Middle school orchestra is where habits are formed that can last a lifetime. Tone, intonation, posture, and listening skills do not develop by accident. They are taught intentionally, reinforced daily, and revisited constantly. Over the years, I have learned that success in orchestra comes from focusing on fundamentals early and often. Below are the core areas I prioritize with my students to help them develop confidence, independence, and musical awareness. Teach Tuning as E

Learning a new piece of music can feel overwhelming at any level. Whether you are a middle school student, a college musician, or a working professional, the mistake I see most often is jumping straight into playing without a plan. After decades of performing and teaching, I have learned that effective practice is not about time spent — it is about intention . Here is a clear, realistic approach to learning a new piece without frustration or wasted effort. 1. Start Away From

After meeting with many of you during parent-teacher conferences, several parents asked for guidance on what an effective home practice routine looks like. I’m happy to share some sample practice plans that outline what a 15-, 30-, 45-, or 60-minute practice session could look like for our band, orchestra, and guitar students. It’s important to remember that practice doesn’t need to be long to be productive. Start small — even 10–15 minutes a day makes a difference. As stude

🎶 Instrument & Performance Gear  Double Bass  Bass Case (hard or padded)  Bows (primary + backup)  Rosin  Bass Mute  Rockstop / Endpin anchor  Bass Stool  Cleaning cloths (1 for bass, 1 for bow hair)  Warm-up books (2–3 short technical ones)  Pencil & pens  Spare strings (even an old set)  String cutter or multitool  Endpin cap / rubber stopper (backup)  Peg compound or lubricant  Extra bow screw or eyelet (if available) ⚙️ Tech / Digital Gear  Tablet (with scores)  Stylus /

I teach middle school band/orchestra/guitar classes. One of the most important things I teach besides note reading is rhythms. My...

Depending on the performance I play, also determines what I bring for the show. A show takes up my whole day, so I need to bring items...

I recently came across a very easy to read book for the music teacher. Don't let the title fool you that it is only geared towards band...

I finally got around to watching the movie Soul. My wife and I were lead to believe that the movie would have a focus on music. It was...

As a teacher, I always need to supplement the method books I use with all sorts of materials such as handouts. My students will lose...

I always incorporate some kind of ear training in my classroom. One game I like to play is one note, one shot. Students have to try and...