Music Teachers: Private Teachers vs. Band Directors
I’m sure you have heard the expression “If you can, you do. If you can’t, you teach.” While that might be true in some...
One Thing College Can’t Provide to a Future Music Educator
So you are about to start your career as a music educator. You might be excited but still a little scared at the prospect...
When Creating Music, If You Can Sing it, You Can Play It
When creating music, if you can sing it, you can play it… eventually. While that statement is essentially true, it is not nearly as...
For String Teachers; An Effective Supplemental Music Book
String Teachers! You are not forgotten. If you have been following my blogs on The Yankee Collection site or Facebook you have heard me...
Some Great Advice for New Music Educators
Back in June I congratulated elementary band directors for surviving another school year taking comfort in their accomplishments achieved with students that knew nothing...
What’s An Eighth Note? Do Elementary School Music Students Need to Know?
What is an eight note? Ask any average adult and the response will probably be “I da-know”! Even in actual musician’s circles you might...
How to Find Easy Songs for Elementary Bands
Here’s how to find easy songs for your elementary school band, so that next year is your most successful year yet. Congratulations! It’s June...
Mental Practicing Music – “I’m practicing in my head!”
Once beginner music students have their instruments and elementary music books like the “Yankee Collection”, they settle down to “Practicing”. You know, playing the...
Ionian Mode: The Perfect Major Scale
In my last article, I eluded to the “Equal Temperament Piano”. Well, today I would like to explain a little more about the evolution...
What is That Buzz in My Ear? Difference Tones!
Did you ever play duets with your teacher or a friend and you heard a third note in your head? Well guess what…. It...
You’re Not Getting Worse, But Your Instrument Might Be
Don’t worry, your instrument can be fixed. Does it take at least a half hour to warm up every time you sit down to...
3 Powerful Tips to Enhance Practicing Music
One of the first things I share with new students are my favorite tips to enhance practicing music. Some of these things may seem...