August 2017
SOUNDTEACHING NEWSLETTER FOR LESSON TEACHERS @ MUSIC & ARTS
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Bring Your Phone to Class
Setting Up for a
Incorporating Many
Practice. Practice.
Successful Half Hour
Facets of Music
Practice.
Music Lesson
Bring Your Phone to Class BY JARON KALLESEN, VIOLIN INSTRUCTOR IN ORLANDO MILLENIA, FL
to take any song file and isolate any sec-
between the students deciphering sheet
tion of a song, loop it, slow it down to a
music on the stand and the instrument
speed they are comfortable with with-
in their hands. Imagine me trying to
out compromising the pitch. When stu-
describe the Mona Lisa by only writ-
dents add the ability to read the music
ing about it and not showing the actu-
while hearing the song at a comfortable
al painting. Is it possible for me to paint
speed, they learn at an accelerated rate.
the full picture with just my words when it’s something meant to be seen? Like-
Students often tell their teachers that
wise, we as teachers need to encourage
they didn’t complete the week’s as-
our students to open their ears to get a
signments because the student wasn’t
deeper understanding of how the music
sure how a particular passage went or
they are reading actually sounds. Music
if they were doing it right. They might
is something you hear, not something
have problems with rhythm, intona-
you see. It is amazing how much a stu-
Believe it or not, instead of forbidding
tion, or bow distribution, etc. Teachers
dent can accomplish when combining
cellphones in class, I ask my students to
who have been teaching awhile can pre-
reading and listening simultaneously, so
bring their phones every week. I used to
dict 95% of problems in a song before
encourage your students to bring their
think it was disruptive to bring a phone
the student even plays it. It is impossi-
phones to class!
to class, but now I see the upside to stu-
ble for me, as their teacher, to be able to
dents bringing their phones to class. It
appear out of the blue every time a stu-
has made a major difference in my stu-
dent has a question, but chances are the
dents’ musicality and rate of progress.
problems that occur during the lesson are the same problems that will appear
As teachers, we are fortunate to have in
during the week’s practice. By using
the palm of our hands a tool that offers
the cellphone they can access my teach-
many teaching aids that have not been
ing anytime they need. I ask my stu-
available in any other given point in his-
dents to pull out their phones at the end
tory. It is more than we could have ever
of each lesson and I play that short pas-
wished for and we, as teachers should
sage slowly for the student to play along
utilize it. As soon as I started asking
with during the week’s practice. This
students to bring this tool (that’s what it
has dramatically improved my students’
is) to class, the results started paying off
progress.
big time. Other great tools to use are iTunes and My personal favorite app is “The Amaz-
YouTube... One of the most common
ing Slow Downer.” Another teacher told
things I hear from new students is they
me about it and it is the best musical
feel completely lost trying to connect
app I have used with my students. “The
the dots between what they see on the
Amazing Slow Downer” is an easy to
musical staff and the notes on their vi-
use app that gives a student the ability
olin. There is so much that can be lost
S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
J A R O N K A L L E S E N from a young age, has had a passion for music. His first inspiration was seeing his grandfather, Orville, playing the violin. After begging to get a violin, he finally received his first instrument shortly after his 7th birthday, and the real magic began. He began taking violin lessons immediately and to this day has never stopped learning and becoming more proficient in all things music. Over time he started learning the drums and singing, but violin remained his primary focus. While living in Nashville he studied with Nashville Symphony’s Craig Hunting and Merry Helen Law, which gave him even more drive to continue with playing. Jaron shares his passion for music and performing by teaching. He wants to share the world of music with as many students as possible. Jaron strives every day to “Change the world, one lesson at a time”.
What is “Rental Season”? BY MIKE MARRA, M& A DISTRICT MANAGER
By now you’ve probably heard someone
even busier than Christmas! And all of
musical journeys. Partner up with your
in your store boasting about Music
this means there are a ton of opportuni-
store manager now to make a plan to re-
& Arts’ prowess as a national lesson
ties for us to grow the Lesson Studio.
cruit students alongside the sales team.
