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Statement from Bonnie Blanchard's "Music for Life" is a unique book that goes beyond instrumental instruction to show step by step what makes a good teacher with skilled, committed students. Beginning and experienced teachers will find new tricks and inspiration here, to rekindle their love of teaching and music. Bonnie's tips and stories will show how to run a studio, motivate students, deal with stage fright, teach artistry and involve the whole family in music. This book is serious about music, but it's also fun - something that should always be part of good music instruction. |
"I was so impressed with the quality of Bonnie Blanchard's high school flute quartet that I invited them to perform a concerto with the Seattle Symphony. Their technique, tone, intonation, and musicality were extraordinary. Bonnie is an inspirational and motivating master teacher. The Music for Life series stands alone as an incredible resource for all professional musicians-whether performing or teaching. Music for Life deserves a standing ovation!"
"In the Music for Life series, Bonnie Blanchard shares the teaching tricks which have worked so well in her own studio to produce successful students who are energized about their lessons and their music. These books touch on all aspects of running a studio, how to motivate students and teach technique, and performing. Ms. Blanchard's entertaining style makes this series a thoroughly enjoyable read."
"It takes ability, intelligence, and imagination to be a great music teacher, but it also takes something more: a passion for awakening the musician inside each student.
Bonnie Blanchard has all of the above, and she is sharing the expertise of nearly 30 years of private teaching in "Music for Life" and "Flute for Life." You can always tell a Blanchard student: they are the ones with the intellectual curiosity, the ones who excel in (and out of) school, the ones who understand that discipline and fun are not mutually exclusive. They're also the ones who win competitions and get big college scholarships. Bonnie does not define results merely by prizes and scholarships, however, she teaches the whole student, with instruction that goes way beyond playing the flute to preparation for success in life.
These books distill the wisdom of much experience, and they cover every conceivable subject of interest to both music teachers and their students: how to inspire, how to practice, how to run a studio, how to deal with difficult music and people. Along with the tips, there are some eloquent student letters that clearly show how and why this teaching method works. Applicable to every field of musical endeavor, the "For Life" series also has good pointers for anyone involved in private teaching-athletic coaches, academic tutors, and (of course) parents."
"I have had the opportunity on several occasions to observe the results of Ms. Blanchard's teaching skills. Her students are extremely well prepared and handle themselves with confidence and dignity in presenting their various solos and ensembles. Their response to Ms. Blanchard's teaching was a clear picture of her well-defined teaching methods."
"Every year I hear hundreds of flutists from around the country and Bonnie Blanchard's students are a cut above. It is a pleasure to witness Bonnie's concern and commitment to her students. Her unique teaching style produces musicians with excellent playing skills who demonstrate a joy for music. Bonnie Blanchard delivers! I do not carry products in my store, but I will carry this book series and advocate it to the flute community."
"Bonnie Blanchard's Music for Life series is a practical and inspirational guide for both teachers and students. While she has a gift for teaching flutists, teachers of all instruments will benefit from learning her techniques to develop successful musicians who love what they do."
"Bonnie Blanchard is a highly successful flute teacher who is passionate about teaching music. In her four book series, Music for Life and Flute for Life, Ms. Blanchard draws on her extensive teaching experience to offer practical solutions to problems that teachers, students, and parents face in the music industry.
Many well-trained musicians have the desire to teach, but don't know the first thing about setting up a business. Here a seasoned professional offers a how-to manual that is both useful and fun to read."
"Bonnie Blanchard's teaching methods have universal appeal, and are relevant to an audience much wider than the music community. Her ideas will resonate with all teachers who believe that the most effective instruction occurs in the context of deeply engaged, interpersonal relationships.
Music for Life, her sophisticated pedagogical theory, will invigorate educators across the disciplines in a range of instructional scenarios, from private music studios to public schools to university research institutions. This book is a treasure to all of us who have dedicated our lives to the art of teaching."
Bonnie was introduced to Mr. Stephen West two years ago and showed him an early draft of Music for Life. He is enthusiastic about the project and has promised to help us in every way possible, including excerpting small portions on the Miyazawa website for promotion.