Music
« Previous EntriesFree Christmas Carol Ebook (the songs, not the story)
Saturday, December 5th, 2009Christmas time has officially begun, it’s time for some music.
I discovered this handy little ebook in an online search and have found it to be a great resource of free Christmas sheet music. It has well known Christmas carols and many that are not so well known. It’s called The Caroler and can be found [...]
How to Choose a Musical Instrument as a Gift
Monday, November 30th, 2009Musical instruments are a classic gift. Instruments come in all shapes and sizes. You can go from large and expensive like a piano all the way down to a simple stocking stuffer. You don’t have to give a full sized instrument. There are many other options including that can be fun or even whimsical.
Musical Christmas Gift Ideas
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009If you are like me, you have already started your Christmas shopping. If you aren’t shopping, you may already be thinking about it. Musical items are classic Christmas gifts. You can find something for people at all ages and musical levels.
Don’t worry if you don’t know much about music, you can get some advice from [...]
Sadly, Music Is the First To Go
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009The 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.
Want to Get Into Medical School? Major in Music!
Monday, February 2nd, 2009Right now I’m sitting in Atlanta after a business workshop. I was surprised at the number of intense conversations that came up about the value of music in every part of our lives.
One of the most fascinating discussions was with a scientist by the name of Dr. Gregory Simpson. We spent several hours discussing how [...]
Noisemakers vs. Instruments
Saturday, December 6th, 2008A 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 [...]
Ponderings on Music as Story
Thursday, October 9th, 2008I’m enjoying the small bit of fall weather here in St. Louis. It’s a nice time of year for me because I have so many memories, particularly of marching band. The feel of the air always reminds me of playing at pep rallies and then getting on the band bus to head for the game.
I [...]
Music and Daily Routines
Thursday, July 10th, 2008Our 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, 2008I’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, 2008My 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 [...]