FBSMC5, Playing Through the Years, Session 4, Middle School and High School

So let us continue looking at "Playing Through the Years" with focusing on Middle School and High School. In this 3 part series, we will see how things can start to change very rapidly during this time. With so many big physical changes alone there is much to discuss. The biggest factor is coming to the decision that one wants to pursue a career in music playing their instrument. I will talk about what I think is needed in practice time and what the requirements are for someone thinking about taking college auditions. There is so much to discuss in this area that I encourage people to email me or make comments that I can then respond to.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

FBSMC5, "Playing Through the Years," Session 3, "The First Couple of Years"

The first couple of years can be a very important time as we collect our first impressions of learning music and our instrument. In this 3 part series, I have focused on some basic feelings and thoughts I have about the teacher's role in helping the student develop healthy attitudes about practicing and technique without a lot of pressure or an unhealthy stress. I cite many examples from my own life as well and encourage others to reflect and find the value and (hopefully) inspiration from those early years. Not everybody's first couple of years might have been joyful. Some students who were really pushed into music could have had a terrible first couple of years no matter how talented they were. Hopefully, if they are still at it, there is a relationship that was forged from their finding their own love and connection with the Art.

In Part 1, I talk about my own experiences and address various ways a person may have come to play trombone, either self-motivated or inspired by any number of reasons.  I also speak about how regular practice sessions can be introduced in an inspiring way, with the spirit of the music being integrated during this early playing time.

In Part 2, I get specific about when to introduce more discipline and certain exercises to the young student. I also stress the importance of the teacher's attitude when working with the student and how to introduce healthy habits without stress. A first look at the Overlay System is introduced at this time, as well.

In Part 3, I get even more specific about the needs of of the student at this stage of playing. I also encourage young players to listen to music of all kinds or, at least, kinds they like. The importance of "analogy" is stressed a great deal in this video and I give numerous examples of how to do it. 

Part 1

Part 2




Part 3

FBSMC5, Session 2, "Making a Start"

Session 2 of FBSMC5, "Making a Start," gets into the those very first moments of playing! I tell my own story about my first few notes and lessons to inspire all of you to time travel back and remember that moment or time of your playing life. Everyone has their own story to tell and the human story is such a powerful and personal way to connect to ones life or the life of others. Ask yourself, "how much is that initial spark still in me?" Perhaps it has grown into a marvelous bright star that radiates in many directions or a lamp that warms the soul. Both?  Maybe it needs to be rekindled. Here is Session 2: "Making a Start"