In discussing life benefits of music study, the authors report, “The most heavily reported life preparation skill was self-discipline, with respondents acknowledging that the hard work and dedication that are integral to participation in school music groups teach the valuable lesson that if ‘you stick with something and practice,’ the rewards will be bountiful. Other students conceded that the concentration required for learning music and the process of memorizing music pieces had honed those skills in other areas of their schoolwork.

“Music was frequently described as a force for building one’s character, and many students expressed their belief that music was capable of directing them in shaping their broader sense of self, who they were becoming, and how they might succeed in the world. The respondents highlighted confidence, responsibility, compassion, pride, patience, and respect as aspects of their character they feel they owe, at least in part, to music.”

Attribution

Patricial Shehan Campbell, Claire Connell, and Amy Beegle (2007), “Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music in and out of School,” Journal of Research in Music Education, 55(3), p. 229.

1. Seek instruction
2. Make a schedule
3. Set and track your goals
4. Concentrate while practicing
5. Relax and practice slowly
6. Practice what you can’t play
7. Always play with maximum expression
8. Don’t be too hard on yourself
9. Don’t be a showoff
10. Think for yourself
11. Be optimistic
12. Look for connections between music and other things

The excitement of a new adventure is enough to provide an ample supply of positive motivation for the first several weeks of the instrumental music experience. Once the initial enthusiasm wears off, it is important to immediately develop wholesome practice habits which will guarantee a successful and personally gratifying process for your child. Your support and guidance will be the key factors in establishing the practice schedule insuring the attainment of musical goals.

For our first year elementary players, we like to see three days per week of home music practice – even if just a few minutes. The first year is “exploratory” and our goal is to instill a love for music. We encourage students to play at home for their parents. Practice is encouraged but not heavily stressed.

The most effective home rehearsal program for the second year elementary players is based on a fifteen minute session four to five times per week dedicated to quality practice. It is suggested that you and your young musician mutually agree on a practice time, and a special area of your home designated for their area of musical study. A final one or two minute recital is always effective in building performance responsibilities.

Every instrumentalist enjoys the opportunity to display their talents. You might even ask for a paragraph of what new progress was made during the practice. A special calendar can also serve as a reminder as well as a reward poster for the commitment needed to accomplish the assigned material. Remember, positive reinforcement is the most effective communication you can share in this important quest.

As students mature, it is vital to develop a discipline which makes home music practice a natural part of the day. Although many new concepts are taught during instrumental music rehearsals, the limited time does not afford the personal attention which is vital in developing the technical facility required for the upcoming years of musical exploration. The cooperative efforts of the instrumental music director, the student musicians and the willing parent/s constitute the proven recipe for success.

• Let your kids explore music. The first year a child plays an instrument is an exploratory year. The goal of the music educator is not to quickly turn a child into a virtuoso, but to help instill a love of music.
• Try group lessons. We find that most kids do better in group lessons because they like the social interaction.
• Show up for lessons. Parents should try to attend a child’s first few music lessons. Knowing what’s going on in the class will allow you to better help your young music student at home.
• Help kids learn the basics. Learning the fundamentals is very important. Violin students, for example, will need to learn to hold the bow correctly and develop proper posture.
• Stay connected. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to stay in touch with your child’s instructor. You may find that email is the easiest way to do this.
• Keep the instrument handy. Children can get really attached to their instrument. It’s important for parents to leave the instrument out, rather than storing it away, so that the child can always have access to it.
• Don’t make practice a chore. In the first year of study, don’t force practice. Instead offer encouragement and show that you’re interested in how your son or daughter is doing. When you’re folding laundry or doing paperwork, for example, have your child perform a mini concert of songs he or she is learning.

Don’t expect flawless play from your young musician. The clearest indication that child is successful in music education is that he or she will show love and enthusiasm for the music.

Instrumental music means more to your child than just playing an instrument. It offers an opportunity to experience a whole new level of communication. This artistic language will be with them for a lifetime. These formative years of music education can open up a world of aesthetic possibilities which will bring new meaning to the growth and development of your child. Let us join hands in establishing a solid foundation of growth by creating a disciplined practice schedule at the onset of their instrumental music career.

