So often I catch myself talking way too much in rehearsals. Sometimes it’s necessary, but far too often I’ll babble on and on, when a few succinct words would have been far more effective and efficient. So, try using only five words or less whenever possible. I think we can all agree, “Trumpets, measure sixteen, more accented,” works much better and saves so much more time than a lengthy soliloquy that students will tune out anyway. It’s challenging to do, but five words is often more than we need!

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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