At your next rehearsal, try using a nonverbal signal to represent something you want students to do, or not to do. Then, for the first few times you use it, say what you want as you use the signal. After that, only use the signal. I am convinced that most of what I say in rehearsals can be replaced with nonverbal cues that save time, and often, everyone’s spirits.

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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