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<h2>How to Support Your Child's Music Practice (Even If You're Not a Musician)</h2><h3>Supply the Essentials</h3><p>Make sure your child has access to an instrument, headphones/ear buds, and a dedicated practice space.&nbsp;</p><h3>Establish a Routine with Dynabuddy</h3><p>Dynabuddy videos are an excellent resource to help your child establish a consistent practice routine. Have music practice occur before or after something they regularly do to make it part of the day.&nbsp;</p><h3>Encourage Daily Practice</h3><p>5 minutes a day is much better than an hour or two once a week. I often tell students "If there was a magic trick to learning music it would be to do it every day"</p><p>Even a few minutes of practice each day can make a huge difference.&nbsp;</p><h3>Show Genuine Interest</h3><p>Show curiosity about what they're learning. Ask them to play their favorite pieces for you and discuss their progress.</p><p>Have conversations about the music they enjoy listening to. Discuss different genres, artists, and instruments.</p><p>Ask your child to teach you what they're learning. This is a great way to reinforce their knowledge and build confidence.</p><figure id="figure-x5iy6mf7xklzevptk2"><img id="x5iy6mf7xklzevptk2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/679546600/photo/small-steps-big-changes.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=5Cf2xdlfkepMul6P3EKniKpQkFxJL5SVHPafr-FKKes=" alt="Small Steps Big Changes" title="Small Steps Big Changes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/679546600/photo/small-steps-big-changes.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=5Cf2xdlfkepMul6P3EKniKpQkFxJL5SVHPafr-FKKes=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3><br></h3><h3>Embrace the Learning Process</h3><p>Learning an instrument takes time and patience. Help your child understand that progress is gradual and that mistakes are a natural part of the process.</p><h3>Explore Musical Preferences</h3><p>Explore different genres and artists together. This is a fun way to bond and discover new music.</p><p>Attend concerts together. Live music can be a great source of inspiration and motivation.</p><figure id="figure-yo5tiorefplzevpvqi"><img id="yo5tiorefplzevpvqi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1359079351/photo/mother-with-her-child-enjoyijng-time-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QAjiN2uPAvBLDhH4rTa6kbFPeJBsKgwHk7Vep8Oh5CE=" alt="Mother with her child enjoyijng time at home" title="Mother with her child enjoyijng time at home" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1359079351/photo/mother-with-her-child-enjoyijng-time-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QAjiN2uPAvBLDhH4rTa6kbFPeJBsKgwHk7Vep8Oh5CE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Remember, it's a Process!</h3><p><br></p>

How to Support Music Practice

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<h2>Why Use Practice Templates?</h2><p>Practice templates can be a game-changer for young musicians. They provide structure, variety, and a clear roadmap for progress. Think of it like cross-training for sports: engaging with different musical skills strengthens overall musicianship and makes practice more enjoyable.</p><h3>Efficiency:</h3><p>Templates ensure practice time is used effectively, targeting essential skills.</p><h3>Variety:</h3><p>Different activities keep practice engaging and prevent boredom.<br>Understanding: A well-rounded approach leads to a deeper understanding of music.</p><h3>Fun:</h3><p>When kids understand what they're doing, they're more likely to enjoy it!</p><h2>Practice Templates for Different Levels</h2><p>Here are some sample templates to get you started. Remember, adjust them based on your child's specific needs and interests:</p><h3>Beginning Students (15-30 Minutes)</h3><p>&nbsp;<strong>Warmup</strong>: &nbsp;Get Ready or Power Up (3-5 minutes)</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>Music Theory</strong>: Inside Info (3-5 minutes)</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>Rhythm</strong>: &nbsp;Sync Up or Catch The Groove (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Sight-reading</strong>: Mix It Up, All Together Now, or Bonus Level (3-5 minutes)</p><h3>Intermediate Students (30-45 Minutes)</h3><p>&nbsp;<strong>Warmup</strong>: Get Ready (3-5 minutes)</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>Music Theory</strong>: Inside Info (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Rhythm</strong>: &nbsp;Sync Up or Catch The Groove &nbsp;(3-5 minutes)</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>Ear Training</strong>: Play By Ear (3-5 minutes)</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>Sight-reading</strong>: Mix It Up and All Together Now (6-10 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Improvisation</strong>: Make A Beat or Your Choice (3-5 minutes)</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>Technique</strong>: Power Up (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Sight-reading</strong>: Power Up or Bonus Level (3-5 minutes)</p><h3>Advanced Students (45-60 Minutes)</h3><p><strong>Warmup</strong>: Get Ready (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Music Theory</strong>: Inside Info (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Rhythm</strong>: &nbsp;Sync Up and Catch The Groove (6-10 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Ear Training</strong>: Play By Ear (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Sight-reading</strong>: Mix It Up and All Together Now (6-10 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Improvisation</strong>: Make A Beat (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Sight-reading</strong>: All Together Now (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Technique</strong>: Power Up (3-5 minutes)</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Sight-reading</strong>: Bonus Level (3-5 minutes)</p><h2>Tips for Using Practice Templates:</h2><h3>Be Flexible: </h3><p>Adapt the templates to fit your child's specific needs and interests.<br></p><h3>Set Goals: </h3><p>Help your child set realistic practice goals for each session.</p><h3>Track Progress: </h3><p>Keep a record of practice sessions to track progress and celebrate achievements.<br></p><h3>Make it Fun: </h3><p>Encourage your child to explore and experiment within the structure of the template. Make them your own!<br></p><p><br></p>

