September 2018
SOUNDTEACHING NEWSLETTER FOR LESSON TEACHERS @ MUSIC & ARTS
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Meet Christine Cumberledge: 2017 Music Educator of the Year
Adapting to Students Made Me a Better Teacher
Keeping the Teenager in Music
In the Arts with Laura: 5 Ways to Make the Most of the Back to School Rush
Meet Christine Cumberledge: 2017 Music Educator of the Year BY RENIER FEE, MUSIC & ARTS MARKETING DIRECTOR
I probably gained twenty beginners that
Randy Belcher, the principal at your
first year. The next year, our beginner
school, said, “Since 2007 Hurst Euless
band grew another 30%. From there, we
Bedford Independent School District
have maintained a solid number of 250-
has been named name one of the Best
300 each year.
Communities in the Nation for Music Education.” He said you are a key
Along the way I have worked with
component in this distinction. What is
some fabulous assistants like Richard
your advice for other educators looking
Stephens, Benjamin Aune, and currently
to increase community involvement in
Nicholas Wilson. It is a team. We do
music education?
not turn away any student who has an interest in band. I make a promise to
It is a well-researched fact that learning
every 6th grader (we start in 7th grade)
an instrument increases academic
Each December, Music & Arts honors a
that if they want to learn an instrument,
success. I am fortunate to teach in a
music educator with the Music Educator
we will figure out a way to make it
district that believes in educating the
of the Year Award – an award reserved
happen!
whole child – beginning with great elementary music teachers.
for an educator who shows outstanding achievement in music education.
I have created relationships over the
After looking through Christine
years, and often have parents who
At the junior high level, a lot of schedule
Cumberledge’s nominations, references,
donate back to the band. In particular,
work is done by adults to allow students
and resume, it was clear we found our
Victor Blood, whose sons played horn
to try many different things. At the
winner.
and trumpet, has been responsible
age of twelve, how do you know where
for bringing us well over a dozen
your talents are? Over 70% of my band
Your music program has seen a 75%
instruments to use for students in need.
students participate in other activities.
increase in student growth. This is
The district provides us with larger
I have a ton of athletes, cheerleaders,
a great number but even more so
school-owned instruments. Because
gymnasts, choir and orchestra members
impressive considering that over 60%
HEB is such a strong band community,
– just about everything you could think
of your students live in poverty. How
we have great support from parents.
of! It does make scheduling difficult at times, but our first priority is creating a
do you raise funding to support lowincome students interested in music?
Our Director of Fine Arts, Mark
Can you share your tips and tricks for
Chandler does a great job of advocating
leveraging donations, fundraising or
for the arts. On our campus, it is not
On more than one occasion, the coaches
booster clubs?
uncommon for parents to send two band
and I have sat down to figure out a
fees – one for their own child, and one
conflict – and there is give and take
That student growth happened my first
for a child in need. We do fundraisers
on both sides. When this happens,
few years at Central. When I arrived, I
twice a year – and most of our money
the student wins. I may be biased,
was following students down the hall
goes right back into student needs.
but there is something special about
asking why they were not in band! 2 | S O U N D T E A C H I N G | September 2018
world class experience for students.
Central Junior High. We have a large
number of students transfer here for the
Your Music & Arts Educational
Some of the biggest help comes each
special programs offered such as world
Representative, David Hill, is also a
spring, when we place students on
languages, orchestra, and STEM. Every
strong supporter of your award. What
instruments for beginner band. David
student at Central can take part in those
role does he play in making your
brings the instruments, mouthpieces,
subjects – not just those who transfer.
curriculum work?
and supplies needed for tryouts. I am
It is a wonderful opportunity for the
a bit of a control freak about placing
student who attends Central. Parents
I can’t imagine how much harder
students on the right instrument, so my
seem to understand the benefit music
teaching band would be without David
assistant and I meet with every parent
has on every subject so our numbers
Hill! He visits Central each week to
and student one-on-one. This process
have stayed high. In fact, more than 65%
check on us, take in repairs, or just
takes at least half a dozen nights, but
of the students at my school participate
lend some advice. He has a unique
David is always there, ready to go over
in a music class.
perspective since his children were band
information with parents once the
kids in our district!
student has chosen an instrument.
