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Mike Lawson
Posts
The Immediate Threat to School Music Programs
In 2021, schools across the United States spent approximately $651 million on musical instruments. Nearly half of those instruments—especially student-grade violins, flutes, trumpets, and clarinets—were...
If You can Sing it, You can Play it!
I am a firm believer that if you can sing it, you can play it. Even though all my classes are instrumental classes, I ask...
The Sin of Failure to Consider the Role of Proportion
The renowned author Ken Follet proclaimed, “Proportion is the heart of all beauty.” If that assessment rings true there perhaps is no sin more daunting...
The NAMM Show Highlights the Latest for Music Educators and Students
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has an annual show. Now, you may think this is only for music industry insiders, but you’d be...
Making a Difference with Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Music Honor Society
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), focusing on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. Tri-M...
Tuneful Teaching from the Start
We can all agree it is essential to learn to play a single note, fingered correctly with focus and clarity. Clearly that is a part...
News from ASTA
Welcome to the start of the 2023-2024 school year! As you prepare your orchestra classroom for new students, new repertoire, and new musical experiences, I...
Here’s One Time it’s OK for Your Jazz Band to be Square
When rehearsing your jazz ensemble, try setting them up in a box (square). This will allow them to hear each other better and be more aware...
What is the Tongue Doing?
What is the tongue doing? Increase flexibility and decrease tension in the tongue by incorporating the following exercise in 2 sets: Set 1: 1. On...
