How to set any kind of goal for your child (or yourself!) One of the most valuable life skills that we could ever teach our kids is how to set, achieve, and exceed goals. We use this method here at OMA for our music lessons and classes. And I use it at home with my …
Top 5 Favorite Holiday Music Books One way you can help motivate your child to practice during the holidays is to encourage them to learn and play some holiday music for you at home. This is our top 5 list of favorite holiday music collections that we have come across over the years. As an …
This is the single most frequently asked question that parents ask me. And the most important thing to master in your household if you want your child to learn, love, and succeed with music long term. This is my best advice after two decades of helping thousands of music students and now homeschooling my own …
When your child has a music concert or recital coming up, there are some things that you can do at home to help prepare them. These few things will make it much more likely that they will have a successful and enjoyable experience performing in front of a live audience. Memorize the Piece There is …
Back to School, Back to School… Did anyone get the Adam Sandler/Billy Madison reference? It’s ok, it’s a really, really weird movie from the 90s that doesn’t make any sense anyway… This time of year means some adjustment to new schools, new schedules, new routines… all sorts of fun things for us parents! These are …
Why I don’t care if my kids love music No, I did not go off the deep end. I am not off my rocker. I still love my kids and I still love music. Just hear me out on this one… 😉 A while back, I heard a parent of a 3 year old say …
My kids don’t practice every week (and other confessions) It’s an absolutely beautiful summer day here in Oregon. I’m waking up to sunshine, getting breakfast on the table, getting the day going, and then I suddenly realize… my boys have their music lessons today. Then it hits me. (cue the music) Dun, Dun, Dun… They …
When I meet someone new and they find out I’ve been a musician for almost 35 years. And I’ve been teaching music for over 25, the conversation eventually turns to their own experience with music. And I’ve found that when it comes to music, there are basically two types of people: People that say they’re …
What makes musical people different from non-musical people?Read More »
When it comes to music, what determines success? It’s not talent. It’s not musical parents. It’s not friends that are musical. It’s not even the right method. or an expert teacher. So what is it? In this article I’m going to show you the secret formula for helping your kid learn, love, and succeed with …
Practicing a musical instrument can be an overwhelming thing for kids and parents. One of the biggest questions/concerns from parents of kids getting started with music classes or private lessons is: Will my kid practice? And what should I do if I encounter resistance from my kid to practicing? These are legitimate concerns. After all, …
The Only Advice You Need to Get Started with Practicing MusicRead More »
Riding a bike is like… well… riding a bike. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a skill you have for your entire life. This simple truth applies to riding a bicycle as well as learning to play a musical instrument. But learning music is like riding a bike in more ways than one. …
Keeping your family safe is important to us. The main way we do this on a day to day basis at Oregon Music Academy is through the work we do screening, hiring, and training our certified music teachers that teach music lessons at our Tigard music school. But why stop there? Several of our team …
The families that choose the Oregon Music Academy believe that music lessons should be an enjoyable experience. This includes the idea that at home practice should be a safe time and place for learning and growth. It’s vital to your child’s long term enjoyment and success with music and life that you avoid these top …
The end of the summer is quickly approaching. It’s a busy time of year here at Oregon Music Academy with new students signing up for music lessons for the school year. It’s also a time when families try to squeeze in a last minute vacation. Do you have a long family road trip coming up …