If you are a member of the Hal Leonard Teacher VIP club, you probably already know that they are running a 40% special on the Composer Showcase and Piano Recital Showcase series.  American Portraits is in this series, so you might want […]
40% off American Portraits Read More »
Betsy, a teaching friend of mine, wrote to me recently and said that a student of hers played Twister at a winter recital and loved it. Â She said that it was a good piece for helping her learn to loosen
Unexpected Review from a Student Read More »
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. Â 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. Â 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. Â The winner of the giveaway is: #7 – Christine of The Monarch Music School Congratulations Christine. Â 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. Â The subject is finding something positive and you can tell me what you would tell a student with a given melody in this post. Â I’d
Breakout Session 1 [Composition Corner] Read More »
A good melody is one of the most important parts of a composition. Â 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 »
The Great Fuzzy Event of 2026!
You will not believe what we released at this premier event! Four new Fuzzies solos, a new and FREE incentive program, summer ideas, new resources and so much more! Even the replay is super fun!
