Considering switching to an iPad for music? In our world of screens and digital assistants, using a tablet as a musician might seem like just another electronic distraction. But, there are many important and helpful things these devices can do to make a musician’s life easier! Read on for some helpful tips, apps, and tricks to make the most of your tablet. I’ve been a pianist since I was four years old, and have accumulated a veritable TREASURE TROVE of music. Within that time, I have also purchased loads of binders, page protectors, and things of that ilk in order to stay organized and keep ..read more

the most wonderful time of the year…or is it?Holidays got you holi-dazed? Take a ginger-breath and try some of these suggestions! The holidays are almost here! These can be some of the happiest times of the year…and the most stressful. As musicians, it often comes down to us to provide a cozy and festive atmosphere, put on holiday concerts, participate in services, etc. Though all of these events can be absolutely delightful, it can be very difficult to juggle all of these stressors. Read on for some tips on how to do more with less, and get through a busy season while still remaining jolly ..read more

Upcoming concert giving you goosebumps? Here are a few tips on how to avoid those heebie-jeebies! As a musician, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll give a performance at least once in your musical career. These performances can be formal or casual—they may occur in a large hall full of people or in the living room in front of several family members or friends . Big or small, performing can be a scary thing, especially when you’re new to the music world. In this post we’ll be exploring some tips to help you successfully prepare for a formal concert, though you may find some of these suggestion ..read more

What’s the big idea? Practicing is an essential part of musicianship—in order to improve at playing any instrument, it’s so important to have a consistent habit of practice. However, many musicians struggle to motivate themselves in this regard. Read on for some suggestions on ways to help yourself (or your students) find joy in practice time! I am sure anyone taking the time to read this blog probably knows (at least to some extent) that practicing is important. In order to become better at ANY skill—be that a sport, a hobby, cooking, gaming, drawing, writing—one MUST spend time actually doi ..read more

How should a music studio or practice space look? What are some must have items or requirements for a musical space to be effective? Read on for some tips to create an environment conducive to musical success! A designated practice space is an essential piece of successful music lessons. In fact, creating a space in a home just for music can increase practice time significantly. However, there are a few different things to consider when designing a studio or music room. Music spaces can be created without breaking the bank, and it’s important to keep in mind both practicality and budget when ..read more

Gearing up for back to school music lessons? Read on for some tips to make your first lessons back not only productive but fun! Here we go again! As August rolls around, so to do the preparations for school. If you and/or your students have chosen to take the summer off, that might also mean getting back into the swing of music lessons. Coming back to lessons after some time off can be a bit difficult. There are quite a few things you can do to prepare yourself for your first lesson after vacation. If you are a parent of a young music student, you may need take the lead on these tasks. It is e ..read more

Considering a degree in music? What can you do with such a specialized education? The answer is, lots of things! In this week’s blog post, I will share some of my own experiences as a college-educated musician and some of the opportunities in open to potential college music students. Before getting into the meat of today’s post, I do have to include a small disclaimer. No two musician’s journeys are the same! If your musical career has been different, that’s perfectly acceptable! This is just my personal experience and what I have witness in the lives of my colleagues. Now that’s out of the w ..read more

What are program notes and what are the benefits of writing them? This week’s post will give you all of this information and more, so read on! what are program notes? Imagine you are attending a live classical music concert. You receive your program and flip through as the orchestra is turning up. While you wait, you read some information on each musical piece regarding the composers, the inspiration behind the work, and the music itself. These are program notes! The practice of researching the music one is studying and writing about it to inform the audience has been around for ages. Some ded ..read more

Summer is here! It’s the season of beach holidays, vacations, mixed-up schedules, lazy days, sunburns, and hopefully loads of fun. Oftentimes, we use summer as a time to rest and relax, which is an essential practice. However, keeping up with private lessons over the summer can make a huge difference in the musical education of your student. Below, I will outline some huge benefits of keeping a student in lessons over the summer. Perhaps the biggest asset to keeping up with music lessons over the summer involves learning loss. When outside of a formal education setting for an extended period ..read more

Looking for new things to try out this summer? This blog will discuss some easy, free digital music composition resources to get your started! You don’t have to be a professional audio technician to make great digital music! A New Summer Pursuit? As the school year begins to wrap up, many of us may be on the lookout for new and engaging resources to entertain our kiddos and/or students this summer. Let me recommend digital music composition! As a general music teacher, I have experimented with lots of different activities and lessons over the years in attempts to teach important skills and st ..read more