” Gregg Goodhart’s sessions for the Jacobs School of Music String Academy were extremely insightful and inspiring for myself and the students. His specific practice techniques coupled with his positive and genuine enthusiasm resulted in immediate progress with continuing development raising the performance bar since his Bloomington visit. “
Mimi Zweig,
Professor of Music (Violin, Viola),Director Pre-College Strings,
Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University (Indiana)
” …so I have to tell you, you fixed (my student) Domingo. I came back after vacation and he had completely changed his practicing, searched your website, downloaded all your practice tips and showed me some amazing results.…and three months later… BTW, Domingo went from last chair first violins in one orchestra to 4th chair 1st violins in the next level orchestra – made some kids mad because he skipped over them – that’s how much he has improved!”
Lyda Osinga,
Prelude and Central Conductor,Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestras,
High School Orchestra Director,
National Board Certified Teacher, (Wisconsin)
” Thank you so much for your wonderful visit to IU. It has made a big impact on my students and teaching. All of them walked away with new ideas and motivation to work hard, which is invaluable. Many of the college students who attended on Friday have remarked to me about how much they enjoyed the presentation and how much they learned. The people I admire most at IU. . .have each mentioned to me that they loved your talk and are using your ideas. You are a dynamic conduit between research and practice, and that is a vital link. “
Dr. Brenda Brenner,
Executive Associate DeanChair, Music Education
Co-Director, IU String Academy,
Indiana University at Bloomington
” You have provided one of the most beneficial presentations to my teachers I think they have attended since I began working with the school. It’s not often when you meet someone who understands and works to apply time maximization and utilization properly to achieve positive results. “
Principal Christian Ahanger,
Academy of Excellence South Campus,Milwaukee (Wisconsin)
” Gregg brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the discussion of learning, accurately conveying the close connections among mindset, willpower, habit formation, and, of course, deliberate practice. “
Kevin Poston,
St. John’s Lutheran School,Lannon (Wisconsin)
” Hi Gregg, I have told countless people about the things that I learned -or heard with new ears – at your ASTA presentation in Louisville last March. You were amazing! I couldn’t agree with you more! I would like to find the notes for My Dog Ate My Talent, because I did not get the handout at the convention (you were THAT popular). “
Mary Kay Robinson,
Adjunct Violin Teacher,Duke university (North Carolina)
- “His speech was very motivating and made me realize that if I work harder, I won’t suck. So inspiring.”
- “I noticed how much I still need to learn.”
- “I think the presenter did a fabulous job of debunking the myth of ‘talent.’ The presentation was very entertaining and motivating, as well.”
- “It was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!” (exact number of exclamation points)
- “He made me want to practice more”
- “He was a very inspiring man. He taught me that anyone can accomplish anything. There is no limit to what you can do as long as you keep trying.”
- “He got me to start practicing the way I used to practice.”
- “I learned a lot from it and am going to use what I learned to practice more.”
- “Mr. Goodhart was inspiring because he showed the results of practice and explained that we could be awesome too if we practice and myelinate our neurons.”
