Grooming for violin students

An odd topic title, I know. This subject for me as an educator is cyclical, but here we go again. I have had this come up six times in the last month.

Young students (usually female) and parents who are spending lots of money on manicures to have me tell them, nails are too long.

To be a strong violinist, you cannot have long nails. It just doesn't work. If you were a classical guitarist I might say go for it. But violinist? No. It changes the pitch. It affects your being able to place your fingers properly on the strings.

Nail polish YES! Long nails NO! Compromise, long bow hand nails. Odd looking perhaps, but a compromise. The photo above, is a perfect example of a good nail length with nice polish.

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Back to School Limited Time Deals at Amazon

I don't know if it's the teacher in me, but I always like to see what's new in back to school shopping. I loved being a student, so that may be part of it too. So I was looking at all the back to school deals, and here are some I would like to share with you. I am an Amazon Associate, so if you were to purchase through one of my links (at no cost to you) I would get a small percentage. What teacher doesn't need a box of Pre-Sharpened pencils ? Limited time deal 150 pencils for just $12.00! Every class subject needs their own color folder Get prepared for the next decade with 100 folders just $16.00! Limited Time Deal Pre School Teachers Alert! A 36 pack o f playdoh just $19.99! Limited Time Deal Got to have more erasers, those tiny pencil erasers do not last long. Limited Time Deal, 12 Eraser box for just $5.54 What teacher, student or musician doesn't need s heet protectors ? Limited Time Deal, 200 for just $9.60 An amazing price on Graph Paper Amaz

What recital means to me.........

Today's the big day. I never sleep well on 'Recital Eve'. Where'd the stands go, who took the pedal? We forgot to get the programs done? (Promise, they are done, and they are bigger than ever!) Recital to me is so many different things. I always have flashbacks to four years ago when I was so afraid it was my last recital with my 'kids'. Or the triumph of three years ago (I'm still here!). I remember Jay M's first recital, with his crouch like bow and huge smile. Jillian's realization that she did a GREAT job and then how it was even better for me when she invited me to her Christmas Pagent and she played the organ just a few short months later. Or the time Rachel stopped half way through....the entire time I was thinking that has the phrasing but doesn't sound exactly right............and she FLIPPED THE PAPER from top to bottom. Oh how we all laughed on that one. In my mind, there are 130 different stories just like this one. I have been blesse

Commitment

Learning an instrument takes commitment. Commitment from the student (to apply their newly taught techniques at home) It takes 10,000 hours to master any new skill. That's a lot of music making. Commitment from the parent. Bringing the student to their lesson weekly, on time. Giving their student a comfortable, well lit place to practice. Helping their young musician be patient, learn time management, apply reading of pitch and addition/subtraction of rhythm counting. Just as importantly, commitment from their teacher. Commitment to be there, waiting with a smile. Commitment to be prepared, and attentive. Commitment to CONTINUITY. To be a good teacher takes talent, knowledge and skill. To be a GREAT teacher, you must always make it about your students first. Commitment to the students, is what Ms. Sandie, Ms. Joanna, Ms. Doreen and Ms. Stacey are all about.

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