A Blog for Our Community

Are the rhymes and mnemonic devices for remembering the order of the notes really the best way to help students read music?

I feel strongly that we as music teachers need to understand the differences and requirements of various exam/testing systems, before deciding in general that testing is not “healthy” for our students. I would like to give my personal opinion about the different music audition/festival/exam systems I am aware of.

It was at the age of seven, when I came to the United Kingdom, that I first encountered the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) music examination system.  “What grade are you?” the other children would ask when I told them that I played the piano. Here’s what I learned about the system.

Here is my own personal top 10 list of movies about music, with number 1 being my most favorite. I have watched all of these films, and have written my two cents about each of them.  All the movies are either G, PG, or PG-13.

Do you have students applying for college, music schools or camps, or scholarship awards? For many of their applications, students may ask you for a letter of recommendation. Here are some tips on what materials you need before writing your letter, how to organize its content, and other logistical tips.