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!
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Tips for Hosting a Master Class
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- 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.
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What Inspires Me
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 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
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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.
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Flute Flash
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Practice while standing on a small trampoline or an exercise ball to learn to engage your core muscles while playing.
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Mailbox
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 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 |
