Blog | The Catoctin School of Music | Loudoun County, VA

Nov 12, 20212 min read

The Overlooked, Underappreciated Music Binder

The most important thing next to practicing your instrument is being organized. If students do not have a method for keeping track of their

Oct 21, 20212 min read

The Bowed Psaltery!

Let’s get to know CSM’s Folk Instruments! Today’s instrument is the Bowed Psaltery – a super cool stringed instrument dating back to the...

Sep 17, 202110 min read

Music App Review: “Piano Maestro” by JoyTunes - Embracing Technology and Sparking Motivation

Ask any seasoned music teacher what they view as one of the most critical elements for success in music lesson and the words “motivation”...

Aug 20, 20212 min read

The "Tank Drum" - Getting to know CSM's Folk Instruments!

Let’s get to know CSM’s Folk Instruments! Today’s instrument is the Tank Drum – also known as the tongue drum, or hank drum. What is a...

Jul 23, 20215 min read

Take Note: A Short Pencil is Always Better Than a “Long” Memory!

How good is your memory?...One simple yet oft neglected way to help remember and correct mistakes is to simply take notes!

Jul 7, 20213 min read

Not Just Another Activity

Music lessons should not be viewed as just another activity. An example of this are students that sign up for summer (only) music lessons...

May 20, 20215 min read

The Wisdom of the Warm-Up: The MOST Important Thing You Do in Music!

What would you say is the most important aspect of exceling in music? Daily practice? Is it mastering technique? Developing artistry and...

Apr 20, 20213 min read

An Argument for Encouraging Music Students to Develop Their Vocabulary Skills

As musicians, we understand the importance of expression when it comes to interpreting a piece. As teachers, we want to help our students...