It has been a good year at OLA. I've watched beginning musicians with wide-eyed wonder, not knowing what they don't know about their instrument, later become proficient players who love making music. I've seen seasoned players develop a maturity to their sound that they never knew was possible. I've enjoyed each moment with the students; coaching them in new techniques, encouraging them through their struggles, and rejoicing with them in their victories. It is a blessing to love one's work!


As we near the culmination of our year and prepare for the Music Fest Concert, I recall my own elementary music experiences. Little did I know back then, that I would be on the other side of the music stand today. In fact, when I was in high school, I claimed that I would never go into teaching. (Never say never...) I am happy to share my love of instrumental music with our students, and hope their passion grows through the years. There may even be a music teacher among them!


As this school year comes to a close, we look forward to the next season. Summer brings its own challenges and rewards. For some of our students, Summer Band is a fun opportunity to keep instrumental skills from getting rusty. Some students just love to play old favorites at home, and maybe even try some new songs in their lesson book. If you live near someone else who plays an instrument, get together and play duets - it can make practicing fresh and fun.


I look forward to starting another school year at OLA. Every year brings new faces, more friends, and hopefully, a bigger instrumental ensemble to our school. I thank all the families who participate in instrumental music at OLA, and especially the parents of our musicians who make our program possible. God bless all of you and keep you safe and happy this summer, ready to return with renewed spirit in the fall! 

The old adage, "practice makes perfect" sounds good, but is it true? Actually, only perfect practice makes perfect. In other words, if you do everything right in practice, your results will be good.


A more accurate wording for the adage is "practice makes permanent." Repetition will reinforce everything you are doing. If you practice a mistake, you risk making it a permanent mistake. I like to illustrate this by having students untie one shoe. Pretending that the way they've always tied it is wrong, I have them do opposites: if you cross the right lace over the left, switch it; if you make the loop in your left hand first, make it in your right hand instead. Try it yourself: you'll be amazed at how long it takes to undo what you've practiced for so long.


The same is true when learning to play an instrument. "Practiced mistakes" are much harder to correct than taking the time to read carefully and accurately the first time you play a new piece. Likewise, following instructions on elements like holding the instrument properly, breathing deeply through the mouth, tonguing and embouchure position is crucial to developing good playing habits. Taking the time to do it right will actually speed up the learning process, as less time will be devoted to fixing problems.


Now, go practice!