Wisdom
10 + 1 More Ways to Improve Your Playing
In the beginning of the month I wrote a post called “10 Ways to Improve Your Playing.” It was so popular that I decided to write about 10 + 1 more ways! This list I feel in some ways dives a little bit deeper than the last, though that doesn’t mean the first list isn’t [...]
10 Ways to Improve Your Playing
No matter what your instrument, the keys to success stay consistent. Here are 10 simple ways to improve your playing!
Using The Three Minute Rule To Rocket Your Skills
As stated in the classroom analogy, it is difficult to efficiently process multiple sources of information and consciously retain all of it. It is for this reason that we learn to split concepts and techniques in their practice. Aside from your normal routine of running through music and scales, take the time to skyrocket your [...]
Videos
David Garrett Sets World Record For “Flight of the Bumblebee” on Violin
Probably best (infamously) known for being the violinist to fall down the stairs and break his $1 million Guadagnini Violin (often mistakingly reported as a Stradivarius), David Garrett plays some familiar tunes and then goes on to break the world record for playing the popular piece, “The Flight of the Bumblebee.” The piece normally [...]
How to use the Korg MA-30 Metronome
Many musicians are afraid of the dreaded metronome- but learning how to operate one will make things incredibly easy! Just watch the video below!
Who Says the Violin Can’t Be Fun?
Willie Hall displays an incredible act of comedy, mastery, and comfort with the violin! Don’t try this at home!
Howto
How to use the Korg MA-30 Metronome
Many musicians are afraid of the dreaded metronome- but learning how to operate one will make things incredibly easy! Just watch the video below!
How to Setup and Adjust a Kun Shoulder Rest
Any of the images on this page can be viewed at full size. Just click!
When you remove the shoulder rest from the box you’ll see that it is in three pieces. There is the shoulder rest pad itself and two legs. The taller of the two legs will be screwed into the skinnier of the [...]
News
Fox Valley Philharmonic Gala Successful!
The orchestra I perform with, The Fox Valley Philharmonic, had its opening Gala at the Paramount Arts Theater after a year of performances! The performance was made up entirely of American compositions- everything from John Williams to John Sousa. Through the auctions of the painted violins, ticket sales, and donations, we raised money to help [...]
School (College) Semester is Over!
The semester is over- I can finally focus on myself and my projects again! Thanks for sticking through the dry period- for all my special students and viewers- I plan to record several lessons over the next couple weeks.
You guys make this site what it is and I am so grateful that you watch, ask [...]
I’m sorry guys! Sick AGAIN!
We have been having some crazy polar weather in Chicago and I guess my body doesn’t like having to go from 50º to below freezing every couple days
Watch your feeds for the delayed Lesson 8.
For your viewing and listening pleasure, I have included 2 (well 3, one is split into two parts) videos [...]
Teaching
Using The Three Minute Rule To Rocket Your Skills
As stated in the classroom analogy, it is difficult to efficiently process multiple sources of information and consciously retain all of it. It is for this reason that we learn to split concepts and techniques in their practice. Aside from your normal routine of running through music and scales, take the time to skyrocket your [...]
The Classroom Analogy
Imagine that you are sitting in a classroom. What would it be like if your math teacher was up in front teaching you advanced algebra, your English teacher to your right was covering MLA format, your history teacher to your left was discussing the origin of religion, and your gym teacher behind you was whistling [...]
Need More Students?
“I need more students!”
Are you a beginning teacher? Perhaps you are a high school student just starting, or maybe already an experienced instructor looking for more students. This guide will help you, no matter what you teach! When I was in high school I began working at a local music store. One December evening, the [...]