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« Previous EntriesHow 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.
Our Strategy For Our Son’s Music Education
Monday, October 12th, 2009When it comes to activities for our son, music is our priority. If we can’t afford anything else, we will have music class–even if it is a sacrifice.
Our main goal is to create a musical foundation for him that he can stand on no matter what his musical choices are later. That foundation includes developing skills, musical understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation. The added brain and motor development is a big plus, too.
Six Tips for Non Musical Parents Who Want to Grow Musical Kids
Monday, October 5th, 2009It can be difficult for a parent to know the right decisions about music for their child, especially if the parent doesn’t have a strong musical background.
Here are a few tips to help you
Don’t wait for your child to show an interest – music is an innate part of being human and plays important roles [...]
Dueling “Nessun Dorma”
Friday, May 15th, 2009The TV show Britain’s Got Talent has had two very distinct performances of “Nessum Dorma” from Puccini’s opera Turandot. First was Paul Potts who meekly came on stage and then brought down the house with his impassioned traditional version.
Recently, Greg Pritchard, sporting a wild-haired rocker look, wowed everyone by showcasing his counter tenor voice. Counter [...]
Make Some Music This Summer
Thursday, May 7th, 2009Spring is here and our garden is growing quite nicely. I’m enjoying the start of a new season. One of the things I’m spending my time on is deciding what activities to sign my 4 year old up for in the summer months. For my family music is always a priority when making these kinds [...]
Autism and Music
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009In my years of music teaching, I had the opportunity to teach piano to two kids with Asperger’s Syndrome–a high functioning form of Autism. I learned a lot from teaching them as well as from my student with learning disabilities.
I taught in people’s homes back then and observed a lot of what their mom, Phyllis, [...]
Back from my other life
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009It’s been too long since I’ve posted. The reason is that one of the hats I wear in my crazy life is that of a tax professional with H&R Block (www.mytaxhelplady.com). Tax season is a busy time for me and really exercises my brain.
Now my focus is back on wearing my music hat. [...]
Hearing is Not the Same as Listening
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009In the iPod world, we are bombarded with music talking to us rather than through us. I think it only fills us half full. Music throughout history has been participatory. There is so much to experience when you are physically involved in making music.
That being said, it is also important to understand the involvement we [...]
Christmas Already?
Saturday, November 15th, 2008It seems like just yesterday that I was battling 90 degree heat. Now I’m chilly in my 1924 Arts & Crafts bungalow. I like it though, because it feels like my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m hoping to win my 4-year-old over from his favorite of Halloween this year with lots of crafts, [...]
Ed Mascari: Conversations at the Piano
Friday, October 17th, 2008My husband turned me onto a blog by composer and piano instructor Ed Mascari. I was reading through it today and thought about posting some of his info, but it was so good I thought I would just tell you about his whole blog.
He’s got some great insights and advice on learning music and developing your [...]