Author Archives: Johnny Matlock

FOR THE GOOD OF THE STUDENTS

The issues facing public school educators are real, daunting, and complex.  Certainly adequate funding for public schools is a huge issue today but naively blaming budget cuts for every ill misses the mark.  I feel that lack of funding may be systemic of other issues.  We seem to be in the midst of a cultural […]

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PERFECT PRACTICE RULES: TRY SUPERMODELING;INSIST THEY “WALK THIS WAY”;MODEL SKINNY PARTS

#18 SUPERMODELINGWe have all had moments when our modeling for students was less than super and the student performance reflected it.  When I model vocally a passage from a piece and tell my students “like this,” I better make sure my body alignment, breath, vowels, soft-palate, diction, and body language are what I want.  Students […]

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Who Am I? A Music Educator

Music has always existed in my life.  My earliest childhood memories are of the family, my parents and grandparents on both sides, getting out the hymn books and singing hymns, a cappella, in four part harmony.  We especially enjoyed a “new hymn” where we could test our sight-reading skills.  Later, I would accompany those hymn […]

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A SPECIAL TUNING

I enjoyed my summer morning tremendously.  It was a well-kept 1980 Baldwin R, which tuned up nicely. But what made it so special were the conversations with Jacob. This is Jacob’s practice piano.  A former Full Chord Press student of mine, a graduate from TMP only a few weeks, and headed to KU in the […]

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The Traveler’s Gift

Read “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andy Andrews this past weekend. Inspirational and challenging, this book is subtitled “Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success.” These seven nuggets are revealed in a creative story. Story is a powerful tool that makes remembering and applying these truths easier. Plus it is a fun and easy read. I challenge […]

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PRACTICE PERFECTS RULES: NAME IT, INTEGRATE THE SKILL, MODEL AND DESCRIBE

  PRACTICE PERFECT RULE #11: NAME IT Name each skill or technique you have identified as an important building block for outstanding performance. Monitor the use of this shared vocabulary: use the names, ask staff to use them, and then ensure that the names are being used correctly. Create a name for warm-ups, technique drill, […]

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