Music and Much More
This past week my mother, four sisters, all of our spouses and I celebrated my Dad’s retirement after over four decades of surgery. It was wonderful to gather together to hear his surgery stories and to give tributes to his incredible career. I wrote:
On Father’s Day several years ago, I interviewed my dad to hear his perspective on the role of a teacher.… Read More...
Student Motivations:
Social Currency
Concert Currency
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Hello Music Friends,
Every week, I enjoy listening to The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast with host Jessica Peresta. In a couple of weeks, she is conducting an online music curriculum seminar, which I am looking forward to!
As a result, I’m spending time doing the tedious task of researching state and national standards for music education.… Read More...
Hello Music Friends!
It’s been too long! I hope you all are doing well. I thought it was about time I give an update on my music endeavors. This school year, in addition to teaching foreign language at my children’s school, I also took on the role as one of the choir directors, as well as the strings director.… Read More...
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I honestly don’t know life without it. My great-great grandfather played fiddle in a country band. My grandmother was a pianist/organist/composer. My mother is a violinist and vocalist. My mother-in-law is a pianist. All four of my sisters and I are violinists.… Read More...
With school just around the corner and music lessons are starting back up, I know I need a pep talk as a teacher and music mom to get my students and children back in musical shape. And who better to ask for advice than my own mom, violinist and vocalist, veteran violin teacher, and mother of five professional violinists!… Read More...
Professional musician, native of Wichita, Kansas, and inspirational fiction author who shares my same maiden name, Amanda Wen is an author I personally couldn’t wait to interview! Listen to the end for a special performance by Amanda and me as we “hymnprovise” on Amazing Grace!
Although surprisingly we aren’t related, she’s a kindred spirit whose books ring true and strike a chord that resonates with me, and countless other readers as well.… Read More...
I hope you enjoy this interview with my aunt and former violin teacher, Valerie Sullivan. She helped me prepare for competitions and college auditions, with great success I might add! Check out her tips of the trade!
Even if you’re not a music teacher, you might enjoy learning a little about what it takes to be a professional violinist.… Read More...
Thanks sooooo much for all of your support in my musical journey. I’m excited to let you know that my 3 singles: Amazing Grace/Sublime Gracia/La Grace du Ciel are now live! I’d be honored to have you listen in whichever language you prefer (or all 3)!
If you haven’t yet, sign-up to Music Updates for access:
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A couple of weeks ago, my mother Allison and I taught a summer music camp for beginning violinists, and we were thrilled to invite Kim and Phil as guest musicians to teach our string players about other instruments in the orchestra. The students couldn’t believe how many household items could be turned into percussion instruments!… Read More...
I hope you all have a happy Father’s Day! I’m always blown away by my Dad’s quite wisdom. I really enjoyed spending the holiday with him a couple of years ago when I filmed this. I can’t wait to see him again in a couple of weeks!
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Cellist Jerry Chang is bored in class due to the repetitive nature of his music. What’s the point in playing an instrument if he’s stuck accompanying Franklin, the uppity first violinist? Even the second violinist and violist, the pretty Pearson sisters, seem ready for a change in tune. When Jerry suggests they play a song by the Romantic composer Borodin, the girls jump at the opportunity.… Read More...
Happy 5 de Mayo!
This year, I am celebrating again with piñatas, chips and salsa, and Mexican music as I teach foreign language at my children’s school! I love to see the joy in the students’ faces as they discover different cultures.
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Have you ever been surprised by someone who said that they couldn’t speak another language, but you found out that they could actually read it really well? Or have you been confused when meeting a musician who admitted she couldn’t read music? Welcome to the audio vs. visual debate!
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Etta, a tuba player for the Belton University Symphony, is forced to face her fear of the ocean when the orchestra travels to the Caribbean for a concert. French horn player Terrence makes it his mission to help Etta become more comfortable with the sea. Will Etta find a way to be noticed in spite of her position at the back of the orchestra?… Read More...
Family, Fiction, and an adorable violin as the main character? How could I resist this fabulous children’s book by music teacher/author Courtney Woodward?
A fellow music fiction author with an amazing passion for bringing music education to students of all ages and stages, I had a blast chatting with Courtney today!… Read More...
–Excerpt by Author/Podcast Host Kent Sanders. Click HERE for the episode!