Students of Michael Klein,
Green Valley High School,Las Vegas (Nevada)
” Gregg Goodhart’s energy and enthusiasm for how the brain learns music is inspiring beyond belief! I can’t wait to use his ideas in my teacher training classes, and to improve my own practicing strategies. “
Joanne May,
Assistant Professor of Music Education,Chair, String Department,
Director of Philharmonic Orchestra,
Elmhurst College (Illinios)
” Mr. Goodhart’s presentation was very well-received by our music education students at the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati! He is a very motivational speaker and he covered a great deal of material in a short amount of time. “
Amy Beegle, PhD,
College-Conservatory of Music,University of Cincinnati (Ohio)
” I really enjoyed your class, and I (and my students) continue to get lots out of the experience. So much great information! “
Kevin Miescke,
Doctoral Student and Instructor of Horn,Eastern Illinois University (Illinois)
” Gregg Goodhart offered invaluable advice on learning and practice techniques to our students through informative lectures and his uniquely insightful “practi-classes.” Music students and teachers were introduced to useful new learning strategies with fresh perspectives on essential practice habits through evidence-based approaches. Mr. Goodhart brought effusive enthusiasm to his coaching and fostered powerful inspiration, which reverberates throughout the School of Music weeks after his visit. “
Dr. Stephen Mattingly,
Assistant Professor of Guitar,Director, Community Music Program,
University of Louisville (Kentucky)
” Since his visit, I have had students stop me and tell me they have started using Mr. Goodhart’s recommended practice techniques and admit that they are working. Mr. Goodhart has planted an important seed amongst our music students. We are all grateful to have had this experience. “
Bill Swick,
Music Department Chair,Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (Nevada)
” Gregg’s visit at TLU sparked invigorated practice and interest in good practice techniques amongst our students in just two days. The practice consultations gave each student concrete reasons and methods for practicing more effectively- once implemented they saw marked improvement right away and have improved their private practice. We wish he could work with the students every day! “
Dr. Eliza (Thomason) Jeffords,
Director of Strings,Texas Lutheran University (Texas)
” I just attended both of your sessions at our Colorado ASTA conference and was totally captivated. I’m going right out and buy the books you talked about and change the way I work with kids. Thanks! “
Teacher Laurie Thede,
Orchestra, Mariachi, and AP Theory,Eaglecrest High School(retired),
Denver, CO
” Mr. Goodhart, I attended your lecture during the ASTA convention and I must say it was extremely capturing. I learned a great amount dealing with how the brain functions, which is knowledge that should always be considered valuable. The information and research given was brilliant, but what truly wrapped your lecture nicely was your enthusiasm for the subject that really immersed the audience. “
Victor Li,
Music Education Student,Appalachian State University (North Carolina)
” I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Gregg Goodhart as he invited me on three occasions to give Master Classes at the Servite School of Music (LA), where he taught for many years. We also had Master Classes several years in a row at Trilogy guitars, a famous guitar dealer in Playa del Rey (LA).
When I first met him, I was impressed by the excellent relationship he has with his young students. This was a clear sign to me that Mr. Goodhart might be a great teacher as well. And he was indeed.
His students – whether playing solo, duo or part of a guitar ensemble – always showed me a high level of preparation, a deep involvement in music playing, and even passion. And I can say that every one of our meetings was a real pleasure for me.
In addition to this I have to mention that Mr. Goodhart has a very innovative approach in his teaching, by showing his students elements of neuroscience. His teaching obviously helped them in music learning, and will continue as the students further their music careers.
The many students and teachers he meets at this workshops are all very enthusiastic, agreeing on the fact his “philosophy” is absolutely the type of work necessary to attain high levels of performance.
For these reasons I do fully recommend Mr. Gregg Goodhart for any opportunity you may get for him either as a teacher, a lecturer, a tutor or a coach. His skills in music education are just obvious to me. “
Roland Dyens,
Guitarist/Composer,Conservatoire National Superieur de Paris (France)
” Mr. Goodhart addressed our guitar masterclass at Azusa Pacific University with his presentation on how “talent is overrated” and it was a huge success. The students were genuinely fascinated by his presentation and were riveted to their seats.
What Mr. Goodhart presents does not just apply specifically to the guitar but to all of learning. He breaks down the elements of what occurs in the human mind when we learn and how to get into study habits that allow individuals to maintain a higher level of achievement in their respective areas. Mr. Goodhart explained to my students that excellence is achieved by a logical approach to study habits that become a progressive routine in their lives. Hours of training with a specific purpose produces specific results.
If a student is given the correct information and routinely applies this information to the problems they are trying to resolve, the student will see positive results. When students see themselves achieve, they gain confidence and the learning snowball just keeps on rolling. I have rarely seen an audience of music students so interested in how to learn. They didn’t want to let him go, as they were compelled to learn more about this aspect of learning. Mr. Goodhart gives students a step by step approach to what it takes to achieve their goals in a realistic no-nonsense approach that is both honest and refreshing in the world of education today.” “
Michael Kozubek, B.M.,M.M.
