No really, what is on your music stand?  If you are a musician or the parent of a musician, this is an important question.  A musician should be working on at least one piece of music that the musician selected to work on.  Yes it is very important for student musicians to work on warm ups, scales, method books, technique drills, etc..  If a musician has a recital, audition or competition then of course the musician should be working on preparing for the pieces specific to the event.  However, if a musician is not preparing for a major event it is also important for a student musician to explore a wide variety of music that is interesting to him or her!  There should be a balance for every music student of what is interesting, motivating and appealing to the student AND what the instructor believes will help the student continue to progress as a well rounded musician.  IF you believe that there is not a balance in your student musician’s assignments, talk to your instructor and or myself.  I am always willing to help find new and creative ways to inspire a student musician.  In fact, here are a few of the piano pieces I have learned recently in order to prepare for my students’ lessons… A Medley from the Halo 3 Video Games, The theme from the television show The Office, multiple pieces from Frozen 2 and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns & Roses.  These pieces were very fun to learn since my students were excited by them.

So, ask yourself and your musician “What’s on your music stand?” and consider adding more music that is appealing to your student musician.