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That’s So Random
Mike Lawson | August 3, 2018During the warm-up chorale, I point to my ear periodically to remind students that it is THEIR job to play in tune.
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Time for Timers
Mike Lawson | July 16, 2018Still fighting the time battle? Nearly every student in your band program has their own smart phone or a tablet.
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Have a Time Trial
Mike Lawson | May 11, 2018Assign a method book exercise that gets the fingers/slides moving.
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Improving Your Speed Using a Metronome
Mike Lawson | April 5, 2018Set your metronome to 60 bpm (beats per minute), one note each second.
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See me, hear me…
Mike Lawson | March 2, 2018When learning and rehearsing a new piece with your ensemble, allow them to have access to a recording AND a score in rehearsal, and online. They can study their parts and realize how they fit within the entire aural texture. During rehearsal, I use my computer and a school projector. Outside of rehearsal, students can […] Read More... -
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…
Mike Lawson | February 2, 2018Don’t start playing until you are ready; mentally and physically prepare to commence. Too often, younger players try to begin playing before they are actually “set” to begin, resulting in poor entrances, missed rhythms and notes, and an array of other inaccuracies that otherwise might not occur if they simply take a moment to prepare. […] Read More... -
The Goldilocks Method
Mike Lawson | January 8, 2018To get beginners to understand quantitative playing skills like air, tonguing, and embouchure, I use the 3 bears analogy and tell students to “find baby bear.” This accelerates learning and makes it interesting. Phrases like “You’re blowing like Papa Bear, use less air and keep it moving” or “Your tongue is like Mama Bear and is […] Read More... -
Pencil Pushing
Mike Lawson | December 6, 2017If you’re having a problem playing a certain passage, set out an empty glass with 10 pencils on the side.
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Don’t Start Playing Until You Are Ready, Mentally and Physically
Mike Lawson | November 6, 2017Too often, younger players try to begin playing before they are actually “set” to begin, resulting in poor entrances, missed rhythms and notes, and an array of other inaccuracies that otherwise might not occur if they simply take a moment to prepare.
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10-Minute Brass Warmup
Mike Lawson | October 4, 2017Brass players, warm up on your mouthpiece only.
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Passing the Buck
Mike Lawson | September 8, 2017My long-time sax repair man showed me a trick that has saved me a lot of money on pad replacements.
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Playing Tip of the Month: Taking AIM
Mike Lawson | August 11, 2017Having worked with elementary band students for the past 26 years, I have found that having my Woodwind and Brasswind students think of the acronym AIM (Air in Motion) works a lot better than asking them to “support their air,” which can mean several things and become confusing.
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