Director of Guitar Studies,Azusa Pacific University (California)
” After my retirement from the corporate world in 1999, I continued my classical guitar studies at the prestigious Thorton School of Music at the University of Southern California. Since 2003 I have been the Executive Director of the La Guitarra California Festival, and 3-day classical guitar celebration. La Guitarra California has grown into the largest event of its kind in America, and one of the premier classical guitar events in the world. Each Festival features dozens of internationally acclaimed guitarists in concerts, Master Classes, and lectures. Music education is a hallmark of the Festival and the 2013 Festival Master Classes had a total attendance of seven hundred forty-three people.
I have attended hundreds of concerts by guitarists of all ages and levels, been given thousands of CDs to review, and attended many lectures. Most significantly, I have hired and presented hundreds of classical guitarists and dozens of lecturers.
I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Gregg Goodhart in 2007 while attending Master Classes at Servite High School, where he taught for many years. Mr. Goodhart is responsible for taking Servite’s humble guitar program and building it into a substantial department with increasing national recognition.
I attended his annual Master Classes for five consecutive years, and am impressed with Mr. Goodhart’s rapport with his young students. His teaching techniques and communications skills are exceptional, and his unique application of neuroscience in music performance puts him at the forefront of music education.
Based on my knowledge and experience, I believe Mr. Gregg Goodhart to be an educator and lecturer of extraordinary ability. It is without reservation that I give high recommend to Mr. Gregg Goodhart. “
Russ De Angelo,
Exec. Director,La Guitarra California Festival
” Gregg Goodhart’s remarkable presentation on Cognitive Neuroscience illuminates and reinforces our beliefs in the value of arts education for all learners. His enthusiasm for the topic bubbles up in each of us the reasons we love teaching. A stellar presentation! “
Jim Thomas,
Visual and Performing Arts,Orange County Department of Education (California)
” It really works and I wish I knew this info 20 years ago. “
Russell Shedd,
Teacher-VAPA-Music Department Chair,Scripps Ranch High School (San Diego, CA)
” Exceptional ability to drill down to the root problem that hinders the student’s progress. The results are amazing and the students gain confidence to make their own decisions when they are alone. “
Elizabeth Zempel,
Falls Baptist College,College-Conservatory of Music,
Director, Music School,
Menominee Falls (WI)
” It was so good to have you on campus, Gregg! The students were buzzing about you on Thursday and Friday. Betty Anne is also very excited to have you back in the future. “
Amy Beegle, PhD,
Associate Professor of Music Education,College-Conservatory of Music,
University of Cincinnati (Ohio)
” With Gregg’s guidance Phillip started enjoying his practice time and feeling more control over his learning process and the results he wants It happened at the perfect time when he is becoming more independent (he is 13). The 8 weeks of personal Practice Coaching were a wonderful part of his preparation for his first competition (he won!). He called it his ‘winning strategy’. “
Marina Hammond,
Mother and Piano Teacher,Bloomington (IN)
” What a fantastic lecture at IU! There’s so much cheap inspiration out there – this was the real kind! Seeing such a clear and detailed road map of how to effectively coach our brains gave me and will give my students such a feeling of being enabled. “
Ian Snyder,
Private violin instructor and chamber music lecturer,University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
” I am profoundly appreciative of what my students gained from listening to you tonight. For me, it was a great “booster shot!” Thanks for your important (deliberate) work and thanks for your time and energy! “
Keith Robinson,
Texas Lutheran University (Seguin, TX)” The most valuable thing I learned from the class was desirable difficulty. By focusing on learning– really learning — I now know how to use my practice time in a meaningful way. Instead of just working on a passage until I get it right, I practice every permutation of that passage until I can’t get it wrong! The practiclass not only helped me but it will help my elementary and middle school students too. They felt the “blearn” when we repeated music over and over again — but in the week since we’ve started using your method, I’ve never seen them play better. Thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge of music, the brain, and of course, how to practice –come back to visit us when you can! “
