scales Tag

by Jamey Mann, Catoctin School of Music   Every musician comes to the point where they become very busy. A robust teaching schedule, consistent gigging, performance jobs, or continuing education can make finding time to practice difficult even for accomplished musicians (yes, we must still practice). This is true for adult students as well. In fact, it is more important for students still learning the instrument to...

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What would you say is the most important aspect of excelling in music? Daily practice? Is it mastering technique? Developing artistry and musicality? Becoming experienced in live performance? These are all admirable elements of becoming a well-rounded musician, however, long-term success is built on a solid foundation. That foundation in any rehearsal or performance is built on Warm-ups! Look at athletes worth their weight as they...

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by Jamey Mann, The Catoctin School of Music It is usually around the holidays when students start to find their practice schedule getting off track. Holiday travel, events, visiting and many other things start to take over. If not general business around the holiday, then other stressful events in one’s life can make practicing your instrument an overwhelming chore. It is moments like this where student...

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I have not met many students who love playing their scales. Scales are the green vegetables that are left on the plate and passed off to the dog under the dinner table. Here are some quick tips to help inspire your students to enjoy their scales: Change up the rhythm: If one of my students has trouble with the fingering of a scale, I like to...

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by Jamey Mann Often students and professionals find themselves at a plateau that can be difficult to work out of. Just like athletes need to change up their workouts to make gains in sports, musicians need to get out of comfort zones to make gains musically. At a certain point everyone’s routine begins to get stale which in turn, is mentally exhausting.  Doing the same technical...

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