Music of Andrew F. Poor

There is probably no greater part of my job than starting young musicians on the journey of learning to play an instrument. The first few weeks these students play an instrument are critical to the potential success (or failure) of that journey. Here are some resources and techniques I have utilized to help my students get off to a great start. I believe that one of the most important components of my approach is to allow students to focus on only one task/skill at a time and then scaffold those skills. I strive to check every individual at least once a day during these early stages. This does slow the progress of class, but helps to ensure that all students are meeting the standards. In addition, I avoid having the students play in large groups until a greater mastery of sound is achieved by the student; the goal is groups of 5-15, but no larger. Three Points of Posture Feet flat! So you can stand without moving your feet.  Stand from the waist up. Push off from the back o...

This is a summarized version of a clinic that myself and Dr. Steven Tyndall gave at the 2009 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.  Click this link if you are interested in the full handout from the clinic,  http://nebula.wsimg.com/14ee473521229f7b2d28c4c0bd7f485c?AccessKeyId=8A07B23F9D49DAA23B98&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 Building Block 1-On your mark! Get set...   Go slowly and be thorough in the beginning. It is important to s pend some time on basic reading/notation. You can g ive students written material to review while you are working with different sections. Be extra careful when setting the  embouchure-make graduating to the instrument an accomplishment. You must cover proper instrument maintenance from the beginning. I insist that that they be able to show me how to: properly assemble, swab, oil valves, care for a slide etc... Be insistent on proper hand positions and posture. Have you ever tried to fix bad right-hand positions...