Boonshaft’s Blog

#183. Consonant Mistakes

#183. Consonant Mistakes

Wouldn’t it be great if every mistake our ensemble made was as noticeable as a unison being played as a minor second?! Those obvious mistakes we can pick out and remediate almost...

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#182. The Essence

#182. The Essence

At the start of your next rehearsal, after you have the ensemble’s undivided attention, before you say a word, have them watch you write the following quote on the board. I...

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#180. Double-Sided Tape

#180. Double-Sided Tape

For beginners, and many not beginners, keeping their fingers on valves and keys, or thumbs and hands in the correct place, is a challenge. How's that for an understatement?! An...

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#177. A Valuable Lesson

#177. A Valuable Lesson

Reflecting upon his career, Carl Chevallard, Lt. Colonel (retired), United States Air Force stated, “Our rehearsals became more efficient, we had more fun, and they gave me their...

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Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for KHS America, is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. 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.” Dr. Boonshaft was selected for the Center for Scholarly Research and Academic Excellence at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, where he is Professor Emeritus of Music.