How to Buy an Instrument for a Beginner

How to Buy an Instrument for a Beginner

If your child is joining the band this year or taking up a new instrument in private lessons, you’re probably in the market for a good-enough-but-not-too-expensive instrument. Buying an instrument can be intimidating, especially if you’re not a musician yourself....

VIDEO: John Tracy Interview Parts 3 & 4 – Business, Teaching, and Life Advice for Music Teachers

I really enjoyed my recent interview with Mimi West, the founder of “My Dream Teacher.”  She has posted a four-part video series from the interview session.  In the final two videos I advise music teachers on how to strengthen their networks and sharpen...

Six Techniques for Perfect Practice

Remember the old saying “practice makes perfect”? Well, forget it. You can practice the same song for five hours, but if you’re practicing it incorrectly, all you’ll get for your trouble is a very strongly ingrained mistake. When I was a budding young pianist, I had a...

10 Teaching Tips and Games for Using Music Flashcards

An important part of beginning music lessons is memorization.  The student must quickly memorize all of the note names, musical symbols, and terms.  Music flash cards can help to make this early memorization stage go quickly while having fun in the process.  At Tampa...