Pedagogy
5 Reasons Why Your Voice Students are Not Practicing
Practicing is a challenge for all music students. For beginner voice students there are some issues unique to the singing instrument that can be holding them back. Here are five situations that often prevent our students from singing at home. (With easy strategies to help them get to work!)
The ONE Word That Will Make Your Students Sing Better
When instructing our students to make corrections when singing/playing we need to be mindful of the language and wording we are using. More importantly, we need to be watching our students carefully to see if our instruction is actually being understood and implemented. Often an instruction is given and yet nothing changes. Did they hear…
The Beauty of Pen on Paper (How it Helps Students)
I received a beautiful ball point pen from a graduating student this year. I was so excited – I LOVE pens and I haven’t stopped using it! It writes beautifully. It makes a lovely sound on the paper. (Yes! – the sound of pen on paper is more appealing than the sound of my keyboard…
Helping Students “Make Peace” With Their Voice
Vocal teachers hear it all the time. "I hate the sound of my voice". Lately, I answer with "Welcome to the club". (And then I sigh heavily because it is difficult to work with singers who can't stand the sound their voices.) Usually, the student has a truly beautiful voice - a joy to listen to, and yet they hold…
Competitions, Exams, Auditions: When Students Don’t Like the Results
Recitals, competitions and examinations can be great opportunities for our young music students. Competitions and recitals allow singers to perform for an appreciative audience, listen to other performers and receive constructive criticism on which to improve. But what can you do if families are unhappy with the results?
