Music & Arts | Sound Teaching | September 2018

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!

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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,

8 | S O U N D T E A C H I N G | September 2018