"The Music Man"

I think I've got it down.  Beginning in 2008 with the bank, mortgage company, car dealership bail outs which affected the economy nationwide, I started feeling a crunch on my own piano teaching business.  It had not seemed an issue before, but suddenly I was having troubles getting piano students.  Suddenly teachers with little to no education or musical experience were able to attract the students.  I considered charging less money, but the idea was revolting, considering I felt I was charging too little already. 

The problem was how to convince people that paying a higher price for piano lessons would be worth it to them.  I experimented with different angles, different techniques, several failures, and a few successes.  Basically, I had to figure out how to meet with the parents and students and "close the sale." 

What it came down to was a strategy where I present to the customer (musician) how my studio is organized and run - what they can expect.  I go over my studio policies statement and explain it in detail.  This is not anything new.  I've used this statement for years.  I include my business card and my credentials:  B.Music, M.Music, NCTM, MTNA, UFMC.  I make sure they know that I have the knowledge behind me to do the job.  That is what's different.  Previously I hadn't advertised my credentials enough. 

Then, and this is a very new part, I sit the potential student at the piano, they play for me what they can, and I critique their performance.  I compliment them on what they can do well, and I make sure they know I recognize their efforts in good musicianship.  Then, I teach them things they've never heard of before:  balance, evenness, steadiness in playing, slurring, voicing, etc.  I drop as many performance terms as I think will let them know what I can do for them. 

Despite my aversion to salesmen, I have become one myself.  The difference between me and the ordinary salesman out there is that I am honest with them.  They are always doing something right in their playing, and I always can do something for them.

"Whispering a Prayer"

This is a piece of music that one of my music history students chose to analyze.  I was intrigued by how "vocal" the performer could make that guitar sound.  The student must have been intrigued by the guitar as well, but after analyzing it with the elements of music taught in the class, he concluded that the song is not made of much, which conclusion I will have to agree with, as he analyzed it correctly. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KUSkGeaUPU


Below is an analysis:

Melody:  conjunct moving into disjunct; two motivic-based phrases that form a period

Harmony:  Major

Rhythm:  Quadruple simple

Texture:  predominantly homophonic (melody in lead guitar with accompaniment in other instruments)

Timbre:  Keyboard, Lead Guitar - use of techniques:  slide, wobble, vibrato, Bass Guitar, 7-string Guitar, Drums, Cymbal

Expression:  Slow throughout except a few spots of quickness

Form:  Intro, Theme A, Theme A, Theme B, Theme A, Solo, Theme A/Outro

Genre:  Progressive Rock ?

Tithing Tales - I

I did my bills the other day, and things were looking okay.  My income barely covers my bills with a very little bit of miscellaneous to take care of unexpected things.  I even have a new student to add to the income, so I felt pretty good.  Then, I found out that three students were not coming in June, which makes sense that a new student would replace a student quitting.  That similar scenario has been my lot for six years.  I can't seem to increase my student load.  My Heavenly Father only gives me what he thinks I can handle because I will always do more than I can handle.  A couple days after finding out about these quitting students I was feeling burdened monetarily.  As I continued thinking about it, I was reminded by the Holy Ghost that my new student would cover one of those who is quitting.  Then, I also was reminded about my piano student at SLCC who I had forgotten to include in the budget done at the beginning of the month.  So, all is covered.  I need to let go of worrying about my money, once and for all.  I have innumerable experiences like this about tithing.  As long as I pay it, He will take care of me.