by Darlene Abbott | Jan 16, 2019 | Behavior Management, Chorus/Choir, Performances, Pitch, World Music
I have heard many times that music is a universal language. I believe that to be true, but I recently had the opportunity to put it to the test. I just spent 10 days in Nepal doing a music camp and teaching English as a second language to moms. Forgive the blurred...
by Darlene Abbott | Apr 27, 2018 | Music Teacher Health, Performances, Philosophy
We all have different scenarios in our jobs and relationships at work. Relationships with coworkers and with students can be challenging but can also be rewarding. For just a moment, let’s focus on the lighter side of our profession. Let’s take just a...
by Darlene Abbott | Apr 23, 2018 | Assessment, Chorus/Choir, Listening, Movement, Pitch
Finding Their Voice Ready to give up on that tone-deaf student? Think again. Many scientists agree that everyone is born with some degree of musical potential. What happens between birth and age seven, however, can be the difference between tonal proficiency and tonal...
by Darlene Abbott | Dec 18, 2017 | Music Teacher Health
“Enjoy your break!” If I have heard it once, I’ve heard it a hundred times. Of course, everyone who says this phrase to me means well. For the most part, I believe they truly wish for me to enjoy my break. I used to struggle, like many people, to know how to take a...
by Darlene Abbott | Nov 4, 2017 | Behavior Management, Lesson Ideas, Thanksgiving
We are finally into November. It is the month of Thankfulness. How do we teach thankfulness? Well, let’s back up just a moment and ask “Do we need to teach thankfulness?” The answer is yes, but not because it makes us a nicer human. Because it is beneficial to the...
