O Come, All Ye Faithful

O Come All Ye Faithful


This beautiful 18th-century hymn was written by British composer John Francis Wade around 1743. I had the privilege of recording this inspiring hymn with several friends!

Laura Fliege (organ), Tim Fliege (trumpet/bass)

Roger Schlicting (tenor)

Amy Lakeman (trumpet/alto)

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Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus is a beautiful 18th-century hymn written by Charles Wesley. As we look forward to Advent, we anticipate the birth of Christ who releases us from our sins and fears.

The featured artist for this rendition is rock star-turned pastor, Rev. Paul Hemenway. I was honored to collaborate with him on this song as we both prepare for the upcoming busy Christmas season of ministry in our church.… Read More...

Deck the Halls

It’s time to decorate for Christmas, and what better song to listen to than Deck the Halls?

The lyrics to this 16th-century tune were written by Thomas Oliphant in 1862. For this particular recording of the song, I drew largely from the two violins/piano arrangement written by my uncle Philip Parker, composer and music professor.… Read More...

O Little Town-It Takes a Village

Everyone needs a group of friends they can share life with, and these ladies are like my local family. In fact, one time I accidentally crashed their family reunion. Thirty-minutes into the party, someone finally asked how I was related and I was the party-crasher. However, rather than ask me to leave, they said I could pretend to be their long-lost cousin, and we’ve considered each other practically family ever since. … Read More...

Our Christmas Tree

My family is fortunate enough to live just minutes from an incredible Christmas tree farm. Every year, we drive to the quaint, family-owned agro-tourism destination to pick out, and chop down, our favorite bushy evergreen. Afterwards, we love grabbing some hot cocoa and popcorn in the festive-themed barn before taking our tree home to decorate. … Read More...

No Mere Mortal: An Extraordinary Mentor

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...

Paris, the City of Light

Bonjour! I’m having a blast teaching French this semester. Next week, my students and I get the opportunity to attend a children’s symphony concert called Bon Voyage. I couldn’t be more excited about this musical trip to Paris!

Leading up to our field trip, I’m teaching the students about the beautiful City of Light.… Read More...

Music Update

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...

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas season! I’m enjoying celebrating at home with my family. We have performed a lot together this month! I’m so proud of my son and daughter for carrying on this treasured family tradition.

Don’t forget to listen to my Christmas Album: Classic Christmas Carols for a little holiday cheer!… Read More...

Faith, Family, and Rock and Roll: The Faith of Elvis, Interview with Kent Sanders

In today’s episode, I interview special guest Kent Sanders, who helped write The Faith of Elvis with Elvis’s stepbrother Billy Stanley. Find out more about the behind-the-scenes life of the King of Rock n’ Roll!

Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother, shares the untold story of the iconic singer’s Christian faith–its deep influence on his music, films, relationships, commitment to his family and fans, and his love for the Gospel.… Read More...

New Updates, ACFW Conference Photos, and Giveaway Winner

Hello music friends,

I apologize that it has been a few weeks since I posted! With the start of school I needed to prepare for teaching Spanish as well as music this year. I am really enjoying my time teaching!

Me and my critique partner, author Jessica Sly

I also had the pleasure of attending the ACFW conference this past weekend, where I made several new friends, met up with critique partners, and learned from some of the best experts in Christian fiction!… Read More...

The Songs That Could Have Been-Interview and Giveaway With Musician/Author Amanda Wen

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...

Vive La Musique Française!

Today, in honor of the French holiday Bastille Day, July 14, 1789, I wanted to share music by a couple of the lesser-known French composers, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Joseph Bologne (1745-1799). Thank you again to all my French listeners! After living in France, your country will forever hold a special place in my heart.… Read More...

“Borod-in” Class

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...

The Audio Visual Debate

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!

Don’t miss a post!
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Parlez-Vous Français? Debussy Violin Sonata

As an aficionado of French and Music, it doesn’t get much better than Debussy!

Claude Debussy wrote his Violin Sonata in G Minor in 1917, near the end of his life. The unusual harmonies deviate from his earlier impressionistic works, like the famous piano Arabesques composed during the Impressionist era.

I hope you enjoy this little taste of French music composed during the early twentieth century!… Read More...

The Hot Canary: A Fun Violin Joke

I hope you enjoy my recording of the this springtime classic.

Paul Nero

American Jazz Violin Hit Song with Ukrainian/Russian Roots

Paul Nero, a mid-twentieth-century composer known for his hot violin jazz tunes, made a splash in 1949 with his successful song, The Hot Canary. This hilarious hit would have been the talk of Twitter, full of bird tweets and trills throughout.… Read More...