Click Here for a QuickTime Video by Larry Newman on Home Music Practice

• The Case for Music Education
• Music Education Benefits
• Why is Music Education Important?
• Music and Learning
• Health Benefits From Making Music
• Music Advocacy Presentation

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• Coco, age nine, in fourth grade talks about playing clarinet and one day making a career in music.
• Lauren, age ten, in fifth grade talks about playing the trombone and making friends in orchestra.
• Spencer, age eleven, in fifth grade talks about practicing and
• Wonder, age eleven, in sixth grade talks about why music is important to him.
• Making music is about who you become along the way.

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• Flute
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Snare Drum Head, Shell and Cymbals
• Rico Reeds
• Handmade Flutes Workshop
• Saxophone Factory Tour
• Trumpet Factory Tour

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1.  The study of piano increases a child’s imagination through musical self-expression and increases self-discipline and concentration.

2. Create a suitable learning environment away from distractions, such as TV and cell phones. Create piano time to open the door to musical exploration.

3. Choose a piano teacher based on qualifications and referrals, not on location. This is not real estate.

4. A piano teacher is one of the greatest motivators in a child’s study. Interview to find a good fit for your child.

5. Maintain your piano regularly as the seasons change. It’s an investment.

6. Become involved in your child’s piano pursuits. Encourage and support strong practice and performing habits that will last a lifetime.

7. Piano education doesn’t stop at the piano lesson. Help your child set goals, not watch the clock, in order to achieve new skills, build self-esteem and encourage self-motivation.

8. Instill a love and appreciation of music in your child’s daily life by attending piano recitals and concerts and listening to varieties of music in your home.

9. The study of piano is a strong foundation for all other musical pursuits. The keyboard range of the piano encompasses the ranges of all the musical instruments found in an orchestra.

10. Consistency in study is the key to nurturing good habits that affect all other aspects of life.

– from Hana Janatova, founder and executive director of the Mundi Project

Don’t forget to browse our website which has loads of educational articles, videos and pictures from last year!

We hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and we look forward to another fun and musical year!

Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for returning band students. Band For Today makes it easy to register your child for lessons.

• Registering online is fast and simple.
• Or download and print the registration form.
• Please register no later than August 15.

Click here to register today!

Band For Today Highlights Video

Check out the Band For Today highlights video to see what is ahead for this school year. You don’t want to miss it! Press play on the video above.

Lesson Schedules in the Mail

Parents will receive their child’s lesson schedule in the mail beginning August. Please look for this information in the mail and refer to the schedule for your child’s band lesson. Lessons are set to begin the week of September 20.

Did You Know?

“The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling–training the brain to become incredibly good at organizing and conducting numerous activities at once. Dedicated practice of this orchestration can have a great payoff for lifelong attentional skills, intelligence, and an ability for self-knowledge and expression.”

Ratey John J., MD. A User’s Guide to the Brain. New York: Pantheon Books, 2001.

The flute is the oldest of the woodwinds dating back 800 years in Western Europe and North America. It is also unique because it is the only non-reed woodwind instrument. By the 17th and 18th centuries, the flute became a standard classical instrument through such composers as Vivaldi, Mozart, Brahms, and other famous composers of that era. The flute came into its modern appearance by the 1900s and has continued to be a part of the modern classical repertoire. As well as being a mainstream classical instrument, the flute has found its place in modern western music styles such as jazz, rock, pop and blues.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your flute!

• The different parts of the flute
• How to form the correct embouchure
• How to play a flute headjoint
• How to hold the flute and proper finger placement
• How to play “Mary Had A Little Lamb”
• How to play “Hot Cross Buns”
• How to clean  your flute

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Johann Christoph Denner invented the clarinet around 1690. The clarinet is a single-reed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical tube. The clarinet evolved from an earlier instrument called the chalumeau, the first true single reed instrument. It is also the foundation of the modern woodwind family which includes both the saxophone and flute. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johannes Brahms brought clarinet to its modern popularity with their concertos featuring this beautiful instrument. Since then the clarinet has gained much popularity and is a featured instrument in all major orchestras. In addition, the clarinet has found its place in dixie-land jazz, big band swing, and modern jazz.

Check out the videos below on how to assemble, care for and play your clarinet!

• How to assemble the clarinet
• The different parts of the clarinet
• How to hold the clarinet
• Proper playing posture
• How to form a correct embouchure
• How to clean your clarinet
• How to take care of your reeds

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