Read the complete interview at MusicArts.com/TheVault
Are You Utilizing the Lesson Student Welcome Kit? Seeing the opportunity to offer our customers an even better First Lesson Experience, we put together a Music & Arts branded Lesson Student Welcome Kit! The Lesson Student Welcome Kit is for all new lesson registrations. It offers new students and parents some basic necessities that will welcome them to our program. WHAT’S INCLUDED: • • • • •
Kit Folder Music Makes You Smarter Bumper Sticker First Lesson Assignment Sheet for students Sheet of branded Staff Paper My Musical Goals Sheet
WHAT CAN TEACHERS DO? Add any studio specific information that you would like your students to have. This can include your contact information or flyers for upcoming performances that you have in the community. WHERE TO GET THIS? The store team will present a folder to each student as they register for lessons. The student should have a copy of the folder when you meet them at the first lesson. If you have any questions email lessons@musicarts.com.
September 2018 | S O U N D T E A C H I N G | 3
Adapting to Students Made Me a Better Teacher B Y D E B O R A H R U S S E L L , P I A N O I N S T R U C T O R I N F E D E R A L WAY, WA
I studied all kinds of music in college
student is different. Have the basics to
and now I was going back over all of
teach them, but learn what you think
my old music and books to get ideas. It
each student needs and wants to learn.
was no longer the easy children’s songs
For example, if you notice that the
and Disney songs. I was back to playing
student loves classical music, find a
Scott Joplin, jazz, and classics I hadn’t
song that matches their personality. By
played in years.
giving them supplemental songs that they truly love, the student will look
Teaching people of all ages and
forward to coming to their lesson each
backgrounds can be daunting, but
week. If you give them challenging
also so rewarding! It keeps me up to
songs that the student loves, they will
the task and helps me feel as though
practice much more often versus songs
I am continually challenging myself
that they don’t enjoy. I have had many
I remember when I was first hired to
and learning. I have learned a lot of
students progress quickly by giving
teach at Music & Arts five years ago. I
new music, as I have received so many
them harder songs that they were happy
was so excited to be able to teach in my
requests from all of my students. Now
about learning.
local community. In the past, I taught
I have new favorite composers that I
children at a school, where students
may not have heard of if it wasn’t for
I realized that to be successful at Music
seemed to all come from similar
my students. This includes music I had
& Arts, I needed to truly get to know my
backgrounds and were of similar ages.
never played before and now I’m so
students and match their learning with
I started to realize as my first day at
excited I was able to learn and share! I
their interests as well as getting to know
Music & Arts approached, that I now had
would advise new teachers to be open
the parents expectations for lessons. Try
the amazing opportunity of teaching
to learning new music, listening to their
to make lessons fun by giving stickers,
people of all ages and backgrounds and
student’s requests, and getting music for
even small prizes, and having contests
although this excited me, I also realized
them that they love.
between the students. This will keep
that I was out of my comfort zone!
them coming back! I implemented these I encourage new teachers at Music &
new ideas from how I taught before to
The first month I began teaching, my
Arts to be prepared with the music they
help me with a broader age range of
thoughts became reality! I had two
love and want to share. If you love the
students and backgrounds and it made
retirement age students, a large number
music, it will inspire your students. I
me a better teacher!
of adult students, and children from
would also challenge you to look at each
many diverse backgrounds! It became
student separately. Don’t try to teach
a challenge, but I was up for the task!
them all the same way because each
D E B O R A H R U S S E L L grew up in California but currently lives in the Seattle, WA area. She studied piano and music at BYU and has been teaching piano for over 20 years. She currently teaches in several local schools, as well as teaching private lessons and at Music & Arts.
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Keeping the Teenager in Music BY RACHEL STEVENSON, MUSIC & ARTS LESSON SPECIALIST
the brain undergoes pruning and
do so by talking to them about short
hardwiring. This process is one
and long-term goals. Encourage them to
that impacts the teenager’s critical
decide when, where and what they will
thinking, behavior, emotions, and social
practice during their home sessions on
interactions. Researchers think the
their instruments.
types of interactions and activities that a teen is involved in on a daily basis affect
Convey Acceptance: Surveys show
brain development. Music is a crucial
that in late adolescence “everyday
part of healthy brain development
unhappiness” reaches its peak.
because it facilitates neuroplasticity and
Building up the teen’s self-esteem by
Ironically, children are most likely to
modulates stress hormones. So, how do
accepting who they are means they will
stop playing instruments when they
we keep the teenager actively involved
be more likely to have the skills they
reach their teenage years, while at the
in music lessons?
need to embrace the positive in their
same time increasing the amount of
environment. Teenagers often use
time they listen to music up to three
Applaud Artistry: It is commonly
music to define themselves in a sort of
hours per day.
known, and supported by research, that
subculture. Accepting their choices in
teenagers are more likely to take risks
music is letting them know that they are
Teenagers are already expert listeners
than adults are. There is a place for good
valued.
to music. Giving them the opportunity
risk. Creative outlets are an example of
to create music is not just giving them
a good risk. Allow teenage students to
The complex creature known as the
something to do – it changes the way
improvise, create, and push themselves.
teenager lives in a confusing time
their brain develops.