company we are also the nation’s larg-
Every customer that steps through our
I would also ask you to consider “Rental
est instrument rental company? In fact,
doors is going to hear about the private
Season” as an opportunity to increase
over the next few months we are going
lesson program at Music & Arts, and we
your student retention. One of the most
help over 200,000 new students get
will be distributing thousands of lesson
important factors in helping your stu-
their start in music! And, while Music
brochures and teacher rosters. Now
dents continue to develop as musicians
& Arts rents both online and in our local
would be a great time to offer your store
and stick with lessons longer, is whether
schools, over half our total renters, or
manager a fresh bio for our website, and
or not they have all of the basic tools
over 100,000 people are actually going
make sure that we’ve got all your updat-
they need to succeed. Are they currently
to walk into one of our stores this fall to
ed information. We will also see new
practicing at home with a music stand?
get their first instrument. This time of
lesson enrollments rise sharply, which
Do they have a tuner/metronome? Have
the year is affectionately known to us as
means this is the time to start working
we taught them how to clean and care
“Rental Season”. So, what does this all
on your back-to-school schedule with
for their instruments? All of these can
mean to you?
all of your students and parents. Re-
have a lasting impact on your students
member, the more you are able to slide
and your studio.
provider, but did you know that as a
Well first, you may notice a couple of
existing students out of your primetime
changes around the store, we’ve got
spots (4pm-7pm) and into your earlier or
Finally, we promise that we’ll do our
more instruments, accessories, and
later openings, the easier it will be for us
best to keep the lines of communication
print than at any other time of the year.
to grow your studio.
open as we make our way through “Rent-
You may also see some new faces on
al Season”, but please forgive us if we
staff, as we hire some seasonal em-
Of course, the greatest asset we have
seem to be a little bit busy. Remember,
ployees to help us keep up with the
when it comes to signing up new stu-
in just a few short weeks we’ll be back to
increased volume of business. There
dents is you. I would encourage you to
business as usual, and hopefully, you’ll
will also be a dramatic rise in both the
come out of your studio if you have a
have a great group of new students to
number of phone calls and in-store foot
break in your schedule to talk with these
teach in your studio.
traffic, this is by far our busiest season,
families as they embark on their new
BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Earn 5% Commissions Get ready for the rush of back-to-school students! As
•
Allora student instruments as low as $299
students take up a new instrument, they will need your
•
15% off Laurel Canyon Guitars and Ukes
expertise to help guide them through starter instruments.
Plus many more deals! Remember, sales commission is only
Throughout August and September, we will have plenty
available on instrument sales for active students. For more
of deals that you can use to help sell and earn a 5% sales
details and resources for back-to-school, visit www.Musi-
commission for yourself. This includes:
cArts.com/BackToSchool or talk to a store sales associate.
S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
Setting Up for a Successful Half Hour Music Lesson BY M A R K D R A G O N , G U I TA R I N S T R U C T O R I N B U R L I N G T O N , N C
Creativity •
• Over the past ten years teaching guitar, bass, ukuele and percussion, I’ve come to realize that thirty minuets can have a tendency to either be agonizing or
•
absolutely inspiring. We all know now it goes… students get dropped off in the parking lot… comes running in the store alone… no music
•
charts and blank music/tab sheets
Invite students to perform at gigs,
on hand.
In our mind we think, this is going to be
and remind us of how awesome it is to teach the joy of music. I’ve found that developing certain practices can build any lesson into a successful music lesson. From my prospective, a successful Half Hour Music Lesson
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Here are some tips and suggestions to make each lesson count: S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
es to schedule and contact phone
sessions.
numbers.
Create fun games to play in lessons: Some ideas include Chord
I remind myself to encourage students
Tag, Guess That Chord, Follow and
to develop their own musical journey
Repeat.
rather than overly promote mine. I’ve
Use apps and technology: There are
always tried to be as diverse a musician
lots of fun apps on all platforms that
as possible learning and playing in as
will encourage and inspire students
many genres as possible. That musical
during lessons.
diversity proves a great asset in helping
Focus on percussion and rhythm:
students develop their own musical
Think about using drum beats as
identity. Students want to rock out and
opposed to a metronome. Keep
it’s your creativity and organization that
some simple percussion equipment
will encourage them for a lifetime of
in your studio.
music.
Use jam tracks: Either drum tracks
Inspire: Burn cd’s of different styles of music to pass out to students.
Organizations For the Student: •
Use appropriate individualized skill/interest published book.
•
Require students to have a composition notebook.
