May 2016 - Oclef

The 3 most challenging transitions in the music education journey

Oclef teamMay 30, 2016 Teacher No Comments

The 3 most challenging transitions in the music education journey

When I prepare a concert program, I spend the majority of my time on transitions. It’s the most challenging part of performance and if you can make transitions look effortless, you win. Just like performance, learning to play an instrument also...

Overburdened students

Oclef teamMay 27, 2016 Teacher 1 Comment

Overburdened students

Teacher

A few months back I was stuck in a difficult situation with a student – Jeff. Every week he would come to lessons underprepared or not practiced at all. It’s easy to just look at a kid and think they’re lazy, don’t care or have...

How will education technology empower teachers to improve students?

Oclef teamMay 24, 2016 Music Education Advocacy, Technology No Comments

How will education technology empower teachers to improve students?

Music Education Advocacy, Technology

Now that video is the dominant form of media on mobile, how will music education use it? Listening algorithms, music theory apps and note naming games have ruled strong for most of this decade, but how do we build upon these outdated tools that isolate...

How do we help our students realize they’re growing?

Oclef teamMay 21, 2016 Teacher No Comments

How do we help our students realize they’re growing?

Teacher

When a music student first begins, improvements are clear to see. One week they don’t know what a treble clef is and the next week they know the names of several notes. Forward progress is motivation for any student. It helps them to make music...

It’s all in your head: How a child’s mindset changes everything

Oclef teamMay 18, 2016 Teacher No Comments

It’s all in your head: How a child’s mindset changes everything

Teacher

The spring recital is often the time when music teachers give out rewards, honors and special prizes to make an example of their best students. While most parents and students see winning something as the positive outcome, I have a different perspective....

Overcoming performance anxiety in music recitals

Oclef teamMay 15, 2016 Perform No Comments

Overcoming performance anxiety in music recitals

Perform

This weekend we had our Spring Recital. Even though our studio performs monthly, we still have two major recitals a year where students play an extended program. The longer program makes preparation difficult. I normally take a seat front and center....

How can we get students into the deliberate practice mindset?

Oclef teamMay 12, 2016 Teacher No Comments

How can we get students into the deliberate practice mindset?

Teacher

Looking at the cadenza of Rachmaninov’s third piano concerto I’m searching for patterns. Layers upon layers of music are added as I attempt to resurrect this masterpiece. I’ve done this thousands of times before and every time it feels...

What are parents really paying for in music lessons?

Oclef teamMay 09, 2016 Music Education Advocacy No Comments

What are parents really paying for in music lessons?

Music Education Advocacy

I love music. I spend most of my day in and around music. For as long as I can remember I have always dreamed in music. It has brought me all over the world and has taught me more than any other single thing. Music is the lens that I see the world through....

Going beyond music lessons to shape student’s lives

Oclef teamMay 06, 2016 Music Education Advocacy No Comments

Going beyond music lessons to shape student’s lives

Music Education Advocacy

I sent a survey out to my studio this past week. Among a pile of great feedback and static, I found an obvious, but really helpful insight. Parents want personalization for their children. As with any premium service or luxury product, customization is...

Addiction to Performing

Oclef teamMay 03, 2016 Perform No Comments

Addiction to Performing

Perform

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy” Eminem opens Lose Yourself with the image of someone battling ‘Fight or Flight’. I think this is a battle that we all face. Speeches, performances, interviews or sports are all events...