Family

Sadly, Music Is the First To Go

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

The problem is that these decisions are being made in a black and white, linear fashion without making the connection that learning is a process and not just a regurgitation of facts. Any computer can spout of facts and make calculations. Being human means we can reason, create and grow. It’s what brings innovation and makes for a better world.

One of the sad things about the layoffs is that it takes many years to build a strong music program. It also takes many years to build music in a person. When it goes away, it has to be rebuilt.

A Few Money Saving Christmas Tips and a Contest

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Listed below are some tips on ways to save money at Christmas. It’s a little off topic, but I thought it might be helpful.  I wrote them for a contest I just found out about on the blog www.tothinkistocreate.com.  It’s a few things I’ve done and a lot of things that are on my ever [...]

Noisemakers vs. Instruments

Saturday, December 6th, 2008

A few years ago, my sister got my son what seemed like a cool Christmas present. It was a drum full of various rhythm instruments in cool colors and shapes. There was one major problem. They really weren’t instruments, they were noisemakers.
What’s the difference?
Well, noisemakers make noise. They thud and clink, but the sound doesn’t really [...]

Music and Daily Routines

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

Our son will be 4 in a couple of weeks. Since he was in the womb, we have exposed him to music.  You might think that as trained musicians we have this structured regime. If you know me and how artsy I am, you know that structure is difficult for me.
For the most part, we [...]

Making Assumptions

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

I’ve noticed a pattern with some people, especially parents and music teachers. Many make assumptions about which child will do more with music than the other. I’ve had parents tell me that one child or the other will take music farther because they have a greater aptitude for music.
I am quick to set them straight. Musical ability is [...]

An Impromtu Music Activity in the Car

Saturday, June 21st, 2008

My son (almost 4) and I were in the car the other day and he asked for a song. I asked which song he would like to sing.
He just said “Happy, Sad”.  He’s been talking a lot about happy and sad lately. He’s at a stage where he’s putting words to his emotions and starting to [...]