Week 10: Off to the Races

This week, I had my most jam-packed lesson ever!  I taught three book exercises in less than 20 minutes, which was a challenge in itself.  However, I also taught concert A-flat in both the lower and higher octaves, which was a serious challenge for all of the different instruments that I have in the class.  It involved changing embouchures, using register and octave keys, and listening very carefully to each other.  Not only did we have to get through the songs, but we also had to cover the new notes, accidentals, and repeat signs as concepts. It was a serious lesson in pacing!  However, I think it was a great experience and that, relatively, it went pretty well.  It did feel somewhat like a Blitzkrieg style lesson, but the students remained focused for just about all of it and were very receptive to what I had to teach.  I feel so lucky to have such talented and respectful musicians in my class, and I feel much better about my ability to pace a lesson after having success with a day like this past week!