Ava Bradley,
Music Education and Spanish Major,University of Louisville (Kentucky)
” I had the pleasure of attending Gregg Goodhart’s session on Better Learning Through Neuroscience at the 2015 ASTA convention. He is bridging the gap between the scientific world and the field of music education, applying scientific evidence to the process of learning. His enthusiasm and knowledge in this new field is inspirational. I look forward to hearing more from him in the future, and encourage all my students to do Skype lessons with him whenever possible. “
Anne Marie Patterson,
Elementary Strings Teacher,Charles County Schools,
Music Director of Charles County Youth Orchestra and Encore Strings (Maryland)
” I thought the session entitled “Mozart was Not Born a Genius, He Became One– and You Can, Too!” was an eye-opening experience. Gregg Goodhart presented his research on music and the brain as something we all knew about as musicians but hadn’t necessarily put into practice and definitely hadn’t been teaching to our students. Focused practice is the idea and it’s easier to implement than we think. However, getting better on your instrument is not easy; it’s something we have to change in our quick-award-seeking society. Practicing harder AND smarter is worth it in the long run, and thanks to The Learning Coach, now we know how. I was really impressed that Gregg would be able to coach anyone, regardless of instrument. I was able to see it happen right after the session when he held a brief “practiclass” with a violinist. I am excited to apply these theories and practices–pun intended– to my own practice as a cellist and to teach it to my future students.
Thank you so much for opening up my mind to all this! I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to keep in contact. “
Phoebe Clark,
Music Education Student,University of Georgia
” During the 2013 ASTA national conference, I had the privilege of attending Mr. Goodhart’s presentation on music education and brain development. I made the decision during his presentation to have him visit our performing arts school in Las Vegas and give a presentation to our music students. This week it happened. Mr. Goodhart came to the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and gave his presentation three times to over 600 music students.
Mr. Goodhart related extremely well to our students. In preparation for his visit, he created a presentation that is relevant to high school students in his handout entitled, “The Art and Science of Learning and the Power of Music to Teach It.”
During his presentation, our students were absolutely quiet and focused. After each talk, we had long lines of students hoping to thank Mr. Goodhart and shake his hand. The interest level in neuroscience amongst our students was a surprise to all of us.
I wholeheartedly recommend Mr.Goodhart’s presentations. Since his visit, I have had students stop me and tell me they have started using Mr. Goodhart’s recommended practice techniques and admit that they are working. Mr. Goodhart has planted an important seed amongst our music students. We are all grateful to have had this experience. “
Bill Swick,
Music Department Chair,Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (Nevada)
” I just finished a wonderful summer conference with the Colorado American String Teachers Association. One of the most impressive sessions was with Gregg Goodhart. Please take a moment to read “My Dog Ate My Talent”. The essence of quality practice and forward thinking is in this article. This is life altering information!! Starting with, ‘Self Discipline.’
Thank you for the exceptional presentations and sessions. You are an inspiration to the teaching, learning, and musical profession. Bravo for taking the time to share your research, knowledge, creative spirit/energy, and practical techniques for further study. Inspirational!! “
Andrea L. Meyers,
Colorado Music Educators Association,Membership Chair Sol-Via Modern Arts Center,
Project Coordinator Colorado Chamber Orchestra,
Board Member Private Cello Studio Denver, CO
” Gregg Goodhart has given a lot of careful thought to teaching and learning as it relates to the guitar. His research on how the brain functions and how learning occurs is manna for those interested in these things. And by the way, those of us who teach others anything, SHOULD be interested in these things.