Spring Break! Brass at the Beach

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 Dynamics: Embrace Your Sound

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...

Using the Enneagram to Write Fiction: with Host Kent Sanders and Guests Teresa McCloy and Ashley Rescot

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...

Surface Pressure Viola Cover, from the Movie Encanto

If your house is anything like mine, we’ve been OBSESSED with the recent Disney feature film Encanto. As a Spanish teacher, musician, sister, and mom, I loved it!

The perennial theme of family and how different people find their place within their family really resonated with me. I liked that the three sisters each possessed their own distinct personalities, while still learning to get along with each other.… Read More...

Paganini and Passion

In 2013, the film The Devil’s Violinist portrayed the life and career of Niccolò Paganini, the famous 19th century virtuoso whose compositions are so challenging even the devil might have a run for his money! He had a disease that caused his fingers and limbs to be exceptionally long. Paganini’s intense popularity, bravado, love of violin and guitar, and lascivious behavior made him the rock star of his century, earning him the title “the devil’s violinist.”… Read More...

The Red Violinists

I’m curious to see which cover you guys prefer, the existing one, or this original one that features more of the red? Or do you prefer the cartoon style like The Chronicles of Music Majors?The Red Violinists was also my originally working title. This chapter shows why…

I was also inspired by the movie, The Red Violin.… Read More...

Enthusiasm and Performance Anxiety

Are you someone who likes to try everything? Do you delve into research, or learn by experiencing new things for yourself? Or, do you prefer to stick with what is comfortable and familiar?

Do you struggle with performance anxiety? Want some techniques to combat it?

Let’s delve into these three Enneagram types to see if you relate.… Read More...

A Look at the Luthier’s: Like Hoarders!

I find luthier shops to be very fascinating. They’re the string doctors of my profession. If a stringed instrument needs fixed or adjusted, this is who to visit.

I’ve visited a number of luthiers over the course of my career, and they’ve all had a big thing in common. Their shops always look like a set out of a Hoarders show!… Read More...

An Unexpected Heirloom

Grandfather Panter McIlvain’s fiddle

Several years ago, I found out that my musical heritage dates back to my Grandpa Scheer’s grandfather. Apparently Granfather Panter McIlvain played the fiddle in a country band, performing for dances and parties in his town. He passed on his violin to his grandson, Harold, who gave it to his own children to learn.… Read More...

The Scene You’ve Been Waiting For…

My husband and me at our rehearsal dinner

I’m sure you’ve all been waiting on the edge of your seats for this chapter, lol. Do Jerry and Victoria finally get together?

Listen to find out…

Chapter 21

Today’s episode is sponsored by Jerry Chang’s super suave collection. Who doesn’t love the hunky hero of the novel?… Read More...

A Tribute to Pianists: The Ivory Touch

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 Family Legend, Ruth Scheer: Musical Matriarch and Children’s Author

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...

Hippo Christmas!

I know I’ve been a little post-happy this season, but Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year! And I figured some people need more fun music and podcasts to listen to while holiday baking, cleaning, and traveling! (And when I say some people, I’m including myself. So if you’re a musician or podcaster, send your posts my way!… Read More...

Music of the Harp-Interview with Bestselling Author Angela Breidenbach with Full Series Christmas Giveaway!

Bonus Holiday Episode! Listen to our interview where Angela shares how music has played a role in her family and fiction!

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The Harpist’s Muse

Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana at Christmastime to expose the plight of street urchins.… Read More...

25 Days of Christmas Carols: Week 3

Ready for Week 3 of Christmas Carols? This week features some of my favorites!

If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to subscribe and comment on one of my socials for a chance to win the I LOVE Christmas sweatshirt. And you’ll receive more fun music and fiction posts, of course!

Subscribe to my mailing list
for weekly updates.
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O Holy Night-Special Edition

Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Last year, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...

25 Days of Christmas Carols: Week 2

I hope you’re enjoying your daily dose of Christmas music. Click this post for access to the full week of carols!

December 8: I Want A Stradivarius for Christmas

December 9: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

December 10: Deck the Halls

December 11: What Child is This

December 12: O Christmas Tree

December 13: Czech Carol (Bells Ringing in the Tower)

Don’t forget to let me know your favorite carol on one of my socials for a chance to win a I LOVE CHRISTMAS sweatshirt!… Read More...

25 Days of Christmas Carols Contest!

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC!

Now that it’s December, join me for 25 Days of Christmas Carols! Each day I will feature one of my favorite Christmas songs. Tell me which ones you like best on one of my socials (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube) for a chance to win this fabulous sweatshirt!*… Read More...