•
3 ring binder with clear page protectors for printed music.
comes down to two things: Creativity and Organization.
Personal log of upcoming chang-
gram, and plan out some recording
practice lead.
a long half hour. Then there are those shining students, who are eager to learn
•
or backing tracks for students to
books… instruments banging against walls and displays throughout the store.
Have extra copies of chord/scale
Set goals to perform and record: set up recitals for your lesson pro-
•
•
For the Teacher: •
Keep a file folder with print outs of popular current music.
M A R K D R A G O N has an Education Degree from Elon University and has been teaching guitar for ten years. Mark teaches private guitar, bass, and ukulele lessons as well as group guitar classes and summer rock band camps. He specializes in bringing beginning guitar students to an accomplished level of playing and has helped numerous students qualify for enrollment into advanced music programs. Along with offering recording sessions for his students he also hosts monthly jams where students can try out new songs and meet other aspiring musicians. Contact info: https://dragonjamz.wordpress.com/ musicians/ https://stores.musicarts.com/experts/mark-d
In the Arts with Laura: The Evolution of an M&A Student BY LAURA ZOLFO, M& A REGIONAL LESSON MANAGER
shows like The Voice and American Idol. And we believe that within the next few years, violin and viola lessons could surpass piano demand. I find this to be an amazing win for traditional school music programs, but do we attribute this trend to The Piano Guys and Lindsey Sterling, or just great music educators? Honestly, I’ll take both. Students are motivated and inspired by Recently, I took a moment to review
they’re just evolving. In 2016, acoustic
different role models today, but I find
some of the hot topics at this year’s
guitar sales surpassed electrics. If you
it’s cyclical. What’s prevalent today will
Summer NAMM. The vendors and
follow popular music, neither of these
change in the next 5-10 years, but music
clinics surrounding it are always bus-
shifts is surprising. Guitar remains the
lessons remain a growing category of
tling with industry news, products and
most requested lesson over the last 5
the music industry. What’s amazing is
upcoming trends. While perusing re-
years, and it’s still currently the largest
if our students are connected to, and
views, I stumbled on an article by Geoff
population of students at Music & Arts.
motivated by, their immediate network
Edgers, published by The Washington
It’s worth noting too that Piano lessons
of musicians, our teachers may be their
Post. It spoke to the demise of the
have been a growing category in second
most powerful role model. And that is
electric guitar, the cultural decline in the
place. As a national lesson provider,
inspiring to me.
instrument, and attributed it to the lack
we teach a more diverse set of students
inspirational leaders in music. There’s
than ever. 40% of lesson students are
Geoff Edgers full article can be found
definitely some validity to Edger’s
studying band or orchestra instruments,
here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/
points. But declaring its demise seems
and 16% of our current students are
graphics/2017/lifestyle/the-slow-secret-
like a harsh fate. With the explosion of
adults; stark contrast from many other
death-of-the-electric-guitar/?utm_term=.
YouTube and social media, anyone can
lesson providers. Vocal instruction is
a4927110477e
be a music sensation. So mega-artists
on the rise thanks to reality television
aren’t as prevalent as they once were. Justin Bieber was the first YouTube sensation turned music celebrity, but young musicians today tend to follow and emulate musicians within their realm of immediate experience. It’s much more localized. And Taylor Swift motivated young girls all over the world to pick up guitar. Guitar sales aren’t down,
N E W T E AC H E R O R I E N TAT I O N U P C O M I N G O R I E N TAT I O N DAT E S : Tuesday, September 27th @ 11am EDT (AD HERE) Friday, October 20th @ 3pm EDT Seminar phone number: 800-531-3250 Conference ID: 3860306 RSVP: e-mail lessons@musicarts.com S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
Incorporating Many Facets of Music BY DIANE LOCKWOOD, WOODWIND INSTRUCTOR IN MILFORD, MA
words such as: pine-ap-ple, ap-ple-sauce,
made it so this particular student can
wa-ter-mel-on pie (in musical terms, an
play the notes, and he has memorized all
eighth note followed by two sixteenth
of the flute fingerings of two octaves. He
notes, two sixteenths followed by an
is a student that has touched my life like
eighth, four sixteenths, and a quarter
no other student has.
