First chair! Bravo
Category: Uncategorized
Workin’ Hard
I believe it’s been 17 years since I’ve played in a large ensemble. Yesterday afternoon I received my packet of music and I’ve been rehearsing ever since. I’m very nervous and excited to play live this weekend and hope I can continue to play in the near future!
See You At The Show!
The Melody Mom’s in a Show! Please spread the word and attend this festive event!
Looking Forward
Heading out to Manhattan this afternoon to see our daughter perform in her first holiday recital this year. Let the melodious, festive music flow!
Watch “M.S. Cantaloupe measure 1” on YouTube
How to Support Musical Success (when you are not a musician)
Many parents feel that they cannot help with their children’s music practice since they are not musicians themselves, however they can and this is how!
Ask your music teacher if you can attend the lessons to learn alongside your child.
Have your music teacher keep a special notebook that provides feedback as well as the homework for the week.
Spend time at home researching the composer of your child’s piece. Learn about the history, life of the composer and relevance of the time period.
Make sure practice happens every day and that the practice aligns with the assignment in the notebook. The focus should be where the work is most needed. Break down the piece into small sections and learn little by little each day. Take breaks when needed.
Find local events to expose your child to live music performances. This will show them that there is a larger world out there. They will build off this experience and feel they are part of the larger musical community.
All these ideas help you help your child to be successful. Music is amazing and you can help make it a wonderful, life-long love.
All the World’s a Stage
“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women are merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms. Then, the whining school-boy with his satchel; And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then, a soldier, Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden, and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then, the justice, In fair round belly, with a good capon lined, With eyes severe, and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws, and modern instances,
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side, His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything. ”
As you like it, Act II, Scene VII (All the World’s a Stage) W. Shakespeare
Summer Reflections
As we head full force into the holiday season I’d like to share a picture of our eldest performing with our local Philharmonic. Our summer started with three performances of Americana music, picnics in the park and carefree attitudes! #summerreflections
Performance Time
Performing is not easy, but worth the experience. Children that perform musical pieces must stay focused and calm. It should become easier to manage with practice!
Music Practice during a Holiday Vacation
Please enjoy the following article from the Wall Street Journal written by Corinne Ramey No Vacation From Practicing for Young Musicians Tips for keeping children engaged in music and playing their instruments over the summer break
Our family will continue to practice music on the Thanksgiving vacation from school. Vacation is a time for family, fun AND music! Ms. Ramey says, “Being involved with other kids is one of the best ways to encourage kids to practice anytime,” she says. “Positive peer pressure kicks in, which is not a bad thing.” It’s helpful to find friends that share your musical values. You can also encourage friends to practice on the holiday, which may seem like a new and good idea to them! While the article is predominantly about music practice during summer vacation, I feel you can use this to help encourage children to practice during any vacation, short or long!
the melody mom 