The next generation. (Local Association News).(music teaching)(Brief Article)

After our state executive board meeting and state convention, I realized that about 3% of our state members enter the MTNA competitions, and about 5% of our members had students playing in various and assorted honors recitals at the state convention. Therefore, this leaves more than 90% of us doing a fantastic job teaching and challenging "regular" kids.

Would you be shocked to hear there are a few students who mix up their left and right hands, who confuse finger numbers and who are totally befuddled with the whole process of "counting"? Believe it or not, there also are some students who practice a half hour a week!

Our Greatest Challenge

We should strive to provide the best possible musical experiences for all students. If students have a pleasant and positive musical experience, then they, as parents, will make sure their children also have lessons. They might be tomorrow's school board members who will determine whether or not the school music programs will be cut or eliminated. They will be CEOs who might help fund music and arts programs and projects.

I would like to know about you--you in the neighborhoods, stores and schools who have these typical students and about some of the interesting, educational things you do for and with them. Please write to me and share what you do.

Here are a few ideas from local members:

* A Seattle, Washington, teacher took his students to the Seattle Drum School for group lessons.