Blog
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.
By Andrew White
We all know that keeping in great shape is important in so many areas, our physical health, our homes, our vehicles, our belongings, and definitely our musical instruments! Whatever instruments you play, it's not only important to know how to play the instrument but also how to maintain it. Let's take a look at a few ways we can best care for our instruments.
By John Hart
Whether you want to start a new instrument, reengage or simply continue on with your current instrument, it’s good to take a moment to consider your purpose for taking lessons. Dream a little! What is it that you want to be able to do with your music? In time, who would you like to be playing for? Are you interested in learning how to improvise on an instrument, or do you prefer to stick with written notes?
As a long-time music teacher and performer, I believe that a well-rounded musician needs to be able to do the following:
In my next 3 blog articles, I will address each of the topics listed above: sight-reading, improvising, and accompanying.
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.
By John Hart
Everyone loves music around the holiday season. We hear it in the stores as we shop, on the radio as we drive, and on the TV; but each one of us can become more intentional when it comes to incorporating music into our family holidays. Here are ideas for parents to discuss in preparation for these special times with our families:
By Destin Smith
Over the years, I have heard a number of interesting sayings. For instance “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or “A watched pot never boils”. One saying that has stuck with me goes like this: “How do you eat an elephant”.... do you give up?........ the answer is.....“ One bite at a time.”
By Nathan Pulse
Hi everyone, it's the end of the summer and I'd like to talk about something that seems very obvious but often times get overlooked by younger players. The thing I am talking about is listening. One of the very first things a music teacher will ask his/her students is "Who do you listen to?" It is always surprising to me that the answer is very often "I don't know" or "I don't listen to (insert your instrument here)".
By John Hart
Motivation
Utilization
Structure
Initiation
Curriculum
Motivate your kids to learn music by introducing them to various musical activities and music genres. Take them to concerts and musicals. Watch shows that are full of music. Listen to theirinterests. Ask, “What is your favorite instrument?” Sign them up for music lessons as early as 3 years old!
Utilize the instruments you already own or invest in a new or used instrument. All it takes to start piano in the beginning is a little plastic keyboard. You can always upgrade later. Eventually—have your kids play duets together!
Set a schedule for regular music practice. Some parents like to post a daily schedule for each of their kids that includes music practice. Remember—most young children need their parents to provide structure for their day—and this includes making sure that they follow through.
Initiate family times that incorporate musical performances—right in your own home! If you start when your kids are very young, it won’t seem contrived to them to do this when they are older. (Click on the picture below for an article about how our relatives have accomplished this in their own family.)
Curriculum! Once you start music lessons for your kids, be sure they are following a curriculum of instruction so they are progressing smoothly from one concept and skill set to the next. You can always add in extra pieces just for fun along the way. Have fun!
