Author: Jennie Hirsch

Play With Us to Play Better at School

Playing an instrument in a school setting is how many children are introduced to music. This makes sense because most schools require music class at the elementary level. In fact, 92% to 97% of public elementary schools offer music instruction (source). But what does that have to do with music lessons? Once a student discovers their…
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Why Inclusive Music Lessons Matter

Inclusive music education is a teaching philosophy that ensures students of all backgrounds and abilities have equal access to music-making. It shifts the focus from purely technical performance to the intrinsic value of each student’s creative voice. Here at Breaking the Barrier, we do everything we can to promote inclusivity in our own lessons by creating lesson…
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Our Top Apps and Tools for Music Practice

We are grateful to be around during the 21st century where technology has given us a plethora of ways to maximize convenience and growth as musicians. In 2026, the digital toolkit for musicians has evolved into a sophisticated blend of timing aids, interactive learning platforms, and creative studios. For practicing musicians of all ages, the…
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girl practicing cello

Staying Motivated Between Lessons

Going to music lessons is a wonderful thing. You can talk to your teacher, get specific help, ask questions, and more! But what about in between lessons when your teacher isn’t there. This post offers some tricks for how to keep your motivation between lessons as high as it is during lessons. The “Five-Minute” Rule…
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dani

Music Lessons that Last a Lifetime: Dani Schuck

To continue with our Music Lessons that Last a Lifetime series, our Social Media and Marketing Manager, Jennie Hirsch, sat down with her good friend Dani to document their experience in music. Music has been a part of Dani’s life for around 15 years in several different and interesting ways. Keep reading to learn how…
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How Breaking the Barrier School of Music Got Its Start

Our owners, Nic and Cortney D’Orsaneo, were recently guests on The What’s Happening Delco Podcast. Keep reading to learn a little more about what they had to say throughout of the episode. The What’s Happening Delco Podcast is known for spotlighting and promoting individuals and businesses in Delaware County. Rich Shane sat down with Nic and…
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The Evolution of the Drum Kit: Music History

Everyone in the world has heard the drums in some way. But where did it all come from? This post gives you some history on the drums from the instrument’s origins to its modern use. Where Did Drums Begin? Drums are some of the oldest known musical instruments. Archaeological evidence shows that early drums existed…
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What’s in Our Music Bag?

Having a dedicated music bag is an important part of staying organized and making sure you have everything you need to play your instrument. This bag is where you keep your essentials that you don’t keep in your instrument’s case. For those of you with portable instruments, keeping certain things in a separate place from…
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Practice Materials to Support Your Musical Growth

We might sound like a broken record, but when it comes to practicing music, what you practice with matters just as much as how you practice. The right materials can reinforce fundamentals, encourage steady progress, and help students stay motivated as they learn. This post is an overview of the types of materials that are…
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Our Top Music Tips

If you follow us on social media, you’ve probably seen our Music Tip Monday series, where we highlight a new music tip each week. This post brings together our top tips from that series so far—perfect for musicians looking to improve their practice habits or start some new ones. Keep reading to learn more, and…
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