How do you motivate a child to practice their instrument? The reality is that most children struggle with practice and some actively resist it. In this workshop, you will learn how motivation actually works, what drives a child to make music with joy, and how you can create the right environment for that to happen. The result is a child who is more eager to play their instrument and stronger connections between the teacher, parent and child.

Join us for a lively discussion about how children throughout time became inspired to make music. You will hear stories of musicians such as J.S. Bach, Julie Andrews, and Bruce Springsteen, and how their musically rich childhoods gave birth to their lifelong love affair with music. We will also explore the power of role models and simple things you can do to get kids excited about music.

Is your child struggling with music practice? In this workshop, you learn how to best support your child’s music practice at home. You will learn all about motivation, how to develop strong habits, and specific techniques you can use right away that will have a profound impact on your child’s music-making. The result is a better understanding of the learning process so that practice is more effective, efficient, and easier.

What can Yo-Yo Ma, Elton John, and Dolly Parton teach us about inspiring kids to make music? Plenty, despite their very different backgrounds. The similarities in their early environments reveal the passion that each of these accomplished artists developed for music and their ability to sustain it throughout their lives. This lively and informative talk explores the childhood experiences of great musicians like Mozart, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Mariah Carey, and the common elements that laid the foundation for their lifelong love affair with music. Barbie’s many years of interviewing and researching musicians of all genres inspired her to develop an effective yet simple blueprint teachers and parents can use to create a stimulating, musically rich environment that will awaken and deepen a child’s love for music.

Both parents and teachers play a vital role in the success of the student. But they are sometimes unclear about who should be doing what and how to motivate students. This workshop for parents and teachers clarifies their respective responsibilities, eliminating the confusion and frustration that can result in students who quit. Join music educator and parent Barbie Wong to learn how parents and teachers can work together to dramatically and positively impact the student’s motivation and musical development. She will identify which tasks belong to the parent, teacher, and student, and how they can negotiate and work together most effectively. The result is students who flourish, enjoy their lessons, practice more consistently, and develop into adults with a deep love for music.

Tackling difficult situations in the music studio requires finesse and strategic decision-making. In this engaging session, music teachers will gain valuable insights into compassionate and practical approaches for handling diverse scenarios. We will explore effective techniques for situations such as addressing important issues with parents and students, mastering the art of gracefully terminating lessons when needed, and implementing fair and efficient tuition collection practices. By embracing these skills, music teachers can cultivate a successful and fulfilling teaching experience, ensuring harmony within the studio environment so that students can thrive.