Keys & Strings Music Studio

So many parents come to me with the subject 'we are tired about fighting with them to practice'.   It shouldn't be a fight.    It shouldn't be part of a bargaining tool.  It should be a part of daily life.   Do you brush your teeth everyday?  You should make music, every day. I think sometimes, that the word 'practice' get's a negative sheen.   Perhaps having the musician 'serenade' during meal preps would work. Let's 'make some music'.   Mommy and I feel like dancing slowly, what have you been working on that will suit the mood?    We want a concert!  Let's make programs, put on a nice outfit, set up the living room as a performance hall.  Music making should be a fun rewarding outlet for the entire family.   It should not be stressful. Find a routine that works for your family.   Is your musician an early bird, always looking for things to do before leaving for school?  Perhaps play your music after breakfast and brushing

At the beginning of the school year there is a flutter of activity around starting a new instrument.  In our area it usually begins in fourth grade.  A big event is held in each elementary school where your child can try various woodwind, brass and string instruments.    There are also area vendors offering instrument rentals.  Big business most parents think.  I say yes and no.   Here is why.... Yes, those vendors are in business to make money.  But they also know what they are talking about.  When you rent an instrument, you get one of quality without shelling out the big bucks.  A GOOD saxophone new can be close to a thousand dollars.  A GOOD violin can be close to eight hundred dollars JUST FOR THE VIOLIN.  A GOOD flute can be close to five hundred dollars.  I speak from experience as a parent for the woodwinds.   I speak from experience as an educator and professional musician on the violin. I wince when a parent says I'm just going to buy a $99.00 violin on ebay/amazon.  

Might sound like an odd subject for a music teacher to choose to write about.  But hear me out on this.  I have had to do this very thing several times as a studio owner when I need to extend our sub contractor reach.  I can only teach so many hours in the day.  I love what I do, I feel I am good at what I do (and my retention rate and students who go on to higher education also backs up that statement) but I still have room to learn and grow. I feel that a GREAT private music teacher is one who doesn't treat their teaching schedule as a job.  A person who truly loves sharing their knowledge, goes the extra step (few minutes or mile) to not just stop the learning because the clock says TIMES UP!  A person who doesn't put a dollar amount on every minute. Now do not get me wrong, I make a living at being a private music teacher.    I also work a lot more than the average american work week because I give a lot of lessons away too.  I also own the studio, so other things a