Interview with Santa: His Surprising Reading List and Knack for Checking Things Twice

Black Friday Sale! Great Deals this Week!

Santa’s Top 3 Favorite Books of All Time (He’s read each of these multiple times.)

Santa’s Current Read: The Last Book of the Poldark Series

Santa’s Favorite Poems: YouTube Playlist: Some A Bit Spooky!

Santa’s Role as Proofreader for A Change in Tune (He’s checked it more than twice!)… Read More...

Flashback to my Senior Solo Concerto Competition: Saint-Saens Violin Concerto in B Minor, 1st Movement

My favorite composer of all time is Romantic-Era Frenchman Camille Saint-Saëns. The storytelling nature and emotive quality of his works have always resonated with me.

In my book A Change in Tune, protagonist Victoria finally decides to compete with the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor (1880).

Today, I’m excited to share with you the LIVE VERSION of my 18-year-old self’s performance of the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto, accompanied by my high school Youth Symphony!… Read More...

Chapter 13: Dueling Violins

In spite of their rivalry, Victoria and Adrienne attempt to perform together like when they were little. Can they put aside their differences for a few minutes to play together? Or will the cat claws emerge?

My youngest sister and me as dueling violins at a talent show. I think she won!
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Fact or Fiction?

Me at my concerto concert
Ashley as Laura Ingalls

Growing up, I loved reading authors of autobiographical fiction. My favorite, of course, was Louisa May Alcott’s legendary Little Women. She drew from her real life to create memorable, realistic characters that have charmed readers for centuries.

Another that inspired me, Laura Ingalls Wilder, wrote her Little House series based on her own autobiography.Read More...

Chapter 9: The Halloween Concert

This chapter was inspired by my mother’s real life collegiate concert. Apparently, it took place at midnight on Halloween. The conductor rose out of a coffin dressed as Dracula!!!

Mom and 3 of her sisters

Here she is featured with three of her sisters. All four of them have been my teacher at some point in my life!… Read More...

Back to Bach

After all the excitement of launch, it has taken me a little while to reset, but it’s time to return to some of our favorite composers!

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is the most well-known composer of the Baroque period, and one of the most famous composers of all time! He played many roles throughout his life, including composer, church organist, husband, and father to twenty children!… Read More...

Thank you!!

Thanks again everyone for your incredible support this month. I couldn’t have had such an amazing book launch without all of you!

I had an amazing time at the Book Signing event last Friday with live music performed by my wonderful quartet: Blackwater String Ensemble.

I am still waiting for results from the JustRead Blog Tour, but I will keep you posted once I am notified of the winners, who will each receive a signed copy of A Change in Tune, as well as a copy of another violin-related novel.… Read More...

Traditional vs. Contemporary?

Historical or Contemporary Fiction?

Classical or Pop Music?

Traditional or Contemporary Worship?

Conservative or Liberal?

This debate is centuries old, and pops up in almost every field.Where do you fall on the spectrum? And is there room for a middle ground?

Join me in celebrating book launch for A Change in Tune!Read More...

Labor Day Book Baby is Here! Early Paperback Release

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...

Title and Cover Reveal for Music Novel

A Change in Tune:The Strings of Sisterhood, Vol. 1

Violinist Victoria Pearson dreams of attending Johann Conservatory of Music in New York City for graduate school. As the oldest of five sisters, she hopes to escape her Midwestern college town and hectic family situation to fulfill her passion in life—music. But when she decides to participate in Belton University’s Concerto competition to bolster her chances of acceptance, Victoria finds herself competing against her sister Adrienne and lifelong cellist friend Jerry Chang.… Read More...

A Unique Wedding Present

Last weekend, I had the honor of celebrating my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, and later this month my husband and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. My youngest sister just got married a couple of months ago. Clearly, love is in the air!

As a surprise gift for my mother, my Grandma, sisters, aunts, and I displayed the beautiful wedding dress Mom and her sisters wore for their weddings, purchased by my Grandfather in Paris 50 years ago.… Read More...

A Dad’s Take on Parenting Musicians

Dr. Stacy Peterson, M.D.

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...

What is Music Fiction?

Have you ever wondered what music fiction is? Why would anyone write it? This week, I’m excited to be featured on author Deena Adam’s blog All Things Bookish. Enter her giveaway for a chance to win a FREE paperback copy of my book The Chronicles of Music Majors!

An author herself, Deena seeks out authors whose message is one of hope in spite of formidable circumstances.Read More...

The Music Mastery Experience

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...

#5: The Investigator Musician

*Research from the Enneagram Institute

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation.… Read More...