Effective Practice Templates for Music Students: A Guide for Parents

<h2>Introduction to the Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument</h2><p>Learning to play an instrument creates benefits beyond just having fun making music. It can help your child with other school subjects, boost self-esteem, release stress, learn to solve problems creatively. <br></p><figure id="figure-f8h1j9g3msly4vs7oy"><img id="f8h1j9g3msly4vs7oy" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1279905565/photo/confident-asian-teenage-girls-playing-brass-instruments-in-music-class-in-school.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Wgc3mQhxyvK0YebcUglVe3gY_8rZWls1mc689DHkYUw=" alt="Confident Asian teenage girls playing brass instruments in music class in school" title="Confident Asian teenage girls playing brass instruments in music class in school" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1279905565/photo/confident-asian-teenage-girls-playing-brass-instruments-in-music-class-in-school.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Wgc3mQhxyvK0YebcUglVe3gY_8rZWls1mc689DHkYUw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits</h2><h3>Enhances Memory and Cognitive Skills</h3><p>Playing a musical instrument can improve memory and enhance cognitive skills. Studying music helped me learn to focus and showed me that regular practice leads to improvement. I high school I applied this approach to other subjects and found that "practicing" math, english, or chemistry helped me in those classes. <br></p><h3>Release Stress and Anxiety</h3><p>Music is powerful. Playing an instrument can be a great way to release stress and just feel better. I was a frustrated teenager who found an outlet for my stress and frustrations through music. I'd come home from school and play my drums for hours just because it felt so good. I had no ambitions about being a professional musician; drumming just made me feel OK. <br></p><h2>Social and Emotional Benefits</h2><h3>Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence</h3><p>Learning an instrument can boost your child's self-esteem and confidence. Performing in front of an audience or just playing for friends and family can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. <br></p><figure id="figure-on04zvnkpdly4vs7oy"><img id="on04zvnkpdly4vs7oy" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1250533409/photo/hand-writing-music-notes-on-a-score-on-blackboard-with-white-chalk-musical-composition-or.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9dvltLVKr-NZTJ4e58dKsEYACHfM-TzC7b4dTVbgYDk=" alt="Hand writing music notes on a score on blackboard with white chalk. Musical composition or training or education concept." title="Hand writing music notes on a score on blackboard with white chalk. Musical composition or training or education concept." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1250533409/photo/hand-writing-music-notes-on-a-score-on-blackboard-with-white-chalk-musical-composition-or.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9dvltLVKr-NZTJ4e58dKsEYACHfM-TzC7b4dTVbgYDk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Improves Social Skills</h3><p>Making music with people requires working with others. It could be online electronic music, a garage band, school band, orchestra, or other ensemble. This can enhance your child's social skills, communication, problem solving, and empathy.</p><h2>Educational and Professional Advantages</h2><h3>Enhances Academic Performance</h3><p>Research has shown that students who learn a musical instrument often perform better academically. The discipline and focus that comes from practicing an instrument can transfer into improved study habits and better performance in school. Ansel Adams, the photographer who became famous for his black and white pictures of nature, learned his attention to detail from learning classical piano. <br></p><h3>Scholarship Opportunities</h3><p>Learning to play music can lead to college scholarship opportunities. College music programs need talented players to perform in marching bands and other various ensembles. This can help your child get into a good college, be involved in music, and recieve a discount on tuition for any field of study. <br></p><figure id="figure-e8eujnea5nly4vs7oy"><img id="e8eujnea5nly4vs7oy" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599866193011-348f9eb29868?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxtdXNpYyUyMHRlYWNoZXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE5OTUzMjk0fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="music teacher" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599866193011-348f9eb29868?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxtdXNpYyUyMHRlYWNoZXJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE5OTUzMjk0fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Physical Health Benefits</h2><h3>Improves Coordination and Motor Skills</h3><p>Playing a musical instrument requires precise movements and coordination. This can improve your hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are beneficial in everyday activities.</p><h3>Develop Discipline and Patience</h3><p>Learning to play an instrument takes discipline and patience. The practice and dedication involved in learning an instrument can teach valuable life lessons. I've learned the importance of daily practice through music which I've applied to many other things in my life. <br></p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Learning a musical instrument creates many benefits that go beyond just the joy of playing music. So why not have music play a part in your child's life? <a data-mce-href="https://play.dynabuddy.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt" href="https://play.dynabuddy.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt" title="Free Trial">Get started with Dynabuddy today!</a><br></p>

