Sometimes the toughest problems have the simplest solutions. Finding the motivation to practice can be difficult. Start by simply opening your case...

I know that a LOT of cyber-savvy folks out there are familiar with TED talks, but I saw one that really punched me in the brain. I am relatively new to TED and everyone I ask about it seems to respond with "Koppel or Danson?"

Okay, if you haven't yet discovered TED, go there now. WAIT! Read the rest of this first so that I didn't waste a bunch of time writing this stuff down! Your outlook on the world will never be the same. I discovered Gustavo Dudamel on TED before his appointment to the LA Philharmonic. I learned on TED that Second Life wasn't just some cool virtual reality thing in a CSI:NY episode. And so on...on every topic smart people (like you!) would find fascinating! I was overwhelmed...at first. Now I love searching TED talks for the relevant and the interesting. Like this one, which is both.

While I was browsing the TED Talks recently I recognized one of the names. Somewhat of a intellectual accomplishment right there! Daniel Pink was the speaker and I first heard about him about a year ago. I watched this video and I began COMPLETELY rethinking how I run my high school band program. You will rethink yours, too. Not your band program, but you know what I mean.

Pink's presents a strong case for re-examining how we motivate others to do things. His example are primarily business-based, i.e., how to raise employee productivity, but it is crystal clear that the education system in this country could learn a lesson or two. I just started reading the book that this talk accompanies and I will have additional thoughts in a few days.

For now, however, watch this!

Great musicians are a lot like great public speakers. They can capture and audience by OWNING their performance and being genuine about it.

Nervous? Don't be! It's just an audition, and here are some tips to help you get through it like a pro!

Eight useful tips to help you get the most out of your pre-audition practice time!

The final steps for better concert audience behavior.

The first steps are the easiest!