Author Archives: karlyndesteno

This excellent interview with Bill Frisell over on BigThink got me thinking about the benefits and drawbacks of different learning environments. Can all our musical skills be learned in lessons, or from a University? What important points might a self-taught … Continue reading →

This week on the Harmonious.ly blog, we discussed how to prepare for auditions. This comment from katiahayati reminded me of a few additional audition tips and tricks. At my last audition…I chose a song that was super-intro-singing-101 but that I … Continue reading →

Auditioning is a skill like any other. Over time, you can improve your auditions, just by making a few adjustments to how you prepare. Here are some simple tips to get you on the right track. Choose your piece carefully. … Continue reading →

If you’re looking for inspiration this summer, I highly recommend heading to Washington, D.C. for the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This is one of the richest, most diverse festivals out there, and it is absolutely not to be missed by … Continue reading →

If you are a teacher who users computer software to create printable sheet music, there’s good news. This week, MakeMusic Inc. announced its latest version of Finale, the premier music notation software, and the new version has several features that … Continue reading →

Are you ready to get started on a new instrument, but not ready to commit to purchasing one? Are you looking for an instrument for your child? Rental is a great and affordable option. Here are some tips to help … Continue reading →

Even if you know that practicing a piece slowly is the path to quick progress on an instrument, the temptation to speed up is hard to resist. Today’s post is a friendly reminded to stay in the slow lane. In … Continue reading →

In an effort to rebuild a once-forbidden musical culture, a group of Afghani musicians and international supporters are working this month to open the first music education institution in Afghanistan since before Taliban rule. In 2005, after becoming the first … Continue reading →

An ensemble coach once told me, in a moment of profound pre-performance anxiety back in college, “Don’t be nervous. It’s not about you. It’s about the music.” She was right. But it can be awfully challenging to focus on the … Continue reading →

In yesterday’s post, I talked about the importance of getting your new student making sound on their instrument during their first lesson. In this article, I offer a few extra tips on how to structure active music-making with a new … Continue reading →