Instruments that I Can Play

People often ask ask me how many instruments that I can play. Its time that I counted.
1. Flute(s) (my primary instrument) I own many including (1)Muramatsu concert flute (2) Gemeinhardt Piccolo (3) 19c. piccolo. (4) 19c Flute with Ivory headjoint (5) Shakuhachi traditional Japanese endblown flute.
(6) Chinese Djeri - bamboo membrane flutes in a variety of keys
2. Clarinet(s) Bb soprano and Bb Bass
3. Saxophone(s) Alto, Soprano, Tenor, C Melody
4. Percussion, drums ( my first instrument)
5. Guitar, Bass Guitar
6. Violin, upright bass
7. Piano, organ

to be continued...

Teaching Talent

I have found that male kindergarteners have more trouble learning the violin than females. A male kindergartener student of mine, who has struggled to learn "Variation A" of "Twinkle-Twinkle," but admitts to never practicing, once complained that I was "making his music bad" when I attempted to assist him in proper holding of his instrument as he played the piece. I have yet to figure out if he thinks that the way he plays is enjoyable (jaw clenching to my ear) and correct (mostly incorrect, due to lack of practice the right way). Then I realized that he is struggling because he finds it impossible to translate what he knows about the music, from having heard it so many times, straight to his own violin. When we play the game, "Name that Wrong Note!" he "buzzes in" at every wrong note, for the first 5 songs in the Suzuki book, but only knowing how to play only one of them (and not that well). He will eventually conquer his struggles the more he plays Twinkle-Twinkle and realizes that it IS easy, he CAN do it, so "Lightly Row" should come easier after this realization, and every song to follow.
When I told an older student of mine that she could pick up a few tips from her younger brother, she was offended, but I knew it was because he had been exposed to Suzuki longer than she had, with more experience in listening than playing.
-Allison Trumbo

Why do you play music?

Why do I teach music? Is it beacause I was inspired by a teacher in 6th grade? Mr. Smith was my Fine Arts teacher at Wm. P. Gray school back in '68 he was perhaps my first mentor. I wanted to be in the same club as The Beatles and all of the other rock groups from the 60's and 70's. In the 60's I played the drums, in the 70's I played the Flute and my band Director was Robert Grubbe, of Foreman H.S., Chicago. Band students either hated Grubbe or loved him. He advised me to study Flute with Janet Bergman and that was a good choice. He also advised me against studying music in College. I wonder if I had made the right choice. I have always been proud to be a musician. Some of my customers have said that their children are not in it for the music they are in it to become a better student. At the same time I developed the concept for my "USP" or unique selling proposition-"MAKING MUSIC MAKES US SMARTER"

Music House, Inc sells success and the chance to be a musician, the chance to be a genius, gifted, and special. This is the end product and creating music is the means.

Non Profit?

Will my business expand and prosper as a not-for-Profit? To do what Music House used to do in the 50's-80's this may be an important step. Music House and I must evolve and adapt to the changing world. Please comment.

Music House Chicago

I invite anyone to comment and help to create a musical class, program, request a song to learn or a similar. A needs based assesment is necessary for success for students, teachers, and administration. Our school and businessI of course will edit, censor, and control offensive language and protect students, customers, students, and children.

Links: www.musichouseinc.com