Bicycle Built for Two

http://www.noteflight.com/scores/view/f3ffbf943a2b04124531f8815e11111e340ca667

Here is my version of "A Bicycle Built for Two"!  I liked the Noteflight program, I felt that it was easy to navigate, simple to use, and surprisingly quick!  Although, I think I prefer the MIDI entry method that we utilized in MuseScore.  I would definitely see myself putting this to use in my teaching.  It could be used for many of the same purposes as MuseScore, but specifically could be useful for creating easy piano parts for my students.  I find that often students want to play pieces that are out of their current technical reach and having the ability to create a simplified version for them could be extremely motivating and fun for the students!  Not to mention that a program such as this makes arranging and composition easy, fun, and reachable for a young music student!  Kids these days also appreciate the instant gratification of being able to hear their work!

Week 3, Post 2: Newborns and Music

I thought this was quite interesting.  Some of what the blog mentions in regards to infants being able to recall rhythm and melodies that are familiar reminded me of the Suzuki method.  Perhaps Suzuki training should start in the womb??  Just food for thought....

http://musiccognition.blogspot.com/2011/03/can-infants-recognize-melodies-heard-in.html

Week 3, Post 1: "The Glee Effect"

I am personally not a fan of Glee, I have tried, unsuccessfully, to watch it a couple of times, but have never really gotten attached.  I thought this press release was interesting though on the effect that a show such as Glee can have on music programs across America.

http://www.menc.org/news/view/press-release-glee-making-a-difference-for-america-s-music-students/

Attributes of Great Teachers

Irregardless of teaching styles, there are a few qualities that great teachers share, here they are!

http://www.soyouwanttoteach.com/being-inspired-by-great-teachers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SoYouWantToTeach+%28So+You+Want+To+Teach%3F%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

A few good quotes for music educators

I stumbled upon a blog specifically angled towards studio owners and administrators, I was thrilled!  Here are a few worthwhile quotes from Ernst Bacon on music and teaching.\

http://studiohelper.com/blog/staff-management/food-for-thought-quotes-for-the-studio/#more-935

Fostering Motivation in Students

On nearly a weekly basis, parents approach me to discuss practicing and how their child doesn't like to do it (shocking, I know).  Here's a blog entry on motivating students, there is also a link in the entry to another article on practice incentives, both were very informative and useful!

http://www.pianoteacherblog.com/2009/08/05/how-to-motivate-your-students/

Learning at Different Ages

This is just a short blog post that discusses how students approach learning differently at different ages.  Keeping this in mind can be extremely helpful for those days when we encounter students of varying ages.

http://www.pianoteacherblog.com/2009/08/27/more-great-stuff-from-randall-faber/