Making Music and Enriching Lives: A Guide for All Music Teachers / Edition 1

by Cynthia Blanchard Acree, Bonnie Blanchard

Overview

Making Music and Enriching Lives fills an important niche in the very large world of books about music. It's unlike any other instructional book in the way it addresses comprehensive, across-the-board issues that affect all teachers, students, and musicians. In this book, you will find specifics not only about how to teach music, but also about how to motivate and inspire students of any age.

In this first volume of her Music for Life series, Bonnie Blanchard (with Cynthia Blanchard Acree) shares successful approaches with both students and teachers that have worked wonders in her own studio to produce successful students who are energized about their lessons and their music. These books touch on all aspects of music instruction from running a studio to student motivation and teaching technique to performing, while addressing not just the musician, but the whole person along the way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253219176
Publisher:	Indiana University Press (Ips)
Publication date:	06/22/2007
Series:	Music for Life Ser.
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.76(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Bonnie Blanchard holds music and teaching degrees from the University of Washington. She has long been respected in the Pacific Northwest as a versatile freelance musician, yet she is best known as a dynamic instructor with unique teaching techniques that create skilled musicians with a lifelong love of music. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

Cynthia Blanchard Acree is co-author (with Cliff Acree) of The Gulf Between Us: Love and Terror in Desert Storm. The dual memoir was featured as a "Today's Best Nonfiction" excerpt in Reader's Digest. She lives in San Diego, California.

Table of Contents

Contents
Acknowledgments

Part 1. Enriching Lives
1. Transform Your Teaching Style: The Music for Life Method
2. Focus on Relationships First
3. Instill Pride and Respect
4. Show Students Your Commitment to Excellence
5. Promote a Love of Learning and Independence
6. Create an Atmosphere of Achievement
7. Attitude Is Everything
8. Make Practice a Priority
9. Increase Success with the Music for Life Notebook System
10. Energize Students with Goals
11. Recognize and Reward Results and Effort
12. Foster Happy, Confident Students
13. Host Fun Musical Events

Part 2. Making Music
14. Use Practice Tricks for Fast Results
15. Musicality Makes the Difference
16. Multiply the Fun in Chamber Music
17. Take the Fear Out of Memorization
18. Help Students Become Confident Sight Readers

Part 3. Tackling Your Toughest Teaching Challenges
19. In the Beginning
20. Make Learning Fun (and Less Painful) for Adults
21. Troubleshoot Problems and Turn around Complaints
22. Prepare Students for Performance
23. Conquer Stage Fright
24. Ace the Audition
25. When It's Time to Say Goodbye
26. Ask the Teacher

Part 4. Running Your Private Music Studio
27. Establish Your Private Studio and Develop a Business Plan
28. Get Paid What You're Worth
29. A Life in the Arts: Is It for You?
30. Make the Teacher's Life Easier

For Further Reading
Index

What People are Saying About This

"A unique book that goes beyond instrumental instruction to show step by step what makes a good teacher with skilled, committed students. Beginning and experienced teachers will find new tricks and inspiration here, to rekindle their love of teaching and music. Bonnie's tips and stories will show how to run a studio, motivate students, deal with stage fright, teach artistry, and involve the whole family in music. This book is serious about music, but it's also fun—something that should always be part of good music instruction."

Sir James Galway

"A unique book that goes beyond instrumental instruction to show step by step what makes a good teacher with skilled, committed students. Beginning and experienced teachers will find new tricks and inspiration here, to rekindle their love of teaching and music. Bonnie's tips and stories will show how to run a studio, motivate students, deal with stage fright, teach artistry, and involve the whole family in music. This book is serious about music, but it's also fun-something that should always be part of good music instruction."

