Becky Chaffee Inspires Music Practice
Link to Newspaper article about Becky's educational books
Practice? Yuck!
Nancy Anderson
Shopper News January 26, 2022
Becky Chaffee is an amateur musician and artist who’s convinced musical instrument practice should be fun, not punishment.
She’s written two children’s books with her own artwork to show how practicing can be just that.
“I had an awful time trying to get my own children to practice. I wrote these books to help children take ownership of their practice session and make them their own. I wanted to put ideas about practicing in their heads so they’ll understand why they have to practice. Practice should be fun, not like a punishment.”
“Have Fun with your Music” was published in June 2020. It features whimsical drawings and colorful stickers drawn by Chaffee. “Passion for Practice” was published in June 2021 and also features drawings by Chaffee.
Chaffee’s books caught the attention of an several school districts and music teachers across the globe who use them in all their music lessons for children and adults alike.
Natalie Kimbro, the general music and orchestra teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, wrote Chaffee a letter saying, “Your book is absolute perfection. The children laughed, praised, smiled, clapped, oooo-ed, and awww-
See PRACTICE, Page 3A
“I had an awful time trying to get my own children to practice. I wrote these books to help children take ownership of their practice session and make them their own. I wanted to put ideas about practicing in their heads so they’ll understand why they have to practice.”
Becky Chaffee
Photo by Nancy Anderson
Becky Chafee, pictured at her home Jan. 19, has a lot of good ideas for inspiring student musicians to practice.
NANCY ANDERSON/SHOPPER NEWS
Continued from Page 1A
ed in joyous approval! These children are third grade students. You know it’s 5-star quality when children can’t get enough!”
‘Fun art’ not ‘fine art’
Chaffee began her journey as a children’s author by first using her artistic talents to create note cards with clever sayings on the back encouraging practice. The cards are very popular in symphony gift shops including the San Francisco Symphony Gift shop.
“I guess it all started when my mom wanted to take an art class. I didn’t want to, but I did want to be a good daughter, so I went along. I created these fun note cards with clever sayings on the back. The teacher wanted to buy them and it took off from there. The San Francisco Symphony Gift Shop sold out within months and wanted more. I call it ‘fun art’ as opposed to ‘fine art.’” Chaffee said music lessons improve motor, math, and language skills. Instilling the love of practice teaches responsibility in children. For older people, music lessons keep the brain active and may ward off Alzheimer’s.
“Passion for Practice” isn’t just for kids. It has some newer theories about practice, like practicing at night before bed to help retention. “You wake up in the morning remembering more about your practice session than if you practice in the early afternoon. Your brain goes over the lesson all night; it’s amazing,” said Chaffee.
Chaffee is currently working on her third book on music history using her own symbolic artwork.
She holds a children’s music composition contest on her website every year. This year, there will be a judge from The Juilliard School in New York.
Chaffee takes her own advice to heart. She is an amateur flute player.
She holds a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s in civil engineering from Cornell University.
Info: www.musicteachergifts.com.
Photo by Nancy Anderson
Becky Chaffee takes her own advice to heart practicing her flute playing. PHOTOS BY NANCY ANDERSON/SHOPPER NEWS
Chaffee’s piece “Sleep On It” pays homage to the practice-before-bedtime ethic.
Chaffee’s first children’s book is filled with her own artwork and fun stickers to encourage young musicians to practice. COURTESY OF BECKY CHAFFEE
