I am a woman of many interests (i.e. I get distracted a lot). Most of these interests have to do with creating things, but in the past I have had a hard time prioritizing these interests. The main reason was
Good to Great…What is your Hedgehog concept? Read More »
Every year, the American Composers Forum has a contest for a new Christmas carol to be written. In April, they announce the instrumentation and prizes include $1000 and a performance to be recorded for national broadcast. Visit American Composers Forum for
Composers Forum Christmas Carol Contest Read More »
This week, the Piano Explorer announced the winners of the 2009 Composition Contest. I’m thrilled to report that my student, Jana Heady won 1st place in the younger division and Nicole Jack won an Honorable Mention in the older division!
Composition Winners Read More »
Some students have an intense desire to compose, but just don’t know where to start. For these students, it is helpful to have a subject or topic for composing. Every year the Piano Explorer has a composition contest and
Getting a Student Started Composing Read More »
The subject of teaching composition to children strikes fear in the heart of many independent music teachers. I think this is often because the IMT feels that they just don’t have the tools needed for such a task. It is
Teaching Composition to Children…some beginning thoughts Read More »
Why should I teach my students to compose? Children are naturally creative. It’s one of the things that distinguishes us from other living species. The self-esteem and confidence of children thrive when they create something they know is a
Why Teach Composition to Children Read More »
Hal Leonard has just launched the First Choice New Release Club for piano teachers. I like several aspects of this club: 1. It features music that the piano teacher is interested in: Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, Composer Showcase Collections, Phillip Keveren
First Choice New Release Club Read More »
Laura Lowe has some great posts about what she learned at the 2009 MTNA convention on her Lowe Piano Studio Blog. I wish I had been there, but I love her summaries and have picked up a few new ideas
2009 MTNA Convention Blogging Read More »
ChangeThis.com has a few great manifestos on creativity and how to generate good ideas. 14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas is a particularly helpful manifesto for the composer. Some of Mitch Ditkoff’s ideas are more applicable to the musician
14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas Read More »
If you do a lot of arranging, you may be interested to know about the International Music Score Library Music Portal (IMSLP). IMSLP contains PDF files of scores that are in the public domain. Many composers of a number of
Public Domain Classical Scores Read More »
Merry to Moody:
Holiday music for everyone!
Tired of the usual holiday music?This free webinar is just for you! Lots of new, original, and classic holiday, winter, and seasonal music will wow your students onto the bench! And you'll love the new audience participation piece as well!
