Music & Arts | Sound Teaching | August 2017

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

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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

•

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