Rhonda Barfield teacher

Nervous When You Perform?

Nervous When You Perform?

Some people get very nervous when they perform. I'm one of them. My hands usually sweat a little, and often shake. My stomach churns. Two hours before the performance, I start asking myself why the heck I ever decided to play publicly, especially for all my students and their parents. 

Improvisation: A Lifesaver for Nick

Improvisation: A Lifesaver for Nick

My former student Nick is a talented actor. He performed in several plays growing up, and he knows how to improvise his way through onstage catastrophes such as missed lines, malfunctioning props and wardrobe, and unexpected disasters.

Spring Classical Recital: Celebrating 400 Years Of Music History

Spring Classical Recital: Celebrating 400 Years Of Music History

This last Saturday marked our 7th classical recital, with about a 20 students participating in this annual celebration of the music so amazing that it's lasted through the centuries: classical music. 

Three Ways To Keep Your Student Practicing

Three Ways To Keep Your Student Practicing

How does a parent deal with a child who’s resisting practicing? Here are some tips that may help.

Mom, I Want To Quit Piano: When To Let Them Stop Piano

Mom, I Want To Quit Piano: When To Let Them Stop Piano

“Mom, I want to quit piano lessons.” Every parent hears this sometimes, and I used to hear it a lot when raising our four children. None of them, including Eric, always liked to practice. And kids can often find an endless list of other activities that are more appealing.