Creative Musical Musings

Beyond “Just Playing the Song”: The Magic of Flexible Fiddling Building Blocks

Most string orchestra arrangements follow a predictable path: the students open the music, learn their specific notes, and "play the song." While that builds reading skills, it often misses the most exciting part of being a musician—creativity. When I designed...

Bringing Creativity to the String Orchestra: Join Me at ASTA 2026!

Do you want happy, engaged students who can’t wait to get to orchestra rehearsal? We all know the challenge: in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation, how do we prepare our students to think on their feet? The answer lies in creativity. Encouraging creative...

Why Returning Pianists Feel Stuck (Hint: It’s Not Your Fault)

You decided to sit back down at the keys. You remembered the basics. You can still read the treble clef, and you might even remember that big "showpiece" you played for a recital when you were twelve. But then you hit a wall. You can "decode" the notes, but you can't...
Why is Music Good for Children?

Why is Music Good for Children?

There are many reasons that music lessons are valuable for children. These benefits can be grouped as emotional, social, and cognitive. Music’s benefits are too big to ignore! Emotional Benefits of Learning Music The emotional benefits of learning music are many....

Is Flexible Fiddling For You?

Is Flexible Fiddling For You?

Recently I decided to learn to fiddle. I wanted to play by ear and improvise. Of course, I had played fiddle tunes off printed music. But I wanted to have more insights into the history and style of this music. And I wanted to pass this music on to my students. I...