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...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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!
Read More...

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...

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...

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...

#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...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...