Jim Elliot once wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” As teachers, we can “give” as much energy, enthusiasm,...

When our students start to feel frustrated by that which doesn’t come easy, by that which is a profound challenge, by that which makes them question their...

When you think of what we do, and remember the words of Albert Einstein when he stated: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative...

I am convinced that half the problem with teaching students in a band is that many of them have a very distorted vantage point from which they hear the...

As I look out at my students while rehearsing, I so often see bad habits reveal themselves. And what gets me is that I have mentioned those bad habits...

I like a fast-paced rehearsal. No, I love a fast-paced rehearsal. I think I can keep my students awake and energized better, and get more done in less...

In the first moments of your next rehearsal, after getting the students quiet and focused, go to the board and with no words of explanation simply write...

I was recently speaking at a workshop for band directors and was asked a fantastic question: “Why don’t most band directors treat percussionists like the...

I am often asked by band directors for suggestions about books to read.  And I always worry about doing so for fear it will be like recommending a...