Still blogging at this spot!

Hi all,

I posted previously that I was planning to start blogging on my website, fischarper.com. However, I've decided to keep the blog here for the time being :)

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement! You might've already seen it posted on social media or my website.

Have a great day!

-Barbara

New Website!

I now have a website! Check out the blog section of fischarper.com, where I'm planning to post future blog entries. :)

DIY Halloween Treats For Students -- Roundup

Here are some cute and easy ideas for gifts to give your students for Halloween!


 
1. These cute magnetic spiders from Delia Creates would be easy to make.



2. A pinner (I don't think it was me) suggests redecorating Easter eggs to make these skull treat holders. Or you can go with Martha Stewart's project, where the image is pinned from.


3. Make candy corn bowling sets, like Angel over on Fleece Fun.


4. An easy idea from Pimp My Dinner (found via Polish the Stars, via CraftsBits & CraftGossip on Pinterest).


5. Here's a similar idea from The NY Melrose Family.


Do you give your students little gifts around various holidays? Would you like to?

-Barbara

P.S. You can check out my Halloween Pinterest board here.

*I try to link back to the source, but if I've posted an image and you want me to remove it, just let me know.*

Posts About Business and Dreams

Do you know where this picture is from? I really like it!

Want some inspiration? Check out the links below!

A Pair & A Spare was one of the earlier blogs that I started reading. See some advice from Geneva here.
I really enjoy A Beautiful Mess. Here are 3 inspiring posts from that lovely blog: 1, 2, 3.


You can see blog posts that I think are peachy-keen over on BlogLovin.

Have you seen any super-inspiring articles on the web? Do share!

-Barbara

Casual Summer Gig

Casual Summer Gig by bharpy featuring flat sandals

ONLY short sleeve shirt
$36 - only.com

BKE core beige tank top
buckle.com

Dorothy Perkins maxi skirt
dorothyperkins.com

ASOS leather sandals
asos.com

ASOS flat sandals
$33 - asos.com

Tiffany Co tote bag
$1,185 - tiffany.co.uk

Rhinestone hair accessory
smile.amazon.com

When Young Students Don't Listen

picture made with Adobe Photoshop

Do you have students who you feel like just don't listen to you? It can be really frustrating when students are disrespectful. Younger students especially need boundaries.

Here are some suggestions for helping young students listen:

1) When the student does listen, make sure to let them know that you noticed. Specific, positive praise is your friend here.

2) If the student insists on playing a different song than you requested, ignore him or her. It might help your patience if you remember that you're getting paid for that time even if the students isn't using it wisely.

3) Consider extra stickers and/or a special prize if the student does an exceptional job listening (be careful to ONLY reward with the extra/special incentive if the student is behaving well, otherwise this can just reinforce bad habits).

4) Notice if the student's behavior changes (positively or negatively) when the parent is not present. Sometimes there's a power-struggle.

5) Be patient (but not wimpy!). It could be that the student who's being problematic will become one of the students whose lessons you most look forward to. :)

What are your experiences with student behavior? How do you handle it?

-Barbara


 

Tap City 2014: tap as a musical instrument

I recently attended Tap City 2014. Fun! Remember my post on music and tap dance? Well, this festival really encouraged the musicality of tap dance. The festival offered opportunities to study both rhythm tap and Broadway-style tap.

It's great to get yourself in a situation where you can learn about your field in different ways. For example, I don't think the average person thinks of extreme musicality when thinking of tap dance. Yes, maybe the rhythmic aspect is thought of, but what about the different tones the taps make? Did you realize that where you hit the tap can make a different tone? Being attentive to these things in tap will likely help you and/or your student(s) to be more aware of such things when playing other instruments, and going to a festival like this can give you new perspectives and exposure to different teaching styles.
How about improv? Barbara Duffy taught a great workshop on tap improv, which could help with musical improv.
Also, there was quite a bit of scatting going on, especially in Brenda Bufalino's residency.

Have you ever attended a festival or workshop for another field that could be applied to your music teaching?

-Barbara