“I’ve always been fascinated by personality assessments and typology. If you’ve been paying attention the last decade or two, the Enneagram has been the tool of choice for many people. A lot of organizations, companies, and churches use it to help people better understand themselves, and to enhance teamwork, as well.… Read More...
I can’t believe I wrote this short story nearly two years, at the start of the pandemic. It feels appropriate after the passing this week of my own Grandmother, a wonderful pianist/author to the end.
Pauline, a senior piano major at Belton University, nearly lives at the music school as she prepares for her capstone recital.… Read More...
Farewell to a Legend A legend died today, I know It’s hard to comprehend. That after nearly a century Your era came to end. You taught me how to write in verse When I was just a girl. The words would form within my mind Then on the page unfurl. Your love of music, poetry, And all creative things, Developed deep within your soul, Then flew on feathered wings.… Read More...
Last night, I watched old videos of the ball drop in New York City. I’ve never been there for New Year’s Eve, but I’m sure it would be a lot of fun!
I’ve only been to New York once, when my mom had the chance to perform in Carnegie Hall.… Read More...
2022 Goals:
Release the audiobook versions of my two books
Release new music video mashup for the audiobook release
Chat with more authors about the role music plays in their stories
2021 Goals Accomplished:
Released The Chronicles of Music Majors in the Spring
Released A Change in Tune in the Fall
Started the Music Fiction Podcast!… Read More...
Bonus episode!
Here’s a little fiddling Marie Pearson style, in case you need some peppy music on your way to celebrate Thanksgiving!
(I’m not actually shipping up to Boston, haha.)
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Both of my Grandmothers served as the inspiration for Gigi. They’re amazing nonagenarians and still enjoy music, history, and literature!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download… Read More...
I was thrilled to speak with Author/Suzuki teacher Christine Goodner from The Suzuki Triangle Blog/ Time to Practice Podcast! Click HERE for full episode!
If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend checking out Christine’s incredible resources for teachers and parents of musicians! I took one of her online courses a year ago, and it was incredible!… Read More...
When I’ve asked people their favorite scene from the book, this one tops the charts! It also happens to be my favorite as well…
Tonight, meet the real life Strings of Sisterhood! Click Here to attend on Facebook!
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Do you want to be a performer or a teacher? Or both? The same applies to a scholar, a teacher, or both?
Reading for next week:
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After a long labor, I’m having a book baby! After years of waiting, multiple drafts, revisions, tears, and several days of nearly giving up, my first novel is finally here! And thanks to you all, it’s already the #1 New Release in the Teen & Young Adult Music Fiction category.
If you have enjoyed my work so far and you want to help share our love of music to others, please help me spread the word.… Read More...
Have you ever wondered the difference? It’s not the instrument; it’s the way you play it. Check out this video to see how!
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Have you ever thought about the intersection of the arts? Do they all stem from a common place?
I was thrilled to philosophize about the nature of music with writer and podcaster John Biethan on his podcast What Has My Attention. I hope you enjoy it!
Your host John Biethan, President of Heard Not Seen Media, Inc.… Read More...
Grab a coffee and join me for a chat!
Episode sponsored by the kind brides and grooms who have hired strings this summer!
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Grab a coffee or hot chocolate at the local Cafe Chocolat, the French bistro near Belton University!
Listening: Pachelbel’s Cannon in D (Baroque wedding piece)
Comedic Rendition of Pachelbel’s Cannon in D: the 17th Century 1 hit wonder I couldn’t resist including this, even though as a violinist I still enjoy the song!… Read More...
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Here is: A Change in the Winds: audio version.
I apologize that I did not include the podcast version in my earlier post!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download… Read More...
For those of you who prefer to listen to your book club sessions…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download… Read More...
Research from the Enneagram Institue
Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. … Read More...
What is it like to be the non-musical parent of a budding musician? I couldn’t think of a better person to ask than my own amazing dad. Having attended countless violin recitals, orchestra concerts, and gigs, he’s been my number one supporter. A seasoned teacher and mentor, as well as a leader in his field, I decided to interview him to get his take on the world of music education.… Read More...
Have you ever wondered about the art of books? The cover, illustrations, aesthetic appeal? Check out this week’s interview with my recent cover designer, my cousin Heather Deiter.
