I had to share this precious photo sent to me by a “music mom”. I am sure this little student was overcome with exhaustion after a particularly productive practice session. I wonder if she was dreaming of playing at Carnegie Hall?
Away in a Manger, Jingle Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. When I reflect on Christmases past, some of my fondest memories are anchored by those well loved Christmas carols. Not just hearing them, but sharing them. As a very young…
Want to be a great musician? “Play” music every day! Between baseball, soccer, art class, dance class, doctor appointments, school work, laundry and dishes, shopping, visiting family and all the other goings on of the busy families of today…when are we supposed to fit practicing in? Ideally students need to be spending time every day working on…
Growing pains. They are part of the maturing process. They can be physical in nature but many times they are emotional. Even more painful is watching your child or student work their way through the inevitable discomfort of growth. Yet, looking back on my career, it is the moments after unrest that hold the greatest of victories. Early…
How much should my child practice each day? This is a question I hear many times in a year. It is a tricky question and really can only be answered in this way, “for as long as it takes.” Seems pretty arbitrary I know, but that really is the best answer. The fact that parents…
I love to colour. The mindless rhythmic motion as you fill in the white spaces with a rainbow of hues is satisfying and calming. You know when you go to a restaurant and the wait staff gives your kids a page to colour and a handful of crayons to keep them busy while they wait for their meals? Well,…
Challenges are the spice of life…well for me anyway. A problem to figure out, a skill to master, pushing my limits physically or mentally…any opportunity to grow and learn is my idea of a good time. I think a life without challenges would be boring, stagnant and lacklustre. When you conquer a fear, solve a…
