Try simply writing this remarkably perfect quote in giant letters on the board before band. Don’t say a word about it. However, just before you start to rehearse, after the band is quiet and focused on you, simply stare at it in silence: “Students practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.”

Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America

About the Author

Dr. Boonshaft is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. Dr. Boonshaft is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music and Director of Bands. He has also been named Director of Education for KHS America. He was honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education.”

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