DIY In-service Part 6, Practice the Easy Stuff

Let’s face it, we rarely have time to practice enough, and most of the music we give our students is well below our own performance level.  But, even if you can play circles around Beethoven Op. 110, spend some time and really practice the F major sonatina you plan to teach that day.  Make it sound this good. Work up a good G Major scale, and make it really good.  Check your technique to make sure it looks fantastic, strive for just the right sound, the right balance, and consistent articulation.

Many of us forget that our students don’t often get to hear us play, at least not like we can at our best.  In the days between lessons, our students’ ears are filled with the sound of their own playing.  They become accustomed to their own sound and technique, good and bad.  Make sure they’re reminded of what a great scale or Mozart minuet can really sound like.  They’ll be amazed and inspired, and you may well be surprised at the insights you gain into what your students do during the week and what it takes to make “the easy stuff” sound like it could belong on stage at Carnegie.