Elizabeth Watson

" . . . A comprehensive manual for music teachers . . . packed with ideas for making music a valuable part of each student's experience. At the heart of this book- and it is a big, enthusiastic, and generous heart- is the emphasis on establishing relationships based upon mutual trust and respect." "Blanchard is passionate about teaching . . . recognizes the importance of music in education, getting the students' families involved and helps the student build a foundation for a life- long relationship with music." " . . . Well -organized and chock full of tips and strategies, as well as her philosophy on what it means to teach music and instill students with confidence and pride in their accomplishments. This is a book any teacher, new or experienced will find useful and inspiring." " . . . A powerful and inspiring guide to help the music teacher find his or her own way."--(Elizabeth Watson, The Gazette, Greater Boston Flute Association)

Editorial Reviews

"Blanchard's dedication is apparent, and she holds the reader to no lesser standard. With some effort, any chapter of this book could drastically improve an aspect of your teaching.Oct. 2008"—Tristan Arnold, Strings Magazine

"This valuable resource can provide practical suggestions for establishing a studio atmosphere. The writing is intuitive and reveals the experiences and insights of a seasoned and experienced teacher.February 2009"—Jane Magrath, American Music Teacher

"A unique book that goes beyond instrumental instruction to show step by step what makes a good teacher with skilled, committed students. Beginning and experienced teachers will find new tricks and inspiration here, to rekindle their love of teaching and music. Bonnie's tips and stories will show how to run a studio, motivate students, deal with stage fright, teach artistry, and involve the whole family in music. This book is serious about music, but it's also fun—something that should always be part of good music instruction."—Sir James Galway

From the Publisher

Blanchard's dedication is apparent, and she holds the reader to no lesser standard. With some effort, any chapter of this book could drastically improve an aspect of your teaching.Oct. 2008

Strings Magazine - Tristan Arnold

This valuable resource can provide practical suggestions for establishing a studio atmosphere. The writing is intuitive and reveals the experiences and insights of a seasoned and experienced teacher.February 2009

Jane Magrathn Music Teacher

This valuable resource can provide practical suggestions for establishing a studio atmosphere. The writing is intuitive and reveals the experiences and insights of a seasoned and experienced teacher.February 2009

American Music Teacher - Jane Magrath

"Bonnie Blanchard is a very enthusiastic teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious and attracts a studio full of excited students who love to practice and experience their lesson as the highlight of their week. Private music teachers who want a successful studio like this will find many ideas here. Also, this book will be inspirational for teachers who may be experiencing a little burnout." "The first chapter provides a valuable overview, while the second chapter is inspirational in its description of the idea teacher-student relationship. I found great value throughout . . . loaded with practical ideas about teaching music, with many tips for memorizing, sight reading, and other essential skills. " "Part 3, "Tackling Your Toughest Teaching Challenges" takes on beginning students, important differences between boys and girls, adult students, stage fright, and dealing with complaints. Part 4, "Running Your Private Music Studio", has practical ideas for the business side of things, as well as a great chapter about what it means to be a music teacher." " . . . Highly entertaining to read . . . contains a lot of information . . . I have seen instant improvement in my relationships with some of my students as a result. Blanchard is a noted flute teacher, however the systematic study of this book over time could greatly benefit teachers of all instruments.
—Lee Galloway

American Music Teachers Magazine

Anyone who teaches . . . will appreciate and benefit from this tome . . . filled with practical advice . . . outstanding, with excellent ideas . . .

The Instrumentalist Magazine

. . . A comprehensive, detailed, enthusiastic guide . . . full of excellent ideas ... much helpful advice. . . .
—Alison Uren

The Flute Magazine

Provides concrete solutions to difficult situations . . . helps teachers solve challenges, have lots more fun, and get even more fulfillment from their teaching.

Miyazawa Newsletter

. . . Sets out to help beginning teachers . . . and rejuvenate the teaching of those, like myself, who have been teaching for years . . .
—Susan Maclagan

Flute List and Galway newsletter

Fabulous . . . refreshing and affirming . . . A product of the renowned Indiana University Press, this book is widely available and a wise purchase.
—Dr. Rebecca Dunnell

Kansas City Flute Association

Blanchard has filled the book with lots of good advice...suggestions on how to jump-start practice procrastinators is especially useful. ... [M]any helpful hints for teaching
musicality... I was intrigued.

Strad Magazine

"This valuable resource can provide practical suggestions for establishing a studio atmosphere. The writing is intuitive and reveals the experiences and insights of a seasoned and experienced teacher." —American Music Teacher

American Music Teacher

"Blanchard's dedication is apparent, and she holds the reader to no lesser standard. With some effort, any chapter of this book could drastically improve an aspect of your teaching." —Strings Magazine

Strings Magazine