by Peter Boonshaft | May 13, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
B. F. Skinner stated, “Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.” And that, my friends, really frames what we do, and more importantly, why we do it. As music teachers, we pass along so much information, teach so many skills, share so...
by Peter Boonshaft | May 6, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Though I know your teaching day is long and exhausting, with a seemingly endless list of tasks and responsibilities, I ask that you take a few minutes to find a quiet place. Maybe grab a cup of coffee or tea. Take a few relaxing breaths. Then read the following...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 29, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
The other day, I saw a sign that asked, “What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to?” And it got me thinking and asking myself questions: “What’s one thing I want to know but haven’t gotten around to doing? What’s one thing I want...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 22, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Though I doubt we could ever agree on the hardest aspects of being a teacher, I think overcoming a student’s feeling that a goal is impossible, simply because they haven’t achieved it yet, must number high on that list. On those occasions, a healthy dose of our making...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 8, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
Every once in a while, you come across words that need no clarification, can’t be improved upon, and are just perfect in their power, simplicity, and truth. These words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe are a great example. I would love to write paragraphs elaborating on...
by Peter Boonshaft | Apr 1, 2025 | Boonshaft's Blog
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 heartily suggest reading, savoring, and pondering the countless messages of wisdom this...