Applaud every creative venture even the
of brain remodeling. You can have a
failures.
greater impact on your students by
The brain has already grown to within
understanding this transition and being
10% of its final size by the time the
Boost Autonomy: Teenagers are
teen years arrive, and in adolescence,
learning independence. Help them to
patient with the process.
Roland iPad Mini Offer Roland is offering a free (refurbished) iPad Mini with a purchase of either a Roland RP-102 or RP-501R digital piano! If you or one of your students is interested in this offer, please talk with a store associate. This offer ends on December 31, 2018.
September 2018 | S O U N D T E A C H I N G | 5
The Piano Adventures Player App BY L AU R A Z A R U TA , P I A N O I N S T R U C T O R A N D R O L A N D R E P R E S E N TAT I V E
to the right. Tap “Back.” Next, tap “MIDI
ritardando. Students can still practice
Output” and select RP102 so the check
with a steady beat, but know that
mark appears to the right. Tap “Done.”
the beat will adapt when they have
You’re ready to play!
expressive moments. It’s a great way to ensure an accurate tempo, while still
This app contains tools to promote
developing artistry.
successful practice while using the interactive format students crave. When
Tap “Follow” and you’ll see “Wait”
you select a song, the app displays the
mode appear. This is perhaps the
notation and a toolbar with various
most exciting mode for parents and
control options. Press play to listen to
teachers. How many times has a student
In my previous articles, we discussed
the play along track for each song. These
practiced diligently, only to realize they
the benefits of ensemble playing and
accompaniments are not only fun to play
were playing it wrong all along? “Wait
how to incorporate mobile devices
along with, but are fully adjustable in
Mode” provides the feedback students
into the lesson program for a more
order to meet the needs of every student.
need to avoid this pitfall. It tracks their
interactive experience. Today I’d
Students can adjust tempo, balance
playing and if they play a wrong note,
like to put all of this together and
between the piano and accompaniment,
the accompaniment stops and “waits”
showcase my most-used teaching app:
and mute right or left hand parts for
until the correct note is played. Students
The Piano Adventures Player App. If
hands-separate practicing. Every student
now have the tools to understand when
you are currently using Faber’s Piano
can now enjoy an ensemble playing
they are making a mistake, rather than
Adventures series, this is a “must-have”
experience from the beginning through
waiting a week until their next lesson.
app.
mastery of each piece.
This also allows parents to help with practicing.
The Piano Adventures Player app is
Perhaps the most exciting interactive
available for both iPad and iPhone and
features are the practice modes. This is
These tools help students have a better
is a free download from the app store.
where the Bluetooth MIDI connection
practice experience at home and a more
Once you open the app, there are sample
takes practicing to the next level and
productive lesson. When we spend less
song files for each level that you can try,
provides the feedback students need to
time correcting mistakes, we have the
and you can also purchase each level’s
have a successful practice session. The
time to work on technique, theory, or
song libraries for $4.99 per level. This
default mode is “Normal,” which means
composition. Incorporating this
includes both the digital sheet music
the accompaniment will play at the
technology also engages students and
and play along tracks! To connect with
designated tempo and stay consistent
keeps them interested, which
your Roland RP102 piano, first download
throughout playback.
supports the overall lesson program.
pair the piano with Roland’s Piano
Tap the “Normal” button and you’ll
I hope you will try the Piano
Partner 2 app. Once paired, open the
see “Follow” mode appear. The app
Adventures Player app in the lesson
Piano Adventures Player app and find
is now aware of your playing and the
studio and encourage your students
the “Gear” icon in the top, right corner
accompaniment follows you. This
to use it at home. I know you will see
of the screen. Tap “MIDI Input” and
is such a great tool for those pieces
immediate results both musically, and
select RP102 so the check mark appears
that incorporate tempo changes or
motivationally! Happy Teaching!
the app onto your mobile device. Then,
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In the Arts with Laura: 5 Ways to Make the Most of the Back to School Rush LAURA ZOLFO, MUSIC & ARTS REGIONAL LESSON MANAGER
back into the program puts you in the
open to offering a free first lesson, you’ll
driver seat. If you’re interested in taking
better capture this group of potential
the lead on this strategy, your store team
students. If you don’t want to open the
has access to the list of stopped lesson
floodgates for free lessons, your store
students. In fact, they have 3 years’
manager can order some coupon-cards
worth of students!
for you to give out as you see fit.
