Labyrinth Music Blog
Meditations on Learning and Loving Music
8 Things Music Teachers Wish Parents Knew
Music teachers and parents share an important goal: the education of a young musician. We both want the best outcome for the student, and we get the best results when parent and teacher are on the same page about lessons. Here are eight things that I, on behalf of all music teachers, would want all parents to understand
To anyone who hoards pretty notebooks
Do you have FOUTU - Fear of Using Things Up? Let me explain what it is, and why it’s probably the reason you have a stack of pretty notebooks that you’ve never actually written in.
How much should you practice?
Some people seem to believe that no matter how much time you spend singing or playing your instrument, you should be doing more. So, in my considered opinion, how much should a musician practice?
Should you skip your music lesson this week?
Ever ask yourself, “Is this a good enough reason to skip my music lesson this week? Or to let my kid skip their lesson?” Let me answer that question for you.
Sorry, I can’t teach you
Any teacher who claims to be able to teach anything to anyone is either deluded or predatory. That’s why I’m totally unashamed to say that there are some people I can’t teach.
How to start singing for the first time
If you’re not in the habit of singing but you want to get more comfortable making music with your voice, try these tips for what, when, and where to start singing.
What does it take to be a pro? The ten things that separate the best from the rest
Could you be a professional musician? If you want to perform music at a high level, and make a living doing it, you need to know what it takes to grow and sustain a career. Working musicians tend to have a certain set of qualities and abilities that allow them to succeed, and if you want to level up from amateur to pro someday, you’ll need to have them, too.
Maybe my voice is just bad
Do I have a bad voice?? It’s a common concern among beginner voice students and inexperienced singers. Is this fear justified? Could someone have a voice that’s just inherently not good?
Why you should ask for help
Perfectionists have a really hard time getting the help they need and deserve, because they resist asking for it, and they’re reluctant to accept help when it’s offered.
How to fight the post-performance blues
Part of getting ready for a performance is preparing for how you’ll feel after it’s over. Almost every performer gets some type of emotional whiplash after performing. Fortunately, it’s something you can prepare for and manage!
Should you force kids to take music lessons?
It’s not unusual for parents to force kids to take music lessons for various reasons - some good, some less so. Let me tell you the three reasons why I only teach students who participate willingly.
Just keep singing
In the midst of a turbulent world, we feel a bit guilty trying to be happy, or even just trying to be normal. Does it make a difference what we do? What’s the point of even doing anything at all?
Confession: I hate needing help
Aversion to getting help is a hallmark of perfectionism. I have to admit, I hate needing help, asking for help, and accepting help. This installment of “Progress for Perfectionists” is a personal story about a time I caught myself being unnecessarily, foolishly self-sufficient.
How to practice music without getting any better
Why practice the hard way, when you could spend your time goofing around self-indulgently? Here’s everything you should be doing to make sure your practice sessions get you nowhere.
Embracing Failure
Fear of failure is a universal human experience. Part of my job as a music teacher is to arm my students to battle this fear, because failing is a necessary stage of every achievement.
The Short and Practical Guide for Parents Who Don’t Care About Piano
Piano doesn’t appeal to you, but your kid is taking lessons. I don’t need to convert you to Team Piano. I just want to help you not be miserable for however long you’re going to be a piano parent.
Music teacher, coach, or tutor: What’s the difference?
Which do you need, a teacher, a coach, or a tutor? Musicians and aspiring musicians need to know which kind of professional will be the best choice to help them reach their goals.
You have to have a spark
There’s an X factor for becoming a musician, but it’s not natural intuitive ability, talent, or even discipline - it’s curiosity.
The Practice Sandwich will keep you from quitting music lessons
How’s that for a clickbait title? ;) But seriously, today I’m going to talk about how the way you practice will make or break your motivation to continue music lessons.
Do you even need a music teacher?
Do you want to learn to sing or play an instrument? You could sign up for lessons. But why would you pay someone to teach you, when you could just teach yourself?