Internet & Music Education - Now! The "Alive Project"

I am waiting to share some experiences with Allan Molnar and his "Alive Project".

I will be involved with other professional musicians/educators in a (roundtable) discussion. This is all live-

I am on the net with KOSA in New York City, New York, USA; me being in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; The benefits for all concerned are huge... I am very excited to be a part of it.

I have known Allan, played music with and enjoyed his friendship for over twenty years! What he and his partner Stewart Smith have developed is really very valuable!

Band Parents- It's Up To You!

Your support goes much deeper than simply attending concerts.

Do you realize the following?

You can collectively support decisions of expenditures that will supply the band with extras it needs to evolve:

Hiring specialized clinicians for workshops, performances and even private lessons at the school.

Purchasing quality background instruments such as tubas, timpani, and various percussion instruments.

Specialized band camps for various instrumental clinics, and specialized band styles such as jazz, wind ensemble, concert and various instrumental choirs.

REMEMBER (THERE IS NO WAY AROUND IT)!

THE BANDPARENTS' SUPPORT OF THE DIRECTOR, THE QUALITY OF THE INSTRUMENT ATTEMPTED, THE SUPPORT OF COMPETENT CLINICIANS AND PRIVATE LESSONS WILL ENHANCE THE WHOLE MUSICAL ADVENTURE THAT YOUR CHILD IS EMBARKING ON.

WITHOUT ALL OF THE ABOVE, IT IS HIT AND MISS.

The Teacher's Studio Is Where?... That's All The Way Across Town!

Convenience is good... with all the other things we have to do in a day, why not look for the closest teacher available. That's fine if the teacher is the right one for the student. DON'T COMPROMISE JUST FOR CONVENIENCE- you will regret it, I promise.

The Right Teacher... eeny, meeny, mynee, moe?

Remember, how diligent you are in the selection process will determine just how successful this adventure will be.
Get a recommendation for 2 or 3 names. Call them and have a general chat on the phone. If you like their attitude, book a lesson.

See how it goes. Stay for the lesson. If the relationship works, book a schedule. If it doesn't, try another teacher.
Understand that this relationship will make or break your child's interest and enthusiasm.

As for myself,

I am very insistent on the relationship to be a good fit. I will recommend another teacher if I feel it is not a fit.
I also insist on the parent staying for the first few lessons to get a feel for how I do things.

Private Lessons Help Your Golf Game, Don't They?

Band directors may have to divide their attentions among 30, 60 or more students.

If you really want to support your child's effort in learning their instrument, you will absolutely cut down on the frustration quotient by seeking out an appropriate teacher for private lessons.

Ohhh.... The Wells Fargo Trains A'Comin...

Mom, can I be in band at school? I wanna play trumpet or drums- no, clarinet... no. I mean... what's easy?
If you, as a parent don't want A to turn into B, help your child arrive at a decision that makes sense. If he/she is small in stature, encourage an instrument that is physically compatible; but, let the sound it makes be the main influence. Go to the library and borrow CDs that the band director may recommend to help the student identify the various instruments available.

Let them determine by sound just which one appeals to them.