Top 10 Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

<h2>Dynabuddy at the Great Homeschool Convention in Ontario, CA!<br></h2><h3>A Summer of Learning and Music</h3><p>A couple weeks ago, I packed my bags and headed to Ontario, California, for the much-anticipated Great Homeschool Convention. It was three days filled with learning, curious students, supportive parents, and music!</p><figure id="figure-8e83feh35slypjfhqy"><img id="8e83feh35slypjfhqy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23KhOKJ644MMSUulTEPRDzqP6idebPgIL6wh3oMOK4l3qHKGoqDx4wbv6TDpVwrp.jpg" alt="Teenage Asian Filipino girl blowing into trumpet in musical class" title="Teenage Asian Filipino girl blowing into trumpet in musical class" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23KhOKJ644MMSUulTEPRDzqP6idebPgIL6wh3oMOK4l3qHKGoqDx4wbv6TDpVwrp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What's the Great Homeschool Convention All About?<br></h3><p>For those who aren't familiar, the Great Homeschool Conventions are a series of events held across the United States, designed to empower and equip homeschooling families. They feature a wide variety of workshops, speakers, and vendors, covering everything from curriculum choices to extracurricular activities.</p><h3>Dynabuddy's Mission at the Convention</h3><p>Our goal at Dynabuddy is simple: to make music education accessible, engaging, and fun for every child. We believe that music has the power to transform lives, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to share our passion with the homeschooling community.</p><h3>Our Booth Was Buzzing!</h3><p>Our booth was a hub of activity throughout the entire convention! We had a steady stream of students and familes who stopped by and tried out our videos. We also offered demonstrations of our online platform, showcasing how easy it is to learn music from the comfort of your own home.</p><h3>Connecting with the Community</h3><p>One of the most rewarding parts of the convention was the chance to connect with so many homeschooling parents and their children. I learned so much from talking with students and parents. I now have a renewed sense of what we can do to help support music learning across the country. <br></p><h3><a data-mce-href="https://play.dynabuddy.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt" href="https://play.dynabuddy.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt" title="Free Trial">Get Started with Dynabuddy Today!</a><br></h3><p>If you're a homeschooling parent looking for a fun and effective way to teach your child music, we encourage you to check out Dynabuddy. Our online platform offers a wide variety of lessons and resources, and our team of experienced music educators is always here to help you on your journey.</p><p>Ready to give it a try? Sign up for a free trial today and see the difference music can make in your child's life!</p><p>We hope to see you at next year's Great Homeschool Conventions!</p>