note. Regarding the English language... watermelon pie????) When the rhythm
I never look on any student as a chal-
is played correctly, the look of pride and
lenge, but as an opportunity to improve
accomplishment on the students’ face is
my teaching skills so as to help all of my
a huge reward to me.
students to love music, and embrace it as a form of artwork. The students that
Teaching music theory during a les-
I have met at Music & Arts in Milford
son is also a goal for me. Whether it be
have enriched my life, and my hopes are
teaching what the bottom number of the
that they remember me as a passionate
Accomplishing goals has always played
time signature means, what tempo mark-
musician and instructor who strived to
a big part in my life, including that of
ings are, what an enharmonic is or how
help them become the best musicians
private lesson instructor. My goal is to
to tell what key they’re in by the key sig-
they can be.
encourage my students to embrace mu-
nature, it gives their mouth and fingers
sic, and to understand that not only are
a rest. It will also help them in the future
they learning to play a musical instru-
when they are learning music theory lat-
D I A N E L O C K W O O D began
ment, but they are learning to become
er in their school life. Even my adult stu-
an artist. During any given lesson, I in-
dents get a dose of theory now and then.
playing the clarinet at the age of 10. She started taking private lessons in 1971, from wonderful instructors including Frank Lezowski, Russ Arnold,Frank Marinacchio and Ian Greitzer. Diane has played woodwinds in many plays beginning in High School, to present. In August 2017 you can find her back at the Bradley Playhouse playing in “The Little Mermaid”. She started teaching private lessons in the 1990’s at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School. Around 2002, Diane started teaching at Auburn High School as well. Not long after that, the manager of Music & Arts in Milford asked her to teach there. The rest is history. She currently performs with the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band, and play clarinet and tenor saxophone at St. Augustine Church in Millville, MA. In 2016, she was elected Town Clerk in her hometown and hopes to remain Town Clerk for many years to come.
corporate as many facets of music as I can, to keep the lesson interesting, fun
Another important aspect of teaching
and to promote communication between
for me is to get to know each student as
the student and myself. I also enjoy add-
an individual. Each child (or adult) has
ing a little bit of “elementary” teaching
their own way of thinking, and there-
into the mix.
fore, their own way of learning. Meeting a new student is an exciting opportuni-
As an example, if a student is having
ty for me, because everyone is so unique.
difficulty with a particular rhythm, I
Some students compel me to change
will suggest using words with the cor-
my teaching strategies to coincide with
rect amount of syllables to help with
their personality and learning capabili-
the counting. For instance, two straight
ties. This was certainly true for my stu-
eighth notes would be “ap-ple”; four six-
dent who has autism and learning dis-
teenth notes “wa-ter-mel-on”; and so on.
abilities. His determination to learn to
Quarter notes I refer to as “pie” (I ad-
play the flute was incredible, but read-
mit to my students that I am very food
ing notes on a staff was something that
oriented). By the end of a phrase, we
was too frustrating for him. Writing the
end up with a silly but helpful group of
names of the notes under the staff have
S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
Practice. Practice. Practice. BY RUTH GREENE, PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
they will get their “money’s worth” and
In closing, I regularly remind my
more if the student practices regularly.
students of a favorite quote (from Jojo
After so many years of teaching I have
Mayer): “Practice what you can’t play. If
developed a “no-practice radar”. I know
you sound good while practicing, you’re
students haven’t prepared for the lesson
not getting any better.”
when they improve more during the lesson, than they did over the week. Give students a practice log for them to track daily effort. Always check the I attribute my high student retention
log with the student at the next lesson.
rate to a combination of several prac-
The log is a great diagnostic tool to
tices. However, getting students to
avoid “practice spin-outs”. If they are
practice is key. Here’s how I encourage
practicing the assigned lesson daily,
at-home practicing.
and not getting it, then I know I need to take a different approach – since not
Always invites parents to attend
everyone learns the same way. This is
the first lesson. This is so important
the challenge that I love about teaching.
because they are needed to encourage
As an old saying goes, “you can explain
and monitor at home practice. I try to
to them, but you can’t understand it for
leave an impression on the parents that
them”.
R U T H G R E E N E began drum studies during her freshman year of high school in New Jersey. Later Ruth continued her studies with Sonny Igoe. was a technical master and he imparted these skills to Ruth as his student. After moving to Florida, Ruth added Jacksonville University Professor Tony Steve as a teacher. Her students have been successful at Florida Bandmaster Association (FBA) competitions and school auditions largely due to her rigor with this advanced rudimental music. As a result, most of these students have received a top rating of Superior, or Excellent at the district level, with several advancing to State judging.
