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Random music, things and thoughts

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  • Imposter Syndrome Article

    I came across an article that aligns with me and my students. I can’t help but share this one. 15 Ways to Navigate Imposter Syndrome

    Ed Castro

    April 2, 2025
    Music, Teaching
    Balance, classical music, education, educator, independent school, music education, orchestra, performer, teacher
  • Musical Collaboration for Diversity and Inclusion: Professional Growth and Impact

    My work with the adult community has seen significant growth and effectiveness through the power of collaboration with colleagues. The development of these working relationships and our joint efforts on projects, such as concerts and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programming, have not only improved my current work but also enriched my personal and professional…

    Ed Castro

    June 23, 2024
    Music, Teaching, Thoughts
    art, books, education, educator, independent school, music education, Teaching, travel, writing
  • Engaging Music Education: Freedom and Creativity in Performance Classes

    Project-based performance classes are a fun and dynamic way to get students playing instruments that aren’t usually part of a traditional orchestra, like electric guitars and drum sets. After hearing from students that they wanted more chances to perform and be involved in music, I decided to switch to this format. Our curriculum is designed…

    Ed Castro

    June 16, 2024
    Music, Teaching
    1960s, duke-ellington, education, jimi-hendrix, music, music education, rock-and-roll, rock-and-roll, teacher, Teaching
  • The Impact of Assessments on Music Education: Balancing Understanding and Grading

    The Impact of Assessments on Music Education: Balancing Understanding and Grading

    As we start to wind down the end of the school year, at my school we started another round of discussions about assessments. The general questions related to the topic is centered between students knowledge and understanding vs. the actual number or letter grade students receive. In general, everywhere in the United States, students are…

    Ed Castro

    May 26, 2024
    Music
    assessment, education, learning, teachers, Teaching
  • Classical Music in Flim

    I recently watched two movies featuring classical music as a backdrop. Like most dramas, the story lies in the characters’ personalities and their environments. Both ‘TÁR’ and ‘Chevalier’ use classical music as a stage to tell the stories of strong personalities operating at the height of their profession. ‘TÁR’ felt more like an episode of…

    Ed Castro

    November 18, 2023
    Music, Thoughts
    Cate Blanchett, Chevalier, classical music, education, Jorge Bologne, Kelvin Harrison Jr., movie, music education, Nathaniel Dett, orchestra, Orchestra Conductor, performer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, TÁR
  • Buzzing and Practice

    As a trumpet player, I have always sought ways to improve my technique and sound production. Lately, I’ve been working on more buzzing in my practice routines. Since I spend a fair amount of time in the car, I do some of that work while driving. Either free-buzzing (just lips without a mouthpiece) while driving…

    Ed Castro

    July 25, 2023
    Methods, Music, Teaching
    Buzzing, Max Schlossberg, Practical Daily Warm-Ups for Trumpet, trumpet routine
  • Latest Conversation with Young Brass Players

    As a music educator, I always find great joy in engaging with young inquzitive brass players and delving into the intricacies of their craft. In a recent conversations with these developing musicians, we explored several essential aspects of their journey, including breathing techniques, warm-up routines, sight-reading pitfalls, the importance of practicing etudes, and the art…

    Ed Castro

    June 12, 2023
    Music, Teaching, Thoughts
  • Conversations With Developing Musicians

    While teaching music to small and large ensembles, the type of questions I often get asked is related to how musicians should practice. Therefore, I recommend reading several books for musicians to gain personal knowledge and introspection about developing a practice routine. These books have helped me think about the practical applications of learning music…

    Ed Castro

    February 24, 2023
    Music
    Barry Green, education, educator, Effortless Mastery, Gerald Klickstein, independent school, Kenny Werner, music education, musician, performer, teacher, Teaching, The Inner Game of Music, The Inner Game of Tennis, The Musician's Way, Timothy Galley
  • Conversations With Young Brass Players

    When I find myself engaged in conversations with younger performers, the conversations tends to lead into questions of “how and who”. “How do you practice that?” and “Who do you listen to?” These two PDF’s help me in my own evaluation of my practice habits and what I listen for as I continue to develop…

    Ed Castro

    November 5, 2022
    Music, Teaching, Thoughts
    "Active Listening", "How to Practice", artist, brass instruments, Brass players, music education, musician, performer, Teaching
  • Music, Science and Healing Intersect in an A.I. Opera – The New York Times

    Ed Castro

    October 29, 2022
    Music
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