The Great Homeschool Convention of 2024 in Ontario, CA

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<h2>Early Collaboration<br></h2><p>Allan and I were fortunate enough to work with Milan Bertosa, the legendary audio engineer, on a passion project I started called Pacific Harp Project. It's a jazz ensemble with harp, vibraphone, saxophone, bass, and drums. </p><p>We recorded two albums and some videos with Milan doing the recording, mixing, and mastering. Milan quickly became a crucial part of the ensemble because of the gorgeous sound quality he produced and the way he made sure every nuance of the harp was heard throughout the ensemble. </p><p>We loved working with Milan and we learned so much from him in the recording studio. He was always patient and kind while I was finding my way as a bandleader and composer, and he soon became a friend.</p><h2>A Vital Resource</h2><p>When Allan and I started recording the audio for Dynabuddy, it didn't take long before we discovered that we were in way over our heads. Milan was the first person we turned to for help. </p><p>We explained the concept of Dynabuddy videos and he immediately knew what to do. He was incredibly supportive and we hired him as a consultant to talk us through all the details of recording, mixing, and mastering the sounds to fit the unique goals of Dynabuddy videos. </p><p>We want kids to be able to hear the video sounds clearly, but they need to hear themselves play as well. When there is accompaniment, students should be able to hear the full range of the piano so they can follow along and hear the harmonies. When students play along with metronome, it should be easy to hear but it shouldn't give anyone a headache. Milan patiently walked us through the nuts and bolts of producing exactly the right sounds, holding our hands every step of the way.</p><h2>Saying Goodbye</h2><p>We were as surprised as everyone when Milan suddenly passed away at age 61 in January, 2023. He was a beloved part of our music community, and I wish he were alive to see the launch of Dynabuddy. He may be best remembered for recording the Hawaiian version of "Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, but I will always remember him for his quiet, unwavering support, deep knowledge, and guidance.</p><p>Beyond his professional achievements, Milan was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to those who had the privilege of working with him. His warmth, humility, and genuine love for music left an indelible impression on everyone he encountered, myself included.</p><h3><a data-mce-href="https://dynabuddy.com/about-2/team" href="https://dynabuddy.com/about-2/team">Read More About the Dynabuddy Team Here. </a><br data-mce-bogus="1"></h3>

Meet Milan Bertosa, Audio Engineering Consultant

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<h2>Sean Machoff: Graphic Designer<br></h2><p>Sean Machoff is my cousin! I spent many holidays with him growing up and always knew him to be artistically gifted. We crossed paths in our adult life and bonded again over our mutal artistic interests and general creative nature. It feels like Sean and I are kindred artistic people who just naturally gravitated back into each others lives. With patience and understanding, Sean helped us bring Dynabuddy to life with his graphic design skills.&nbsp;<br></p><h3>Early Collaboration<br></h3><p>Sean started by learning about our concept and goals. He clarified what kind of feel and aesthetic we wanted reflected in our font, animations, and graphics. After a lot of emails and video meetings he created the graphics that have come to life through animation in our videos. Sean had the fun idea to create a whole family of 11 dinosaurs, inspired by an old Donkey Kong game, that aligns with the 11 different kinds of musical activities we have. This is one of the awesome ideas that Sean suggested to us along the way. <br></p><figure id="figure-9irsj48hnlx5tav6b"><img id="9irsj48hnlx5tav6b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1f6luaYgEXzYpun3f6ZUgAt07YkqtYmB0HOiTHCTWAayXs6Qfk0Pp3fnZXi4o9nk.png" alt="graphic design" title="graphic design" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1f6luaYgEXzYpun3f6ZUgAt07YkqtYmB0HOiTHCTWAayXs6Qfk0Pp3fnZXi4o9nk.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;"></figure><h3>Dynabuddy Animation</h3><p>Sean created our early videos, and then created animation templates for us to further customize as we continued building our video library. He then patiently taught us the basics of creating animation from still 2D art. It was quite a learning curve for us! We are so grateful for the work Sean has done in such a patient and understanding way. If you ever need graphic design work or branding work for a project connect with Sean and you'll be glad you did!<br></p><figure id="figure-t46r3547hulx5tawm2"><img id="t46r3547hulx5tawm2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2aj2quDeeEJYWjrQBaVpmKR01vkPAgo2dj3fMgA3ECTjwipEtUmyUfwnkRjoKhk4.png" alt="creative workspace" title="creative workspace" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2aj2quDeeEJYWjrQBaVpmKR01vkPAgo2dj3fMgA3ECTjwipEtUmyUfwnkRjoKhk4.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 20%;"></figure><h3><a data-mce-href="https://dynabuddy.com/about-2/team" href="https://dynabuddy.com/about-2/team" title="Dynabuddy Team">Read More About the Dynabuddy Team Here. </a><br></h3><h3><br></h3><p><br></p>

Blog

How to Support Music Practice

Effective Practice Templates for Music Students: A Guide ...

Top 10 Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

The Great Homeschool Convention of 2024 in Ontario, CA

Meet Milan Bertosa, Audio Engineering Consultant

Meet Sean Machoff: Dynabuddy Graphic Designer