I have personally witnessed the results of Gregg’s ensemble teaching at the pre-college level and can attest to the high standards to which he holds the students. More importantly, he inspires the students to hold themselves to high standards! Applying what Gregg has learned from books such as “Talent is overrated” has driven him to make valuable connections in teaching and learning. He has been able to show that most students can break the cycle of inefficient use of time and frustration. These lessons apply to music but not surprisingly help students in every aspect of the learning process across all disciplines.
Gregg Goodhart has caught the enthusiasm bug for teaching and learning. Those around him can’t help but catch it too. “
Jeff Cogan,
Director of Guitar Studies and Music Technology,Chapman University, Conservatory of Music (California)
” As an educator and parent trainer, I found Gregg Goodheart’s training to be dynamic, insightful and powerful. Passionate about cognitive neuroscience and child development, Goodheart took cutting-edge research and brought it vividly into everyday life. If every kid in our society had this information, “no child left behind” would be a reality.
I look forward to the day when every educator has this information and uses it to empower students to achieve their highest potential. “
Elise Winters-Huete,
Author, Kaleidoscopes for Violin (Texas)” I thought your presentation was one of the best ones I have been to during my time at ASTA, and it has really put things into perspective since I am currently a Viola Performance major at Kennesaw State University. Everyday, I always wonder why I don’t progress like I would like. You are right about slow, deliberate practice. It does make a difference, and it makes the practice worthwhile when we can achieve a goal. There are many people, including myself, that just become frustrated with their playing because we do not take the time to fix the problems. Just recently, I have thought about your lecture while I was practicing a passage I could not get, and it worked!! Because of this, I have become so motivated lately, and it has changed the way I viewed myself as a performer. All in all, I believe talent is acquired through encouragement and determination. If not, what sets all performers apart?”
Thank you so much for opening up my mind to all this! I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to keep in contact. “
Samantha Tang,
Viola Performance major,Kennesaw State University (Georgia)
” I have heard Gregg Goodhart’s presentations on brain research and how that research helps musicians practice more effectively. Since Gregg is a musician, his presentations are relevant and applicable for teachers to use immediately in their music classrooms. Each time I heard the various presentations, I learned more about how the brain works and came away with very useful tips on how to practice effectively. The triangle of plan, do, reflect is so important for effective and efficient practice!
One of my students participated in Gregg’s Practiclass. This student believed performance tempo was the only way to practice and despite my assurances that brains preferred accuracy over speed, I wasn’t getting through. Daniel spent 30 minutes with Gregg – who gently and persistently had him practice several spots in a concerto using the techniques Gregg has gleaned from the brain research. Daniel heard ‘Feel the blearn!’ several times and since he was in a masterclass, he followed Gregg’s instructions. He soon realized the passages were becoming more accurate and comfortable so he went home, read through Gregg’s website, downloaded his practice tips, and came to his next lesson where he demonstrated how he had practiced by feeling the blearn. My jaw hit the floor – it was a transformation! “
Lyda Osinga,
Prelude and Central Conductor,Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestras,
High School Orchestra Director,
National Board Certified Teacher, (Wisconsin)
” Over the summer of 2015 I spent 9 weeks working over skype with Mr. Goodhart on learning how to improve my practice habits and strategies. Before working with Mr. Goodhart I felt that I was efficient and effective in my practice as I had been able to get into the prestigious Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington. However, even though I was effective in my practice sessions I did not know how much time I could save and how much more efficient I could be while practicing. Over those 9 weeks I was able to make an amazing amount of progress. I learned the entirety of the presto 3rd movement of the Barber Violin concerto at full tempo. This was something that would have taken me at least another 3 weeks to do before working with him.
Not only was I able to learn it quickly but I also learned from him how I could schedule my practice sessions so that I could effectively and healthily practice 4 or more hours a day without becoming completely exhausted. I think the skype lessons that I took with Mr. Goodhart were some of the most valuable that I have had in my college career matching even my Violin lessons which form the core of my degree. I think that if anyone has the opportunity to work with or hear Mr. Goodhart speak should definitely take advantage no matter what level of student or professional they are. “
Andrew Nowicki,
Senior – Music Education (violin),Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University