Parent Resources

On-line links that can help you achieve!

• Note Trainer - www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/musictheory/trainers/html/id82_en.html
• Band Instrument Care - www.musiccenters.com/care.html
• Online Metronome - www.metronomeonline.com/
• Woodwind Fingering Charts - www.wfg.woodwind.org/
• Brass Fingering Charts - www.bandworld.org/pdfs/BWBrassChart.pdf
• MORE Fingering Charts - www.fingering-charts.com/
• Music Theory practice and lessons - www.musictheory.net/
• Percussion Rudiments - www.vicfirth.com/education/rudiments.php
• WAY MORE percussion stuff - www.vicfirth.com/education/
• Music Racer - www.musicracer.com/
• SpeedNote for Keyboard - www.vicfirth.com/education/keyboard/speednotereading.html
• Theta Music Trainer - trainer.thetamusic.com/
• Breathing Gym - www.jwpepper.com/9542666.item
• Instrument Care and Maintenance - www.hornsmasher.com/maintenancevideos.html
• SmartMusic practice system (the very best) - www.smartmusic.com/
• SmartMusic Videos for help - www.youtube.com/user/SmartMusicOfficial

Parents, activate your EEi account, linked to your student's account:

pdf EEi SEAS Parent Quick Start Guide(70 KB)

Guidelines for Effective Practicing

To learn a musical instrument you must learn to master many physical skills.  Your brain is reading notes on a page, while your fingers are contemplating which keys to press, all while your lungs are taking a big breath to blow through your instrument to create a sound.  A music student's job is to excercise those skills, remember what you've learned, and have fun in the process!

Helpful tips for your practice session:

• Warm up carefully.  Warm your embouchure (lip & mouth position) and instrument for good tone production.
• Select a time of day that is free from interruptions and use this time each day.
• Choose a place to practice that is free from distractions
• Set a goal for the session: a scale; an excercise; specific sections of a piece; or even a measure that is giving you trouble.  Work on it slowly, then build up to speed gradually.  Before leaving put it together with the rest of the line.
• Repetition of a problem area reinforces muscle memory.
• Use a metronome. (see below)