Happy Easter!

Hymn: I Know that My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears,
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.
Read More...

Celebrate Bach’s Birthday!

Johann Sebastian Bach was born March 31, 1685. As one of the most prolific and renowned composers of all time, I figured today we’d celebrate his legacy. I had the privilege of performing a couple of movements of his Sonata No. 3 in C Major.

Sadly, I never performed the infamously challenging Chaconne, but I can’t wait for Jennifer Roig Francoli’s upcoming recording of the beautiful work!… Read More...

#7: The Enthusiast Musician

Bring on the life of the party! Enneagram 7’s are a blast!

*Research from the Enneagram Institute

“Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go.… Read More...

Cover Reveal: The Chronicles of Music Majors

Now available for ebook preorder! Stay tuned for paperback release dates.

E-mail me with your receipt, and I’ll send you an autographed postcard of The Chronicles of Music Majors and an invitation to join my Music Fiction Book Club!

Artwork by Heather Deiter

The Chronicles of Music Majors

Les Chroniques des Majors de la Musique

Las Crónicas de las Mayores de Música

Le Cronache delle Major Musicali

Die Chroniken der Musikmajore

Original artwork by artist Heather Deiter.… Read More...

O Holy Night: A Change of Heart

Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...

Christmas Glee Club

Sweet Contemporary Romance: FREE through Friday, December 11, on Amazon Kindle! I am offering $5 Amazon gift cards to the first person in each language to send me a message with their comments. I am especially interested in whether or not you like the content, and what you thought of the AI translation.… Read More...

I Got a Hippopotamus for Christmas…

“Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat. Please do put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do, if you haven’t got a ha’penny, God bless you!”

-Traditional Christmas Carol

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. With Halloween, my November birthday, Thanksgiving, and my daughter’s birthday, I always have so much to celebrate!… Read More...

I Want a Stradivarius for Christmas. A Stradivarius is all I Want…

“… I don’t want Amati, a Stainer or a toy. I want a Stradivarius to play with and enjoy. I want a Stradivarius for Christmas. Only a Stradivarius will do. No French Vuillaumes, or Guarneriuses. I only like, Stradivariuses. And Stradivariuses like me too!”

If you know anything about violins, you’re probably aware you can’t go wrong in buying your sweetheart violinist a Stradivarius for Christmas.… Read More...

What Does it Feel Like to Be a Classical Musician?

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...

The Violin: A Devilish Instrument

Me as Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty

“Death at midnight plays a dance-tune, zig, zig, zig, on his violin.”

“Danse Macabre” by Henri Cazalis (French symbolist poet: 1840-1909)

The haunting month of Halloween is upon us, and I couldn’t help but revisit my favorite ghostly violin music. Over the past couple of centuries the violin has had it’s bout with the devil, from Berlioz’ Symphanie Fantastique (1830) and Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre (1874), to Mussorsky’s Night on Bald Mountain.… Read More...

My Story Behind the Music

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...

Chamber Music of Secrets

“Chamber Music— a conversation between friends.” –Catherine Drinker Bowen

I love my String Quartet

One of the advantages to being a professional violinist is its variety! I love to learn new material, explore multiple genres, and uncover old gems from centuries past. I enjoy playing in a variety of capacities, whether as a soloist or as a member of small ensembles.… Read More...

“Bach” from the Grave

Check out the music playlist!

Freshman bassoonist Adam Heckel faces hazing in the music fraternity at Belton University while organist Miguel Guzmán struggles to overcome the pain of his past while preparing music for All Saints Day. When the two friends cross paths in an eerie locale Halloween night, will they finally find the brotherhood they both desperately need?… Read More...

How Do I Motivate my Child/Student to Practice?

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...

Violin Studio 101: Box Violin Craft

Me at the age of 2, playing on my box violin

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...

Violin Book Club: The Main Dish and 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.

Victoria Kimble

As it turns out, Victoria must be my long-lost twin, considering we share a love of music, fiction, faith, and sisters.… Read More...

Violin Studio 101: The Nuts and Bolts: Who, What, Where, When, How Much: Part 2

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...

Violin Studio 101: The Nuts and Bolts: Who, What, Where, When, How Much: Part 1

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...

Brass at the Beach

For all my romance readers, here’s a summer romantic comedy that takes place on the French island of Guadeloupe. Available on Kindle. Audiobook available on YouTube.

The resort my family stayed at in the Caribbean

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.… Read More...

The Hills Are Alive

“For I assure you, without travel, at least for people from the arts and sciences, one is a miserable creature!” -Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wow, this quote really hits home after everyone was literally stuck at home for at least two months! I’m afraid that, like Mozart, the travel bug runs in my family.… Read More...

