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... bringing the joy of music to students and their teachers
In This Issue
Why NOT to major in music
The Crazy Life of a Musician
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Upcoming Events
Learn More Online
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Music For Life Books


 

Check out the review of Making Music And Having A Blast! in the April issue of the Music Teachers National Association magazine

American Music Teacher

 


The April issue of the Spanish Flute magazine features an article I wrote, pictures, and a review (in Spanish!) of

 Making Music And Enriching Lives 

 

Take their word for it and order yours today!

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


The Funnies
 Smiley Face
May 2011

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.

Reasons NOT to major in music
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.


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
 
Enjoy this tongue-in-cheek video about life as a musician
New "Duet" technique
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.
Mailbox
mailbox

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

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

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.

Sincerely,
Bonnie Blanchard
bonnieblanchard.com