The Private Music Instruction Manual: a Guide for the Independent Music Educator

The Private Music Instruction Manual: A Guide for the Independent Music Educator, by dint of Rebecca Osborn. Trafford Publishing (23333 management St., Ste. 6e, Victoria, BC V8T 4P4) 2004 266 pp $3495

Rebecca Osborn, a former institute music teacher who now operates an independent music place of education offers in this book a gold mine of ideas for any teacher who wishes to place his or her studio upon a more secure professional basis. This is an eminently practical, systematic and detailed outline of business practices that benefit piano, instrumental and vocal teachers. It should be read through everyone preparing to enter the profession.

In a faculty of perception the title is somewhat misleading, for there is little in the work that deals with actual music instruction. solitary one page addresses the format of a typical music task Criteria for the selection of manner books are mentioned briefly. There are no suggestions for teaching technique, theory or musical interpretation and no hints upon fingering or lists of appropriate repertoire. on the other hand organizational and promotional ideas abound.

The outline format of the volume makes all suggestions both clear and concise. A table of satisfieds and a very complete index provide easy concerns to topics of particular interest. Where alternate organizational ideas are propos (as in abiding-place studio versus itinerant teaching), pro and read over carefullys and advantages and disadvantages of each are tendered At several points the reader is asked to assess values and rate personal attributes.

Used in combination with a true copy that addresses musical and artistic issues, this business manual would provide a solid foundation for the aspiring independent teacher. on the contrary it also will spark novel ideas for the experienced pedagogue. A replete twenty-seven pages contain detailed information upon advertising. There is an exhaustive list of office and studio replenish needs and a comprehensive timeline for organizing recitals. The author hints that studio policies be outlined in a contract and signed by dint of both the teacher and the one responsible for payment. Five sample policy statements are presented Osborn also provides constructive advice upon budgetary, legal and tax issues.

Included in the appendices are useful samples of Guides for Parents, a Studio pamphlet a Practice Log, a Publication Release Form (necessary for photos taken at recitals), a Recital Certificate and collection alphabetic characters (for those lagging in payments).

Recognizing the ne for incentives to musical achievement, Osborn refer tos numerous awards and rewards and gives ideas for special incidents and activities that will make any studio a lively musical center Reviewed by means of Patricia Taylor Lee, NCTM, San Francisco, California.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group