2. Take Time to Mingle with customers
4. Network with a Stakeholder: The
shopping in the store: Many of you are
highest priority of school music
now seeing the influx of traffic in the
teachers, with regard to private
If you’re even just a little tenured in
store. While the store team has a process
instructors, is that they be highly-
your music teaching career, you know
to manage this increased volume,
qualified on the advertised instrument,
there’s an ebb and flow of the seasons
customers are still going to be waiting
and teach more than just the method
that correlates to the fullness of your
in lines. This is your chance to mingle!
book and ensemble music. We (M&A)
schedule. There are three main seasons
One of our goals is to create a friendly,
know that all of our instructors are great
for music lessons as an activity: fall
welcoming environment to all of these
teachers, but we want to feature you and
semester, spring semester and summer.
beginning music students. A welcome
your personal contributions, including
Fall semester kicks off a six-month
and inquiry about the upcoming band
your specialties, teaching style,
“growth spurt” every year. Obviously,
or orchestra plans can help make that
approach to connecting with students,
back-to-school is the main driver for this,
connection you’re looking for. Don’t be
and methods for helping them progress.
so it’s logical that this growth begins
afraid to advocate for lessons. They’re a
So don’t be afraid to reach out to school
when schools start in your area. So how
great way to setup good habits, ensure
music teachers (or two, or five!) to share
do you capitalize on this time, knowing
success, and make sure students are
what you bring to the table, and offer
that more folks are inclined to say yes to
having fun along the way.
your services as a highly-qualified music
lessons?
educator in the community. 3. Offer an Intro to Lessons: Some
1. Reconnect with previous students:
customers need to try before buying.
5. Keep your Online Teaching Profile:
Summer dropout is a reality, but so is
It’s just a different buyer’s personality.
No matter your endorsements,
the return each fall! Don’t leave it up to
With lessons, we have found that if
customers look online to validate their
the student to say “it’s time to restart
we can offer a customer the chance to
buying decisions. This includes music
lessons.” Let’s be honest. If the dentist
interface with the teacher, they’ll sign-up
lessons. Whether your M&A online
didn’t schedule your next appointment
over 80% of the time. This is especially
profile is the first impression or just a
at the current visit, would you ever
so if the student is a child. This activity
review before purchasing, this has to be
come back? Music lessons certainly are
creates a chance for both parent and
your best foot forward. A friendly photo,
not like going to the dentist, but the
child to experience what lessons are
qualifications, philosophy, testimonials
behavior of coming back is. We just get
like, and decide if it’s something they
and videos will only support a student’s
distracted with life! Proactively reaching
truly want. This opportunity to make
(and parent’s) decision to choose you.
out to these families and inviting them
the connection really matters! If you’re September 2018 | S O U N D T E A C H I N G | 7
Welcome Stacey! BY DAV I D F U H R , M U S I C & A R T S V P O F S A L E S
field of Music Education. Stacey has
Stacey continued to remain involved
Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education
with M&A by assisting in the Business
and Bassoon Performance from The
Process Management department on a
University of Georgia and a Master’s
part-time basis.
degree in Music Education from The University of Miami. Prior to joining
In September 2016, Stacey rejoined the
Music & Arts, she served as a music
sales team on a full time basis as Sales
educator, private lesson instructor, Color
Support Coordinator, and was appointed
Guard/Visual Ensemble choreographer
Affiliate Operations Manager in
and professional musician.
November 2016. For the past two years, Stacey has focused on affiliate relations,
She began with Music & Arts in 2007 in
training, and process improvements for
I am pleased to announce the following
the North Fulton store and was a Top
the affiliate channel.
change to the Lesson team: Stacey
3 Salesperson in her first year with the
Swanson will join the team as Regional
company. She was promoted to Store
Please join me in welcoming Stacey
Lesson Manager overseeing lesson
Manager in 2008, and then relocated to
back to our lesson team! We look
growth for Northeast, Midwest, and West
the Frederick Support Center in 2009
forward to her contributions in the
regions. Stacey comes into this role
for the newly created National Lesson
months and years to come.
with 10 years’ experience with Music &
Coordinator position. While taking
Arts and 20 years of experience in the
some time off to begin a family in 2013,
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