by Aaron Hansen | Aug 23, 2017 | Music Advocacy, Music Education
It’s been said a trillion times, and for good reason: practice is absolutely essential for growth as a musician. You can never expect to grow if you don’t understand the value of a good practice session. Marathon runners exercise every day in order to be prepared to...
by Aaron Hansen | Aug 18, 2017 | Music Education
Part 1: Amplitude and Volume Playing and listening to music raises all sorts of fascinating questions about how sound works: How can six cellos match the volume of 20 violins? Why is it that when a band is playing at the far end of the park, all I can hear are the...
by Aaron Hansen | Apr 13, 2017 | Kids & Movement, Music Education
While hearing music is enjoyable in its own right, the benefits of taking part in it highly outweigh those of just listening. Musical education during childhood can positively impact cognitive development, improve social skills, and increase academic achievement. And...
by Aaron Hansen | Jan 13, 2016 | Music Advocacy, Music Education
Article by John Keilman, Chicago Tribune An infamous chapter in Keilman family lore came when I was a disgruntled trumpet player in the junior high school band. My parents had forced me to take up an instrument and constantly badgered me to practice, but one day I...
by Aaron Hansen | Oct 15, 2015 | Band & Orchestra, Music Advocacy, Music Education
How do you know if you want to become a music teacher? Some students just know, and others make that decision when considering career options. For many students, sharing the joy of music becomes their passion. This tip sheet, Supporting Music Education: Choose to...
by Aaron Hansen | Oct 1, 2015 | Extraordinary Associate of the Month, Music Education
Minou Emmad is a piano student of Nik Jakob at West Music Coralville. She has been studying with Nik for five years. Minou is a 5th grader at Willowwind. Her musical goals include playing in an orchestra or jazz band. Her advice to other musicians is to have...
