Since the first “Calming the Practice Monster” event in Stratford last November, it has been clear to me that as teachers, parents and students, we need to take more time to listen and question each other about our individual perceptions of words and experiences. Too often we are simply making assumptions, which can lead to the "Practice Monster" making an appearance!

Now, the Practice Monster is packed and eagerly waiting to get on the plane for the Victoria (Feb. 4) and Vancouver (Feb. 5) “Calming the Practice Monster” workshops – the first in a series that I hope to take from coast to coast.

I’m looking forward to working with participants to explore practical tools that will encourage each one of us to consider the benefits of:

• establishing and maintaining musical process through agreements
• considering the social pleasures of making music
• exploring not practicing
• free improvisation
• joining the running finger club
• the social importance of a weekly master class
• ensemble playing
• students mentoring students
• technique or musical aerobics
• dry land training
• time management
• the walkie-talkie-talkie-walkie drill
• blocking your way to success
• a parent support group
• the S.O.S. drill
• deciding what is more important: notes, words or fingering
• believing that your imagination is your only limitation and that the finest instrument is the heart

I am reaching out to teachers (who might see the monster one day a week) to encourage parents and students (who might see the monster up to 6 times a week) to attend this musical adventure called “Calming the Practice Monster.”

Calming the Monster requires the teacher, parent and student to get involved. The first step is to invite each other as a musical team to attend this musical adventure.

I look forward to sharing, smiling, laughing and creating the fun that can be found in exploring music with students, their parents and teachers. If we all come together, acknowledge and inspire each other to consider the social pleasure and fun in music making, I know we can create an experience that will begin to Calm the Practice Monster in each of us.

For upcoming dates, and to register, please visit our online webform.

Paul Coates is Conservatory Canada’s Director of Outreach.