In my previous blog, I discussed a specific way to use a video recording to help assess your conducting. Here’s another terrific technique. Video yourself conducting a piece from...

I'm sure we have all wondered what our students see when they are watching us. Certainly, our viewing video recordings of our rehearsals can help provide insights into what they...

The next time you have a student or an entire ensemble continually stumble on one note when playing a run or fast passage, try this. Have them hold that "bad" note. Then have...

I love to tell stories, use metaphors, or make analogies in rehearsals. I've always felt it was a great way to connect with students, to describe an image of something we're...

I've long suggested that when our students are coming in for the start of rehearsals, we should have music playing by the finest of that type of ensemble for our students to...

Many years ago, I was speaking with a band director who posed a great question to me. He said, "I am so careful to teach correct posture and playing position to my beginners. I...

Stasis, the notion of things just staying the same, can be comforting. We usually embrace the idea that “what has always happened will happen again.” When going to our favorite...

"Never forget that a small group of people can change the world – it's the only thing that ever has." I'm guessing you've heard those wonderful words of Margaret Mead. They are...

I think we all would be well served to remember that when it comes to helping our students improve, train behaviors, or establish regimens, we can't just break a bad habit, we...