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

At the Movies: Vol. 2

I'm pretty excited about this volume of "At the Movies." The following episodes have lots of educational goodness! Who would have thought that students could learn so much about music from Batman?

Batman -- "The Minstrel's Shakedown"
"Music and electronic energy are both transmitted by waves." -Robin
Although this episode doesn't actually have a harp in it, it has references to music and is part 1 of the story that leads to....
Batman -- "Barbecued Batman?"
1 or 2 harps visible
Batman also talks about "sympathetic vibrations."

Some activities you can do with your student:
Bass clef and treble clef
Quarter note (hats) and eighth note (shirts/sweaters)
Identify songs/tunes that the minstrel sings

Also, one of the characters is called "Octavia." Get it? Like octave?

As always, make sure the parent(s) approve(s) of the selection if the student is a child.

-Barbara

Studio Inspo Roundup

Happy Fourth of July!  I have another roundup to share with you this week. Last time was a roundup of Independence Day ideas; today is a roundup of studio inspiration from my "Studio Inspo" board on Pinterest.

• This way cool desk made from a piano.

• A nifty keyboard-themed rack/coat-hanger.

• Another repurposed piano, this time as a bookshelf.

• This chair! I really like the bass clef on the left arm and the treble clef on the right arm.

• A clever music-themed clock.

Do you have a studio? Do you dream of having a studio?

-Barbara

Fourth of July Ideas

The Fourth of July (Independence Day in the U.S.) is one week from the posting of this entry!
To celebrate, here are some links to projects you might like to include in your lessons.

• This composition activity.

• In the lesson or for homework, students can study the American composers John Phillip Sousa and Stephen Foster. Don't forget about John Stafford Smith.

• Visit Teachers Pay Teachers for this neat-looking set of free set of American composer coloring/fact sheets.

These are just a few ideas. Do you have any special activities that you do with music students for the 4th of July?

-Barbara

Luncheon Gig (Wardrobe Inspo)

Luncheon Gig by bharpy featuring stud earrings

Anna Field black shirt
$42 - zalando.co.uk

STELLA McCARTNEY dress pants
stellamccartney.com

Accessorize flat shoes
accessorize.com

Vince Camuto black handbag
vincecamuto.com

Stud earrings
pagoda.com

Cat-eye glasses
etsy.com




Do you ever use Polyvore? It's kinda fun to go on and put together outfits (there are more options than just clothing/fashion though). I might just post some outfit ideas here from time to time. Note that I included a bag idea that (hopefully) could work as a gig bag.
I think this outfit might be nice for a steady daytime gig in particular.
What's your go-to gig outfit?

Have a great day!

-Barbara

Dreading Lessons?

Do you dread lessons? If you do, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do I dread all lessons or just certain ones? Is it because of the subject matter/instrument or is it a student/teacher clash of personalities (or a disrespectful student)?
• What don't I like about lessons? Be as specific as possible, but don't be afraid to start out vague.

There are a few options for this:

1. Take a break/vacation! Don't be afraid to take off all of December after your Christmas recital (if you have a recital then). December's often a busy month for musicians...and probably for your students too! Consider taking a summer break (all summer or just part of it) too. It's good to have a little break to refresh.
2. Consider lowering the number of students you teach. You can kindly let the students/parents know that you are reducing your number of students, but that you recommend so-and-so, etc. Don't forget to thank them for studying with you!

Maybe teaching just isn't your thing. That's ok. If you don't financially need to teach and you don't like it, don't do it. Life isn't stress-free, but enjoy what you can. If you choose not to teach, think of it as more job opportunities for those who love it and you do what you love. The world would be pretty boring (and competitive!) if we all adored the same things, huh?

These are just a few ideas....what do you think? I think taking a short vacation from lessons is a good option if you're feeling burnt out/


How do you feel about teaching? What are your suggestions?

-Barbara

Clay harp decoration

Products used:
Sculpey clay
This stamp
This ink 

Step 1: Roll clay into a ball.

Step 2: Roll out flat.

Step 3: Stamp.

Step 4: Cut it out.

Step 5: Roll excess into long tube.









Step 6: Frame with excess.













Not pictured --
Step 7: Bake according to directions.
Step 8 (optional): Add a magnet to back.

If you make one, be sure to leave me a link!

-Barbara