Tested, actionable resources to help you inspire, support and encourage your child and their music program.
The journey to learning an instrument is like a symphony, consisting of distinct movements. From selecting an instrument to establishing practice routines and (potentially) pursuing music in college… Each movement blends seamlessly into the next when you know the right steps to take.
The end of school is just around the corner. Before we know it, summer will be here! There are so many fun activities in the summer. Going to cookouts, swimming at the pool, and spending time with friends are just a few options. For many kids across the U.S., summer…
Unity is difficult to find these days. Elections tear people apart and make it hard for anyone to agree with each other. I mean, people almost went to war arguing whether or not a sound byte said “Laurel” or “Yanny” last year. Not to mention that YouTube comment sections are…
It’s imperative for young musicians and audience members to have proper concert etiquette. Ah, band and orchestra concerts. A culmination of hard work and steady practice. A beautiful movement of notes and harmonies from dozens of young musicians. A triumphant moment for band and orchestra directors and parents alike as…
Whether you are renting a clarinet, saxophone or other reed instrument right now, thinking about it, or playing your 500th concert, understanding reeds will help you create the highest quality sounds and care well for your reeds. If you’re a parent whose child plays any type of reed instrument for…
Summer has come to a close, which can only mean one thing…it’s time for students to enter a brand new school year. We’ve put together a guide for every music student to follow as you head back to school and enter music classes – band or orchestra – for the first…
Summer is here, and regular routines are being replaced with recreation and relaxation. Between barbecues, pool days and sports leagues, summer instrument practice can fall by the wayside. So we’ve rounded up a list of summer practice tips from a few our favorite sources. These five quick reads will…
Do you have questions about what to do with your student’s rental instrument when school lets out for the summer? Don’t worry – you’re not the first! We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions from parents that will help you as you consider the benefits of summer instrument rentals.…
Kids need music. Simple as that. Why else do parents sing to comfort their infants, put on lullabies for their toddlers, or play sing-along DVDs for their elementary-aged kids? But there’s a fundamental difference between exposing children to music and educating them in music. I would argue that educating children…
Not many people see band directors as educators with an especially difficult career. For most, we don’t blame them. How would the average person know? But for others, like administrators, teachers and colleagues, it’s really a shame they don’t see it. While we can probably all agree that that the…
