How many songs do you have tucked in your head? From the tapes and CDs (or in my case, 8 tracks and records!) you listened to as a child, to the songs played on the family stereo while your mom or dad worked around the house, to the songs that played on the radio while…
Looking for a fun way to re-enrgize your young musician’s practice time? Check out these awesome apps for iphone or iPad. Music Quest. An app to motivate your child to play at the bench a little longer. My Note Games. Five awesome games that help children with note naming, identifying patterns by ear and transcribing! I…
A typical Saturday for me, as a child, included a ride with my dad or grandfather (or both) to a local hall with a trailer full of band equipment in tow. My brother and I would help unload the gear and proceed to ask my uncles (and adopted uncle) a bazillion questions. I am quite…
If you have ever completed a practical music exam (where you play test pieces and technique on an instrument), then you know that apprehensive feeling as you walk into a room with a complete and total stranger to bare your soul with the pieces you have been working to perfect for months. You may…
Today was day 3 of classes at the new studio location. (17 Goshen St.) What a wonderful place to welcome students and parents, and what a wonderful place to work! I am thrilled to be teaching in such a spacious, professional, yet “homey” environment. The biggest pay off for the last 3 weeks of exhausting…
The Music Box is expanding! After 3 plus years of working out of my home I am pleased to say that we are ready for a larger location. Every day for the past three years, as I was teaching, I could see a building sitting across the road. It was rarely used and full of…
We are at the halfway point now. July has been enjoyed and August is here ready to offer more summer fun! It is a great time to pay a visit to the lonely ivories and do a little review to ensure a smooth transition into the recommencement of lessons once September hits. Maybe you have…
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…
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?
About a month ago my husband bought me an early Christmas present – a shiny new Macbook. It is the prettiest little laptop with backlit keys and a glowing apple on the lid. Anyone who has used a Mac (especially a new one) understands the learning curve that I have had to climb to navigate…