1. Heather, can you tell us about your artistic background?
I’ve been interested in it since I was a little kid. I wanted to recreate what I saw in the world, and I spent time developing those skills.… Read More...
This week I was honored to be on The Daily Writer Podcast to talk with host Kent Sanders about the importance of stories in teaching. We also take a deeper dive into the creation of short stories.
FREE epubs of The Chronicles of Music Majors this month for Student/Teacher Appreciation! Feel free to share with fellow students/colleagues!… Read More...
Concerts and auditions are coming back, and I have the perfect solution to get you, or your students, in peak performance state!
This past week, I had the privilege of chatting with one of my wonderful colleagues and fellow Francophile violinist, Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier. I have loved listening to her delightful Mind over Finger podcast for the past year, and have attended several practice workshops in her Facebook Group.… Read More...
This week, I was thrilled to be featured on Andrea Miller’s podcast: Music Studio Startup, one of the best resources for music teachers! Her material is always so helpful for me as I run my violin studio, and I highly recommend that you listen to her content! She also offers several music business courses for teachers.… Read More...
Do you want to start or improve your violin studio, but don’t know where to begin? On March 10, I’m sharing my Violin Studio 101 Course for FREE to my subscribers. Sign-up here, and you’ll receive a link to the course and eBook translations on release day. You can also sign-up by joining my What’sApp Group.… Read More...
A few months ago, I had the privilege of interviewing my own high school violin teacher, my aunt Valerie Sullivan, on this topic.
Over the course of her career, Valerie has served as a violin professor, strings sectionals coach for the youth symphony, orchestral musician, soloist, chamber musician, and private violin teacher.… Read More...
To close out the year, I thought it fitting to honor one of the greatest composers of all time. This month, classical music aficionados around the world are celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
I was thrilled to be featured by Applause to the Musician for Beethoven’s Duet in C Major with cellist Chet Lord-Remmert.… Read More...
This week, I was thrilled to speak with Jerry Pollio from Applause to the Musician about the wonderful profession of being a classical musician. We delved into many of the career opportunities it affords, as well as how to keep it relevant and thriving in our 21st-century society.
I hope you’ll check it out, and please share feedback with more ideas on how to make classical music accessible for listeners today!… Read More...
Music has played a significant role in my life since before I can remember, weaving its melodies into the fabric of my identity. My mother, a violinist and singer by trade, began to teach me violin at the age of two. She taught my four younger sisters to play the instrument at a young age as well.… Read More...
“Everything living has a rhythm. Do you feel your music? ”-Michael Jackson
As a violin instructor of many young children, I believe it is important to use resources that appeal to the age demographic I teach. In addition to the resources I mentioned in my previous post, I use The Rhythm Train books with my young protégés.… Read More...
While most people find it daunting to motivate even one child to practice regularly, my mother Allison managed to motivate all four of my sisters and me to practice nearly every day from the age of 3 until we went to college, all of us with violin scholarships in hand. As the mother of a budding music student myself, I wanted to find out her tricks of the trade, not just as a professional violin teacher, but also as a busy mom, with all of the responsibility that entails!… Read More...
In this post, I’m thrilled to feature my uncle and aunt, fellow music educators Philip and Kim Parker! Visit their site at philipparkercomposer.com.
Phil, as a professor of music, what is the best advice you offer to students who want to pursue a career in music?… Read More...
Build your own little violin! This craft works great for teachers as well as parents of young students. It can also just be a fun introduction to musical instruments.
Prospective students are usually anxious to get started on the real violin, but often they’re not ready.… Read More...
Like many of my fellow music teachers, I’m looking for new ways to connect with students and help them connect with each other. When I found Victoria Kimble’s new Young Adult release The Main Dish with a violin featured on the front, I had to check it out.
As it turns out, Victoria must be my long-lost twin, considering we share a love of music, fiction, faith, and sisters.… Read More...
Check out my favorite beginning violin books! My primary method is the Suzuki Method, which emphasizes aural training and imitates language learning. In graduate school, I took a couple of linguistics classes on Second Language Acquisition, which further reminded me of Suzuki’s genius to combine these principles with music education.… Read More...
“Where can I buy a violin?” students often ask. My answer is usually threefold.
