It’s only natural, in our current climate of the “earlier the better” in education, to want to start our little ones on string instruments as soon as they can walk. But is it right? Maybe, maybe not – as a …
5 Ways Musicians are Like Scientists
Why a musician’s approach to life will help your kids All my life, I have been fascinated by sound: it’s production, transmission and how it affects our lives. I love sound – music, language, and nature. I love it so …
I Got a Violin for Christmas!
It is that time of year! Whether it was Hanukkah, Yule, or Christmas, I get to hear from students who are beyond thrilled with their new treasure…until they try to play it. Let’s face it, playing the violin (or viola) …
Syncopation…or STINKopation?
4 Simple Strategies to Help Tame the Beast When I was young, I struggled with syncopation, the playing of notes that are off-beat. It was so frustrating that I called it “Stinkopation.” Hated the stuff. I struggled with that particular stinker …
That Crazy Bow – What’s the Big Deal?
They say the bow is 80-90% of your sound on violin-family instruments, that logic follows that it’s also going to be 80-90% of the work. If your bow hold is less than stellar, you will likely notice that making a …
Online Lessons Are Better Than You Might Think
A move is always nerve-wracking, no matter how close or far you are going. When we moved out here to Fort Worth, my students (in-studio) were unhappy and shocked to see their favorite music teacher leaving them. True, I have …
The Value of Self-Analysis without Being Mean
Music requires self-analysis, but often it becomes either a too rosy or too pessimistic outlook on our progress. One of my students has this talent for being honest with herself – without beating herself up. She is young, and by …