It's time to say goodbye to our graduating seniors as they head to college. I always feel gratified when my students become music majors, but I have to be careful about the advice I give them. Will they have the fortitude to practice hours a day and deal with intense competition? Do they have what it takes not only to major in music but also to be career musicians? Do they have talent for teaching as well as performing? Do I want them to go to a top college or conservatory to validate my own teaching?
We all know the life of a musician can be both rewarding and challenging. Give aspiring students the skills to become music majors but help guide them carefully and truthfully to make that choice.
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Reasons NOT to major in music
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You should not major in music just because:
- Your parents or teacher want you to
- You can't think of any other major
- You think it would be fun and easy
- You imagine the life of a musician to be glamorous
There is one and only one reason to major in music: You LOVE music. You can't imagine doing anything else in your life, and you're willing to do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true. And no one (not even your parents) can talk you out of it.
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So You Want To Become A Music Major? | |
Learn more about what it takes and how to advise your students in these chapters in Making Music And Having A Blast!
Chapter 44: So You Want To Become A Music Major? Chapter 45: Choosing A College Or Conservatory Chapter 46: Getting Into The School Of Your Dreams |
The Crazy Life of a Musician
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Enjoy this tongue-in-cheek video about life as a musician
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New "Duet" technique
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To give your students the idea of having a steady airstream play a flute "duet." The student blows on the flute while you do all the fingering. Two players on one flute, each focusing on one task only.
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Mailbox
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Dear Bonnie, I've received your marvelous book "Making Music and Having a Blast!" It is an extraordinary achievement. Congratulations! Gerard Schwarz, conductor Seattle Symphony |
Upcoming Events: Speaking Engagements
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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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