I am often asked by teachers for recommendations of books to read. And though that list is very long, one of my favorites is a book by Ronald Gross entitled, “Socrates’ Way.” I...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

When I started teaching, I realized early on that I was very good at getting kids to break bad habits. Really good! But sadly, things didn’t get better, and often they got...

Sometimes the effectiveness of our teaching, and of our students’ learning, can rest in our ability to recognize the difference between compliance and understanding. When a...