Your First Impression: Look Great on the Web During back-to-school, we will welcome
line and present yourself in the best light,
Step 1: Fill out the form online
many first-time customers into our stores.
Music & Arts can help you with a teacher
www.MusicArts.com/InstructorProfiles
And those first impressions matter! It
bio and profile page on Stores-4-Stores
matters that our stores are clean and
(S4S). The benefits include showcasing
Step 2: After you get approved, follow the
stocked. It matters that our lesson in-
your musical achievements and increas-
steps to build out your profile
structors are friendly and professional.
ing your student roster. 1,500 Music &
www.MusicArts.com/Digital-Instruc-
But parents’ perception of our company
Arts lesson instructors already have S4S
tor-Profile-Training-g27283t0.mac
and lesson studios likely begins online.
profile pages. Step 3: Give it a few days to go live online
In a 2016 Forbes survey, 82% of customers conduct research online before consider-
For the rest of you, the process is very
and promote your page on your personal
ing visiting a retail store. To be found on-
easy. Just follow these three steps:
blog, Linkedin, Facebook, etc. S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
Inside the Lesson Studio with Hannah BY H A N N A H B E S T, M & A R E G I O N A L L E S S O N M A N A G E R
need to know how to play the piano or
periodically. We do have resources avail-
the trumpet, etc. to be able to provide
able to you to help you navigate through
support and reinforcement.
this issue. Each scenario is unique and I want to encourage you to reach out to
Another thing you can do is ask the
me at lessons@musicarts.com to discuss
parents at each lesson how the practice
possible next steps and to give support
is going at home. Then, Mom and Dad
as needed in this situation.
begin to see their role in the lesson in-
Q “What are some ways that I can
volvement. They’ll know that you expect
As an aside, one on one music lessons
regular practice and want to know about
often serve as an outlet for students
it from week to week.
to feel safe, comfortable, and expressive. This helps create a bond of trust
further work with parents to understand the benefits of helping their
Sometimes we see parents or guard-
between you and your students. This
student practice more at home?”
ians sitting in the car waiting on their
trust allows studnets to be more open to
student to finish the lesson and this will
feedback and making mistakes knowing
still happen. However, I’d recommend
they will still be accepted and support-
struggle to show parents the importance
asking the parent to come in at least
ed. Your role within the Lesson Studio
of helping their student practice at
twice a month to swing inside the store
means so much more than just being a
home, especially if the parent has never
to check progress and speak with you
teacher. It often means you become a
played an instrument before. The goal
about the lessons.”
mentor and a friend to students from all
A “As you know, it can really be a
here is to do what you do best. Teach.
walks of life.”
Meaning, explain to parents why it’s
Q “In the past few years, I’ve had a
important that a student should practice
handful of students that have con-
Q “Lately the store has been really
at home (sometimes referring to sports
fessed something going on at home
busy with the back to school rush. Is
and regular practice is helpful).
that concerned me (and them) and
there anything I can do to help?”
wanted to talk to me about it in their
In the sales world, we often say that
lesson. Recently, I had a student
A “’Wow! That’s awesome! Thank you
“whatever you talk about often, is what
speak openly about being hurt at
for wanting to pitch in and assist! One
they will talk about”. The stores that talk
home. I feel a moral obligation to say
of the best ways to be helpful during the
about their lesson program the most,
something to help my student. What
busy back to school season is to be very
sign up the most students. If Mom and
are the available resources for teach-
approachable to students when they
Dad talk to their son or daughter about
ers who have a student situation of
arrive for their lesson, especially the first
lessons weekly, and how practicing is
this sensitive nature?”
one. When the teacher is right near the
coming along, this, just within itself, will
studio door and looking for the student
make a difference. By doing this, parents
A “I’m sorry to hear about this. I wish
are bringing something important to
I could say I haven’t dealt with this
to feel comfortable in the midst of the
the forefront, and often. Parents don’t
situation, but unfortunately we see this
hustle and bustle of a busy store.”
S O U N D T E A C H I N G | August 2017
when they come in, it makes it easier