Training young musicians is what makes me excited and over time I have tried to not do things as they have always been done, but find the things that truly give the students the best avenue to be better musicians. I believe that young players can be truly amazing beyond what they ever thought capable of themselves, and love the process. I do not feel there is any limit to the level of expertise a young musician can achieve when given the right opportunities.

Young aspiring musicians need the opportunity to perform on their own parts and be independent of others helping them.  They need to be able to get in touch with the senses that open up creativity and tap into the ability to concentrate and engage while making music. Musicians need to be free to communicate and listen.  They need to have the responsibility of preparing a part that is theirs and noone elses. They need to understand how to find tempo and refine intonation on their own.

Also, can we get rid of the conductor!

Nothing against conductors as I have performed under great ones and have conducted groups myself, but removing the person in front trains students to rely on their senses for music making. It also trains students to be communicative with each other regarding all things conductors would normally help with. When musicians have freedom to communicate with others, it changes the musical product for the performer and listener. It seems we are always trying to get students to “be more musical,” but are never really allowing them the chance to communicate.

Implementing chamber ensembles in any music program will bring success beyond anyones wildest dreams.

Think about how often high school band programs rehearse, including after school rehearsals because, let’s face it, five days a week for an hour a day is not enough time, right? Anything that allows the student multiple times to get something wrong tends to build bad habits and create boredom. What if we filled each day with different small group opportunities, using no conductors, and allowed students to read and create music with each other on a daily basis?   That potential makes me excited! Everything would improve. Tone quality, musicality, sight-reading, professionalism, personal responsibility, interest, etc. The possibilities are endless.

School bands provide opportunities for students to make music together, but is that THE thing that is going to create the most growth in our young musicians?