by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 25, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Before school, write these words on the board. Just as you start a class or rehearsal, walk over to the board, tap on it, and point to the words. Then, just look at them and nod knowingly. I wouldn’t say a word, though this quote would surely be a great springboard...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 18, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Getting an ensemble to phrase where we tell them to is pretty simple. But getting them to really understand the concept of phrasing can be challenging. For them to truly make that concept their own, they need to understand the why of phrasing as much as the where and...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 11, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
I once heard my dear friend and renowned string educator, Bob Phillips, say five words that left me speechless with their simple, yet absolutely undeniable power. He said, “What you permit you promote.” Whether it is a behavior, technique, attitude, or anything else,...
by Peter Boonshaft | Mar 4, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
I love quotes. And of all the quotes I have ever read or heard about teaching, these simple, yet profound words of William Butler Yeats always find their way to the top of my list. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” His words...
by Peter Boonshaft | Feb 25, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
I believe that students should mark every single breath they will take in every piece they play. I know that sounds crazy and a bit like busywork, but here’s why: To remove the only truly random technical aspect of their performance. Think about it: when do students...