The F-flat Books Blog is a community-run blog exploring a variety of topics in music teaching and learning.
Browse posts by category or check out the most recent posts below.
Redefining the “dream job”: My journey back to teaching
If you had told my 20-something year old self that I would walk away from my “dream job” at the age of 30, I never would have believed you. When I was 23 years old, I was so fortunate to land the job of my dreams. Teaching high school chorus was the job I had thought about since I was in the eighth grade. I imagined myself being in that position until my retirement. However, life had other plans for me. The reality of teaching high school High [...]
Teaching Trans Singers: Rethinking the Basics
Theresa Thomasulo In recent years, it has become increasingly common for choral teachers to have transitioning and gender-fluid singers in their choirs. A quick online search will reveal some excellent literature centered on vocal pedagogy and transitioning voices. However, we should also consider the statistics surrounding mental health risks among transgender youth. While we may think that we are accommodating and inclusive of all our students, we need to take extra steps to ensure that students across the gender-identity spectrum feel safe, comfortable, and happy. [...]
What’s on my desk
While we are in the business of selling eBooks, it doesn't mean that we don't love our physical books! During my 12 month teaching sabbatical last year, I had more time to read, discover, and write. I've taken some of my favorite books and placed them on my desk, hoping that the lessons I've learned from these texts will stay with me when the days are long and I'm running out of inspiration. If you are looking for some good books to read over the upcoming holiday [...]
Music Beyond the Classroom: Interview with Latin Grammy winner, Jose Valentino Ruiz
This week, we're highlighting Jose Valentino Ruiz in our music beyond the classroom series. Not only is Jose one of our authors at F-flat books, he is an incredible musician who wears many hats. University professor, Latin Grammy and Emmy-winning producer and engineer, multi-instrumentalist, dad, husband---these all describe this incredible human being. The first time I met Jose, I was so impressed with his ability to communicate with passion and expertise. If I could bottle his energy, I would! Check out what Jose had to say about [...]
Allow me to introduce myself
There was a subtle but noticeable change when I received my PhD. I was not treated the same. I noticed parent emails were slightly more forgiving, and my opinion seemed to be more valuable than before those three letters followed my name. I noticed a similar change with my friends and colleagues from my PhD program. We were no longer students, we were experts (or, at least we were supposed to be). “What do you do?” Once I started attending and presenting at multiple conferences each year, I [...]
Music Beyond the Classroom: Interview with C.J. Blair
For the next installment of our Music Beyond the Classroom series, we're interviewing master-of-all-trades, C.J. Blair. In a whirlwind career in the music industry, C.J. has worn many hats: guitarist, guitar tech, front of house sound, engineer, and, most recently served as the production manager for Khalid's national and international tour this past year. From setting up a show at SNL, to managing a tour overseas, his work has taken him all over the globe. We asked him to share more about his work and how he got to the [...]
Writing is all about editing
Some people seem to think that it stops with the writing – you throw down a flurry of words in a whirlwind of creative enthusiasm and walk away. NO!!! Initial writing often involves pouring out emotions and ideas. If you’re writing on something you care about, chances are it’ll come thick and fast. Now is not the time for deliberation and over-thinking. Just write the things down, get it all out, and be sure to come back later to fix all your mistakes. However, editing and reviewing [...]
Music Beyond the Classroom: Interview with Composer, Richard Taylor
For the next installment of our "Music Beyond the Classroom" series, we sat down with composer, Richard Taylor. Richard studied composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in the UK, and has been working as a composer ever since. His credits include classical commissions and music written for the theater. Check out the music from his West End musical, Flowers for Mrs. Harris (video below), and his collaboration with an R&B artist, Shaquille Rayes (video at the bottom of the page). Thank you for sharing your [...]
The scariest thing in your music classroom
A few weeks ago, I was on a Facebook forum for music teachers. Someone posed a question about popular music education—the essence of the post was prodding at the philosophy of music educators and whether or not they view popular music as a valid area of study. And, more importantly, should teachers incorporate other types of teaching/learning into their music curriculum? I was completely fascinated as I read through the comments. There were many strong opinions in all directions. But, what surprised me the most had nothing to [...]
Want to learn guitar? Start here.
Creating a Companion Method Hi everyone! I’d like to take a few minutes to tell you about my new method book, The Oz Guitar Method. There are hundreds of guitar methods out there, but I decided to write this book based on research and positive results from my students over the years. While there are lots of great books out there, The Oz Guitar Method can work side by side with any other method books you may already be using. Many method books spend too little time and [...]
3 Tips on how to sell your eBook
So, you want to sell your eBook but don't know where to start? Perhaps you're an author on our site, perhaps not. Perhaps you write music eBooks, perhaps eBooks on underwater Parcheesi strategy. Regardless, It's my guess that what we have found works here at F-flat is applicable for other sites and subjects. And, hopefully, I can help you get your eBook selling with just a few tips. And, if they all seem to you as "well, duh, that's obvious" kind of tips; I can tell you for [...]
Music beyond the classroom: Interview with guitarist, Haley Powers
You should Follow Haley on Instagram Do you follow Haley Powers on Instagram? You need to. Not only will you see beautiful, sun-drenched videos of her playing guitar and sharing her board setup; you'll be inspired to be a better guitarist and all-around person. Haley Powers is a guitarist/blogger living in Nashville. She shares her work to help guitarists learn how to play better and build their brands. Aside from playing with a number of bands, she also is a social media guru and provides inspirational [...]