but it does teach valuable learning and life skills. INTERESTING TIDBIT: Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school.

Practice Pointer

Everything you practice is preparation for something important. The audience will hear what you practiced today in tomorrow's performance. Even those "boring" scales will come to haunt you.

The same philosophy holds true when you're teaching a 5th grader; realize you are building the foundation for that 12th grader.

Flute Flash

Practice while standing on a small trampoline or an exercise ball to learn to engage your core muscles while playing.

Mailbox
mailbox

 

Dear Bonnie,

 

I met you at the MTAC convention in Los Angeles and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed both books. I leave the Making Music and Having a Blast! book out for my students while they're waiting for their lesson and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from students and parents.  

 

I hope that a few of my music teacher friends who are struggling with their business take my advice and read your book! The most helpful was the part on raising fees. I used to feel like I was a Costco! Thank you for sharing your experiences and helping make my life easier as a piano teacher.  

 

Sincerely,

Myhang Huynh

San Diego, CA    

  
Upcoming Events: Speaking Engagements
master class photo
Master class with Marianne Gedigian


July 25th, 2011, 1:30 p.m.
World Harp Congress
Vancouver B.C.
Learn More

October 15th
Spokane MTNA
All Day Workshop
Transform Your Teaching
Whitworth College

Horsfall winners photo
Happy students after the Seattle Flute Society Horsfall winners recital


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 website.

Sincerely,
Bonnie Blanchard
bonnieblanchard.com