arrange • compose • conduct
Posts discussing education, both in and outside of music
I’ve been busy for the last year, but not in the usual ways. I haven’t been busy with concerts and performances. I haven’t been busy with in-person lessons. I’ve been busy a lot in front of my computer. And of course those early months of the pandemic had a lot […]
I’m wrapping up lessons for the semester at Grand Rapids Community College, and I’m reflecting with each student on goals and what they’re carrying forward. At the heart of all my teaching is this: tools not tunes. I’d rather my students learn one fewer new tune in a semester, but […]
The Mayo Clinic describes a medical stress test this way: A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, shows how your heart works during physical activity. Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster, an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart. It’s […]
We learn to practice a specific way of listening in music school. Listen to assess. It’s the first stage of an important recursive cycle that is essential to the growth we have to achieve with a music degree. Listen to assess. Assess for flaws. Correct flaws to grow. Repeat. It’s […]
Someone asked recently on Twitter, “A high school senior comes to you and says they’re going to study music. They ask for your advice. You can respond with 4 words. What do you say?” My four words? Do it. Without debt. I know some who like to discourage aspiring musicians […]
It seems like a daily experience that I hear someone say, “Oh, I just could never get _____.” I want to shout, we are built to learn! We are learning machines! Sure, someone might learn something more efficiently or quickly than you, someone else might have more aptitude than you […]
Like every other choir director I know, I am concerned about enrollment in secondary choir programs post-pandemic. I’m concerned because short-sighted administrators might reduce teaching assignments or the number of classes offered; this would kneecap the ability of choir directors to do their completely consuming jobs well. I’m concerned because […]
Trans Day of Visibility falls on March 31 every year. It’s a day to put the needs and challenges of our trans family members, friends, students, colleagues, and neighbors to the front of our minds. In the lead up to TDOV, there are many events that fall under the category […]
“Remember, one piece is bound to be your least favorite piece in the repertoire. And also remember that it is almost certainly someone else’s most favorite.” In a loose, conversational rehearsal, sometimes singers can trash their least favorite piece. They might have the best of intentions, but it always feels […]
Sometimes when we learn a new skill, we can act as if we’re scared, even when we don’t think we are. I made homemade noodles for Sunday dinner, and remarked how I am much less scared of working with them than I used to be. The thing is, I wouldn’t […]