Monday, March 30, 2020
We are here to serve you through thick and thin. Despite the challenges of the current health crisis, and despite the closures of the majority of our stores, the team at Palen Music Center is working to find innovative ways to carry on business. Our Ed Reps are working from remote and many of our repair technicians have set up their benches at their home shop. As a result, all basic business is covered and all questions, emails, and calls are being answered. We have shifted our lessons to online platforms, and our admin and accounting teams are working from home. Our warehouse is still open, which means that we are able to fulfill orders that come through our palenmusic.com website.
One of the things we are actively doing right now is to communicate with our directors to answer questions, tie up loose ends, and look ahead at what is coming up. We are trying to address instrument testing and recruiting questions, rental display scheduling questions, and how to assist with virtual learning and content. If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to your Ed Rep, or you can always contact me at [email protected].
We wish you, your families, and your students safety and health during this crisis. We are doing our part by having as many people working from remote while still keeping our operations moving forward. Thank you so much for your support and understanding during this unprecedented time.
Eric Matzat, President - Palen Music Center, Inc.
[email protected]
As we delve into this new challenge of teaching our music students online, here is a list of apps, websites, and YouTube videos that might aid in your instruction. One thing to remember is that not all students will have access to high-speed internet, so different activities may be needed to give students the opportunity to still be successful. In addition to the ideas below, you could also send out links to YouTube videos of performances that your students could watch for 10 minutes and provide guided-listening worksheets to go with them.
SmartMusic
SmartMusic will be allowing free access through June 30, 2020 to schools impacted by the Covid-19 virus. Visit www.smartmusic.com for details.
Sight Reading Factory
This is a great website, and they are also offering free access. Email them at [email protected] for details.
Monster Musician Reader (App for IOS)
They have made all of the books free while the Covid-19 virus is impacting us. Students should click Purchase, but the cost is $0.00. It is very similar to SmartMusic. The students play along with exercises; the notes turn red if they are wrong, green if they are correct. A score is given at the end. It's also like a video game. (I had a lot of fun with this while I was researching!) Best of all, it can be used with voice or any band/orchestra instrument!
How to Tune Your String Instrument
D'Addario Core video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ldJqhktJWoU.
Daily Brass Warm-up Livestream
Jupiter artist Harry Watters has begun hosting a daily warm-up livestream, focusing on the fundamentals for brass musicians of all levels. Lasts about 20 minutes! These are archived on his YouTube channel for viewing anytime. https://youtu.be/-jbkFqDuYac
Vic Firth Rudiments
This is a great online tool for your percussionists to practice their rudiments. https://vicfirth.zildjian.com/education/40-essential-rudiments.html
Music Lessons (Tips for remote learning)
If you are going to ask students to send you recordings, this 5 minute video is a good one to have them watch before they record themselves. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PgT9TXExC-Q
Ideas with No Technology Required
Practice at Home Bingo Practice Sheets, teach an adult to play your instrument, go back to the beginning of your book and review, put on a mock recital for your family.
 | Bridgett Randolph received her B.M.E. from Central Methodist University and her M.Ed. from William Woods University and is currently the Educational Representative for Palen Music Center out of Columbia, MO. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Randolph taught instrumental music for eighteen years. She was the Director of Bands at Orrick R-XI Schools, Mid-Buchanan R-V Schools, Southern Boone County R-I Schools, and Smithton Middle School in Columbia Public Schools. Mrs. Randolph's bands consistently earned Superior ratings at MSHSAA State Music Festivals and marching band competitions, her students were selected to All-District and All-State ensembles, and her Smithton Middle School 7th grade band was selected as a performing ensemble to the 75th MMEA Conference. Bridgett was named MVP of Palen Music Center in 2018. |
| (417) 882-7000 | (573) 256-5555 | (816) 792-8301 |
| (417) 781-3100 | (405) 896-8111 | (479) 464-8877 |
| (918) 286-1555 | (636) 229-1904 | (417) 882-7000 |