Do students understand our instructions?

I always thought so. I just figured they ignored them half the time. Then one day I asked a student to read back what I wrote and ask me if she had any questions.

She couldn't read my writing!

Lesson learned.


Cheers,

David Story
ORMTA

How many hours should you practice?

Thank you to Glen Hall for this article.

http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/how-many-hours-a-day-should-you-practice/

Some of the great artists of the 20th century have shared their thoughts on these questions. I once read an interview with Rubinstein (or it may have been Horowitz – I can’t remember exactly whom), in which he stated that nobody should have to practice more than four hours a day, explaining that if you needed to practice more than four hours a day, you probably weren’t doing it right.


Cheers,


David Story
ORMTA

Music festival reflections

I just finished up three music festivals in Canada. A few thoughts on the activity.

The Student's experience
-An excellent opportunity to experience the ageless truth between cause and effect
-A great bonding experience between fellow competitors, parents, teachers, and adjudicators. It really affirms the worth of the activity and the intrinsic value of the music performed. Outside of the popular music categories there are few places where the music of us outliers is celebrated. By the festivals end it's all high fives and happy emotional exhaustion.

The Parent's experience
-Pride in hearing their kids perform, regardless of the outcome. Also known as the "reality check". For some parents, this is another chance to grow emotionally after a disappointing performance. The smart ones affirm the kid's effort and take them for ice cream regardless.

The Teachers experience
-a chance to compare our work with our colleagues. An priceless gift.
-A chance to socialize with the same colleagues.
-So much beautiful music

Adjudicator's reflection
-It is very rewarding to work with such a talented and motivated group of students.
-It is very rewarding to work with such a talented and motivated group of fellow adjudicators.
-It is very rewarding to work with such a talented and motivated group of teachers, volunteers, and festival organizers who give so much of their and physical and emotional energy to the project.

Cheers,
David Story
Ormta