Recital season is here, and the AWSOM Spring Recitals are just around the corner (May 5th and 6th)! Our students are working hard on their music, and I have a few extra tips to really help make your performance shine!
Families at the Seattle Symphony
Did you know the Seattle Symphony has an entire concert series dedicated to families? And they are amazing experiences for everyone involved! These concerts do a great job turning the renown Benaroya Hall into a warm and inviting atmosphere where kids of all ages are free to explore the joys of classical music.
Music and Volunteerism
By Kate MacKenzie
One of the best perks of being a musician is having the unique ability to put smiles on the face of others. Even someone who is just beginning their musical journey, there are plenty of people who would love to hear them play. Giving back to the community, even in small ways, is important. What can you do use music to spread peace and joy? I have some ideas for you!
Duets, Trios, and Quartets...Oh My!
By Kate MacKenzie
This is an exciting time to be apart of the AWSOM family! In July we rolled out our official Chamber Ensemble Program, which gives our students the opportunity to make music with other students! The possible instrument combinations are endless, and the music written for these groups is quite fun! Each chamber music ensemble will meet once a week with their coach (one of AWSOM's awesome teachers). It is a great way to meet other like-minded musicians, make some fantastic music, and learn in a group atmosphere!
Antonio Vivaldi
By Kate MacKenzie
One of my favorite composers was an Italian mastermind of the Baroque era, Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741). His beautiful treatment of melodies paired with appeasing Alberti bass and harmonic structure have made him an important figure of music history. Sure, most people fall in love with perhaps his most famous piece, The Four Seasons, but for me it was his Bassoon Concerto in A Minor that started my deep admiration for his music.
The Globetrotting Musician
By Kate MacKenzie
You never know what doors will open for you as a musician. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel worldwide with my bassoon as early as middle school. It is amazing how music can cross all language and cultural divides; it allows us to share a fundamental human experience with all sorts of people. This has been such a special perk of being a musician that I did not expect as a child when I first began music lessons.
The Music of the Suffrage Movement
By Kate MacKenzie
In light of today’s political climate, I’m taking this opportunity to examine the music used in protests throughout history, specifically the music from the woman’s marches during the Suffrage Movement. Suffragists used adapted tunes from soldier’s marches, popular songs, familiar hymns, and some even composed new music just for the occasion. Women activists were not as widespread or supported. Those who had the courage to speak up over their injustices faced sometimes very serious consequences.
The Legacy of Clara Schumann
By Kate MacKenzie
One of my youngest piano students inspired the topic of this month’s blog post about a very important musician and composer named Clara Schumann (1819-1896). Her husband, Robert Schumann, was a very prominent composer of the time. However, Clara’s work and talent went largely unnoticed because it was believed that women should not compose music, nor should they perform publicly. Though she was heavily supported in her musical education on the piano (she was considered a child prodigy), she was expected to focus on her homelife once she was married.
Adding Power to Music
By Dr. Kate McKenzie
Like many, last night I was glued to the TV watching The Oscars, and my favorite aspect of the award show is always the music. Even after years of studying, practicing, thinking, living and breathing music, I still am in complete awe over how powerful of a role music plays in telling a story.
Music in Colleges and Universities
By Kate McKenzie
It’s never too early to start thinking about how music can help you achieve your collegiate goals. No, you don’t have to major in music at a world-renowned conservatory to continue to study music, perform in ensembles, or even get a scholarship. Most universities have several large ensembles that are open to to all students, and they often have scholarship money to to attract talented musicians (including non-music majors) to their program.