Thank you to all my Facebook friends who answered the question, “How would you define the word “musical” to someone who is not a professional musician?” I appreciate you for helping me brainstorm definitions of “musical.” In my upcoming lecture, […]
Elementary Students Connect with the Concrete Read More »
In the last Composition Corner post, I asked readers to comment on what they might say if a student came in to their lesson excited about their composition and played this: I have to say that I am thrilled with
What Would I Say? [Composition Corner] Read More »
I’m skeptical about studies like this, but I had a bit of fun this weekend mentioning this WSJ post to my vocal music loving husband. It seems that researchers found that higher IQ did predict a preference for instrumental over
Your IQ: Preferring Instrumental over Vocal Music Read More »
My Master’s Thesis was a symphonic band piece entitled, Pursuing the Wonder. In this piece, I wanted to musically portray the quest for childlike wonder that each of us need to truly appreciate and enjoy life. The concept for the
Humility Begets Wonder [Inspiration Point] Read More »
If you had asked me what songs were in my head last August, I would have sheepishly said that it was tunes sung by Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Train…just to name a few. Now lest I lose
New Pop Book for Late Elementary Read More »
Thanks to everyone who entered the drawing for the beautiful What Music Means to Me book. The winner of the giveaway is: #7 – Christine of The Monarch Music School Congratulations Christine. Please email me your address so that your
Winner of What Music Means to Me Read More »
Don’t forget to tell us what you think in the breakout session for Composition Corner. The subject is finding something positive and you can tell me what you would tell a student with a given melody in this post. I’d
Breakout Session 1 [Composition Corner] Read More »
A good melody is one of the most important parts of a composition. Except in rare occasions, the composer wants their piece to make such an impression that the listener continues goes away from the piece with the melody filling
Problems with Melody [Composition Corner] Read More »
Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on this day in 1867. She was a remarkable girl and woman and thousands of children are indebted to her for writing her family’s story down. She is one of the pioneer women who inspired
Happy Birthday Laura [Inspiration Point] Read More »
Richard Rejino’s book What Music Means to Me was showcased at this year’s NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) conference. At the end of the conference, his book was chosen as the “Best In Show” and labeled as a “gotta
Perk Up Practice!
Autumn & Halloween Music
Grab your pumpkin spice latte and listen to composers talk about how to teach their newest autumn & Halloween music! Join hundreds of creative teachers for an uplifting time of encouragement & learning! New MACs released at this webinar!
