Busting Myths: Starving Artists Aren’t Real

Busting Myths: Starving Artists Aren’t Real

By Megan Grady

Do you have a student who’s extremely musically or artistically inclined or one who is passionate about pursuing the arts for college and beyond? Does the idea of your child trying to “make it” as an artist worry you? I’m here to unpack the antiquated idea that a career in the arts is a death-sentence on your salary, lifestyle or economic stability/mobility. Sure, it requires a lot of hard work to sustain a life as a musician (or other artist) and there are certain aspects that are far short of perfect, but who’s job is really secure and perfect these days?

The Secret to Practicing Smart

The Secret to Practicing Smart

By Max Walker

Everyone knows that to gain proficiency in anything, one must practice diligently. This is where we often hear the saying “if you devote ten thousand hours to your craft, you will become a master”. However, while practice is necessary to master any skill, it is not quite as simple as doing anything related to your craft for a vast amount of time. To truly master something, you must not only practice, you must practice right. While there are a multitude of angles for looking at smart practice, I will be covering several categories that have helped shape my own practice routines. These three ‘pillars’ of practice are: consistency, focus, and variety. I hope that this outline might shed some light on mapping out a daily routine, and maintaining it.

Off To The Musicals

Off To The Musicals

By Andrew White

“Doe, a deer, a female deer…”

 

“Tale as old as time…”

 

“I dreamed a dream in time gone by…”

 

“Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendor…”

 

“From the day, we arrive, on the planet…”

If your whistling, humming or full opera singing hasn't broken out yet, there’s something wrong! There’s nothing quite like a night at the musicals, whether it be a Broadway Show, West End Musical or Las Vegas Spectacular, they are nights you remember forever.

The Romantic Period (1810-1918)

The Romantic Period (1810-1918)

By Nathan Straub

Have you ever enjoyed the music that plays during a movie? Do you suddenly have “aha!” moments when you learn that a theme from an old cartoon was actually a legitimate composition (thank you, Looney Tunes!)?

You can thank the Romantic Period for these familiar sensations. The fact is that when most people think of classical music, they are thinking of the symphonies, concertos, operas, and sonatas of the Romantic period. Composers such as Chopin, Wagner, Debussy, Verdi, Puccini, Mahler, Schumann, Schubert, Beethoven (to be discussed a separate time!), and many more composed thousands of pieces still performed around the world.

Duets, Trios, and Quartets...Oh My!

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! 

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Music in the Homeschool Curriculum

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Music in the Homeschool Curriculum

By Maile Allen and John Hart

There are many ways students benefit from learning to play an instrument. Numerous students show students who take music lessons perform better academically, see an increase in verbal intelligence, and even see a boost to their IQ. Homeschooling families can enhance their students’ education and experience by adding music lessons to their curriculum.

Beginning the College Search for Music

Beginning the College Search for Music

By Megan Grady

The college decision process can be daunting - everyone has an opinion about what you should study, where you should go and what you should want. With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding what you want to study, what kind of college you want, and where you want to apply. These decisions feel like they will impact the rest of your life!

Beginning Piano Tips: Learning the Keys of the Piano

Beginning Piano Tips: Learning the Keys of the Piano

By Justin Hansen

During an introductory piano lesson, aside from getting a glimpse of the student’s personality, the primary goal for the teacher is to assess the skill level of the prospective student. If this student is new to piano, there are some fun rudimentary lessons we can give to ignite interest and provide a snapshot of any learning styles that become apparent. Some instructors may focus on teaching this student a simple song on the black keys using finger numbers. Others may focus on note heads and their values. One thing most of us choose not to start out with is teaching the keys of the piano; that perhaps the student will gradually learn these later with the help of method books, and it may just be too much information out of the gate.

Music History: A Brief Introduction

Music History: A Brief Introduction

By Nathan Straub

Have you ever wondered how music evolved into its current state? How did power chords, symphonies, rock concerts, Michael Jackson, and operas all come to be? This week, I will be covering three musical eras that answer a small part of these questions. These are known as the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic musical periods.

Teacher Profile: Justin Hansen, Piano

Teacher Profile: Justin Hansen, Piano

At AWSOM we value the personal connections we make with our students, and we want you to feel the same way.

That's why our teachers have taken a moment to answer some questions in between their busy teaching schedules. Read on to learn more about our amazing piano teacher Justin Hansen!