Category: Practice Toolkit
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5 Ways ANY Parent Can Support Musical Practice
Over the last 10 years as an educator, one of the biggest misconceptions I’ve heard from parents of my young students, is that because they aren’t musically trained or knowledgeable, they can’t be hands-on in their child’s practice or musical progress. But the truth is, some of the most helpful ways to support your young…
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Let’s Be “SMART” About Practice
As I’ve completed my master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, I’ve begun to really deeply think about how to utilize this degree in my current career path as a music educator. After all, I did enroll in the program during an attempted career pivot, and never intended or imagined I would have the opportunity to utilize…
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The Accidental Voice Teacher: Foundational Skills for Working with Pre-Pubescent Singers
I never thought I’d be a voice teacher. If you’d asked me a few months ago, I would’ve confidently said, that voice would be one of the only things I’d never touch as an educator. The stakes are too high, with someone’s voice “on the line” so to speak. The teaching voice felt like crossing…
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Joy: The Secret to Successful Lessons
When we think about what makes a student “successful” in music lessons, we often focus on things like discipline, technical skill, practice habits, performance ability, and other traditional markers of progress in mastering their instrument. But there’s a deeper question we should be asking. . . are they experiencing joy? Not just enjoyment, the kind…
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Elbow First: The Bowing Tip Every Violinist Should Know
What if I were to tell you that you’re not supposed to lead your bow strokes from your shoulder? Or that when you change strings your shoulder actually does less than you think? Now what if I were to tell you that the most important joint, in your arm was actually your elbow? That your…
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Classical Music Isn’t Relaxing!
Now that I have your attention, let me explain! It’s not that I find classical music stressful, or that I’m unable to relax when listening to it. I mean, as you likely know or have put together I have nearly two decades of musical training in violin, with a heavy lean towards the style known…
Jennifer E. Walls 