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...

I recently heard someone talking about making a “compliment sandwich” when they teach. He went on to explain that he “sandwiched” one compliment between two “slices” of...

As many of you know, I have a love-hate relationship with music stands. Our students certainly need them, but so often they cause more problems than they solve. I’ve already...

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...

I have often said that no band will play any better than they can sing. Now I know that’s a gross oversimplification, but I really do mean it. I am certainly not suggesting they...

As part of a university commencement address some years ago, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of what was then known as Apple Computer, said “You can’t connect the dots looking...

I’ve always felt that the pace of a rehearsal was best when it was broken down into small segments working on different material. So maybe I’d spend 11 minutes on the...

At the start of your next rehearsal, gather the ensemble’s attention and simply write this remarkable quote on the board: “Play the music, not the instrument.” Then simply start...

A few weeks ago I wrote about changing statements like “do it again” in rehearsals to make them actionable. Let me share with you another often-non-actionable statement that...