All posts by Debi

Group Theory Class

If you have never tried group classes with your students, I highly recommend you consider it.  The majority of my students attend a weekly group class in addition to their weekly private lesson.  These students generally progress faster and have a much better retention rate than other students.  There are many benefits to having students attend group class on a regular basis.   (view post)

Non Music Teachers Unite!

Are you required to teach a music curriculum, and struggling to find teaching materials that are easy to use?  In our part of the world, music in the public school system has been pushed further down on the priority list and in some cases, eliminated altogether.  Nevermind having a music specialist go around to each school to teach music.  Those days seem to be long gone.   More and more, non music teachers are required to add this subject, and they struggle, even turning to kids in the class that have private music lessons, for help.

I’ve been saying for years that I would one day provide a mentorship program, offering guidance and materials to these teachers, home school moms, etc.  Perhaps that day is right around the corner, but for now, our materials can be utilized in every situation, private lessons, group music classes, elementary school, home school, and Montessori schools.

If you find yourself in a similar situation and need some assistance, check out our materials, get in touch, follow this blog.   We are here to help.  We also offer private consultations / workshops for “teachers in need”.  Send us a message for details.

Claps and holds and more holds

Young children (and preschoolers in particular) love clapping rhythms!  We use rhythm blocks, rhythm cards, and even a metronome (just because they get such a big kick of it).  We start by simply introducing what each value sounds like, with basic words.  Once they can easily identify the symbols and clap a few bars, we focus our attention to feeling the beat getting into a groove. (view post)