Violin Studio 101: Get Philosophical

Me philosophizing at the café by my apartment in Paris

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...

Ruth Scheer: Children’s Book Author

Mother of ten, grandmother, great-grandmother, fellow musician, author, and the person who taught me how to be a writer, 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, how did you begin your writing career?Read More...

Ruth Scheer: Musical Matriarch

4 Generations of musicians

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...

The Music of Fireworks

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” –Francis Scott Key

Happy Independence Day! Growing up, I loved celebrating the 4th of July with my family. We had a great view of fireworks from our elevated back porch, so we often invited other family members to our house.… Read More...

Violin Studio 101: Get Connected

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...

Music Mom

Mom and me playing together

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...

Happy Cinco de Mayo

“An hour of hard practice is worth five hours of foot-dragging.”
 -Pancho “Segoo” Segura

Cinco de Mayo is here, and although we may not be able to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurants this year, we can still order takeout!

Performing Esteban Zuñiga‘s original work in Paris

I had the privilege of collaborating with Paris-residing Mexican composer Esteban Zuñiga, recording with him and giving the premier of his excellent work for violin and piano based on Proverbs 19 in both the United States and in Paris, France.… Read More...

Get a “Händel” on It

My short story “Get a ‘Händel’ on It” from The Chronicles of Music Majors series is available today on Amazon!

I hope you check it out on Kindle. If you don’t already have Kindle, you can download the app on any device, including your phone. This will allow you to see the music links which I include to accompany the story.… Read More...

Interview with RB Hayek Productions

This week, I was honored to be featured for the Author Spotlight on RB Hayek Productions.

Photography by Rachel Kabukala

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...

Just Foolin’ Around

“All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.”

-Louis Armstrong

It’s April Fools Day! We could all use a laugh, now more than ever. Classical musicians like to play practical jokes as much as anyone, and several composers even wrote jokes into their works.

Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) composed two works in particular that have entertained audiences for centuries with their humorous nature.… Read More...

Music Madness Practice Contest

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...

Bon Voyage

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” André Gide

Trocadero, near my apartment

We live in an unusual time when one of our favorite pastimes, travel, isn’t a viable option. We can barely leave our homes, let alone travel abroad. During this time of confinement, I wanted to virtually relive my travel memories.… Read More...

Sleeping Beauty: Through History to Today

Me dressed as Maleficent: Mistress of All Music for Halloween

Most little girls are enamored by ballet. My daughter certainly is! Nearly a year ago, she I had the opportunity to see Tchaikovsky’s ballet Sleeping Beauty performed live by a phenomenal group of dancers and musicians. I especially enjoyed hearing a friend of mine play the beautiful violin solos as the concertmaster of the pit orchestra.… Read More...

10 Things to Know if You Date a Violinist

Happy Valentines Day! If you’re like me, you enjoy all things Romantic, and I’m not just talking about the musical time period! I recently read a post called “8 Things You Need to Know Before Dating an Organist,” which served as my inspiration for this post. 

1. You’ll eat late: Dinner starts whenever we have finished teaching our students, practicing, or meeting with prospective clients.… Read More...

Romeo and Juliet: Film and Musical Adaptations

Romeo and Juliet, Frank Dicksee

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, bringing thoughts of love and warmth to our cold winter. The love story we look at today is not as warm, but its longevity has stood the test of time. Written at the end of the sixteenth century by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet is arguably the most famous play of all time.… Read More...

The Other French Sister

Ashley Rescot with violin at the Arc de Triomphe
Playing by the Arc de Triomphe for fun after my recital “An American Taste of Paris”

 Several years ago, I had the opportunity to perform a faculty recital entitled “An American Taste of Paris” at both the university where I taught and at the Fondation des Etats-Unis in Paris, France. The pianist, a Franco-American colleague of mine, introduced me to two short, relatively obscure French pieces—“Nocturne” (1911) and “Cortège” (1914), which captured my fancy. … Read More...

Poem of Christmas Carols

Ashley Rescot Christmas electric violin photo

Merry Christmas! I’m having an amazing time celebrating with my whole family. We don’t all live in the same city, so it is such a joy to be together. While here at my parents’ house I ran across a poem I wrote 15 years ago that combines several famous Christmas songs.

Read More...

Blog Launch!

Ashley Rescot with red electric violin

I love my job as a professional violinist. I’ve played violin for as long as I can remember, and I can’t imagine life without it. The music profession is a unique lifestyle, one I often take for granted.

On this site, I want to share the joys and challenges that come with the territory.… Read More...