I'm an overtalker.

To combat that, I will make it a point to reset my talking sometimes - and find ways to communicate everything in five words or fewer.

You don't need a minute long diatribe about how it needs to be "smooth, connected, like it's covered with a layer of hot fudge" unless the simple instruction of "Play it smooth and connected" doesn't work, or it isn't what you want.

Start simple, work your way up to complex.

Kids are very literal creatures - especially your ESLs. Be direct and be clear.

examples:

Phasing: "Play together on the beat." "Stay together, with the metronome."

Technique: "Slow it down. Again."


To echo what others have said: Keep the kids playing as absolutely much as possible. If you have an assistant, have them stopwatch how much you talk. I've found sometimes that in a 60 minute rehearsal, sometimes directors literally spend up to 40 minutes yammering on - and then of the 20 minutes left, HALF that time is spent listening to one section or player.