Free 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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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, [...]
A Road Trip, A Harmonica, and Cracker Barrel
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009A few months ago I was in Alabama visiting my family. I was sitting in the house my family has lived in since I was 4 years old. It’s changed a lot over the years. My son, who is 4 now, sat in the same kitchen floor that I played on at his age playing his [...]
Free Music Ebook Offer
Friday, February 13th, 2009Articles Tab is now active. Check out my first article “Learn Guitar: 6 Struggles Everyone Faces When Learning to Play Guitar” Others are in progress. Is there anything you’d like to read more about in this blog or as an article? I’d love to hear your ideas. During the months of February & March 2009, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
« Previous Entries