Much has been written on how to practice, but not much on how not to. I think sometimes it is important to mention certain habits or situations that are not conducive to a successful practice session. So let’s cover a couple of no-no’s for the...
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If you were to build a house, you would lay down a solid surface to build upon. The most important aspect to keep a house standing for years to come is the firm foundation. The same applies to music; strong musicians develop from working on...
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Many set what they believe to be “realistic” goals so that they are easier to obtain. But goals that are big, ones that are challenging, those are the ones worth sacrificing for. Those are the ones that inspire us. When we started San...
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Recital time rolls around again and thus the dreaded question from your instructor, "Have you signed up for the recital yet?" So many students wonder why their instructor pushes performance at recitals. There are a few reasons for this. Challenge...
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“So how was your lesson?” Parents of young music students will inevitably ask this question many times throughout the course of their child’s lives, and it usually occurs during that special time period immediately following a...
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Your teacher is there to give you guidance and instruction on how to practice your instrument. What I wish to address is the importance of making the most of each of lesson. Chances are you simply have ONE 30-minute lesson a week. That is a very...
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How do you know if music lessons are right for you or your student? This question doesn't answer itself quickly. How did my parents know that music was right for me?Well...they didn't. They really couldn't have. But why then did I end up...
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There are several steps a student must take in order to have a successful recital. Listed below are several things that will help the student become more confident and well prepared for their recital. No one thing is more important than the other...
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In our modern-day world of instant messaging, fast food and high-speed internet, we are beginning to lose an appreciation for things which take time, work and determination. A talent or ability is like a seed which can be planted and cultivated...
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Can you become a great musician without listening? Probably not. As a developing pianist, I make a point to attend almost every piano concert available in San Antonio. A great benefit of this is hearing pieces you have never heard that you really...
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Music is math. Music is set to a meter, a predetermined count of time. This applies to all music. As a musician, each one of us controls time and space with sound. In order to play music properly, we all must have a rudimentary understanding of...
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As musicians, most of us at some point in our lives will have the opportunity to play his or her instrument onstage for an audience. This performance experience can be a rewarding one. Yet for many, this can be a very frightening thought. If you...
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