Local Strings Shop
Please don’t buy from Amazon for an acoustic (not as good of quality)
As students get more advanced, they can always try out violins from other string shops as well.
Don’t forget to check their size!… Read More...
Whether you’re a veteran music teacher or just starting your studio, it’s important to consider the nuts and bolts of your business. These are the “who, what, where, when, how” questions about your studio. Those of us who’ve been in the business for awhile know several of the traps people can fall into in a small business, so it’s best to address these issues before they even start.… Read More...
Whether you’re a veteran music teacher or just starting your studio, it’s important to consider the nuts and bolts of your business. These are the “who, what, where, when, how” questions about your studio. Those of us who’ve been in the business for awhile know several of the traps people fall into, so it’s best to address these issues before they even start.… Read More...
Random fact: I majored in violin performance for undergrad, but I got my Master’s Degree in French Literature. A bit of a shift in areas of specialization, I know, but both disciplines have shaped who I am today.
The French are a philosophical bunch.… Read More...
Mother of ten, grandmother, great-grandmother, fellow musician, and author, this larger-than-life person has inspired so many people over the course of nearly a century. Today, I’m honored to talk with my own Grandmother, Ruth Scheer.
Grandma Ruth, how did you develop an interest in music?
I discovered music for myself when I was about eight years old.… Read More...
Chenoa Alamu resides in Springfield, is a violinist in the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Decatur-Millikin Symphony Orchestra. She teaches violin and viola privately, and is a Starter Strings Teacher through the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony programs and Springfield Public School District #186.… Read More...
After nearly a decade of running my own studio, I decided to re-examine my studio and methods, taking a good look at which techniques I’ve found successful, and which areas leave room for improvement.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I want to share the resources that have been most beneficial to me over the years.… Read More...
This spring, several of my students have graduated from their Suzuki Books. They’ve put their quarantine time to good use by practicing their instruments.
During the normal academic year, students become bogged down by the demands of school and other extra curricular activities, and often their music practice suffers.… Read More...
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
A few years ago, several members of my family had the opportunity to conduct a music camp at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage and Primary School in Kajjansi, Uganda, a suburb of the capital city Kampala.… Read More...
Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children’s literature. While she has taught a variety of grade levels, primary level education is where her passion lies. It has long been a dream of hers to teach children through the magic of books and she hopes you love reading her works as much as she loved writing them.… Read More...
A year ago, I had the privilege of returning to my Alma Mater to attend my youngest sister’s collegiate senior recital. The entire performance was phenomenal! I was such a proud big sister. Her professor, Dr. Eka Gogichashvili, taught all four of my sisters and me over a sixteen-year time span.… Read More...
I don’t want this music to die. The older people are passing it on to the younger generation so the younger generation can pass it on to the next generation.
-Vy Higginsen
I hope that all of you moms enjoyed Mother’s Day this past weekend. As a mother of two young children myself, I am fascinated by the family life of composers.… Read More...
This week, I was honored to be featured for the Author Spotlight on RB Hayek Productions.
In the interview, I talk about the role of family on my family, as well as the relationship between music and foreign language pedagogy.
Robert Hayek writes:
“Learning how to play an instrument and learning a different language are two of the most difficult concepts to many people.… Read More...
In addition to virtual lessons, I am offering my students a virtual practice contest to keep them motivated/practicing during this unusual time!
1. Set up a Facebook Group or Zoom for your Studio families. (Or some other way for the studio members to communicate with each other.)
2. Group students into pairs.… Read More...
As a violin teacher, one of my goals is to pass on my love of music to the next generation. My biggest inspiration, as both violin teacher and performer, is my own mother, Allison. Growing up, she taught my sisters and me how to play the instrument. When we were older, she taught us how to teach.… Read More...
It takes a special kind of person to be a music major. And when I say special, I mean you can’t be embarrassed to clap rhythms in the hallway, singing “Queen of the Night” in your dorm room (much to the chagrin of your roommate). Or you realize that you should have clarified whether your 9 o’clock lesson meant 9 a.m.… Read More...
A fun, simple addition to your music studio this New Year is an abacus! I just purchased the GYBBER&MUMU Wooden Abucus although you could use any abacus you prefer. I wanted something students could use in order to count their violin drill passages. I liked the detachable one better than the other options because I can give a row containing 10 counting beads to each of my students.… Read More...