I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Happy Halloween!!!: "Happy Halloween! CLICK HERE FOR Groovie Goolies Monster Mash Music Video"
Sunday, October 31, 2010
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Happy Halloween!!!
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Happy Halloween!!!: "Happy Halloween! CLICK HERE FOR Groovie Goolies Monster Mash Music Video"
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: History of Rap
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: History of Rap: "Enjoy this awesome clip!!! A History of Rap, ft. Justin Timberlake, The Roots CLICK HERE"
Saturday, October 30, 2010
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Play FREE music games online
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Play FREE music games online: "Try out this cool site and play FREE music games online!!! Click Here"
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Musicians Born Today 10-30
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Musicians Born Today 10-30: "Darrin O'Brien (born October 30, 1969), better known by his stage name Snow, is a Juno Award Winning Canadian reggae musician. CLICK HERE F..."
Friday, October 29, 2010
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Sale of the Day!!!!
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Sale of the Day!!!!: "Are you interested in being a pop star? Start today with a new Guitar! SALE OF THE DAY!!!! NEW FULL SIZE CLASSICAL GUITAR $45.00* WHI..."
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Musician's Born Today!!!
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Musician's Born Today!!!: "Musician's born on 10-24 Bassist from the Rolling Stones - Bill Wyman Click here to read the full story"
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Play FREE music games online
I WANT TO BE THE NEXT POP STAR !!!: Play FREE music games online: "Try out this cool site and play FREE music games online!!! Click Here"
Thursday, October 21, 2010
More of your questions being answered: My child wants to play one instrument and I want them to play another. What do I do?
My child wants to play one instrument and I want them to play another. What do I do?
From anonymous in Great Falls, VA
Another great question! Here is the rule of thumb. If your child has a strong preference towards a specific instrument, don't fight it. The only thing you want to make sure is that the instrument is age appropriate (example: they may LOVE the tuba at age 5 but would not be able to hold it up! :) )
Remember this is their musical experience and they need room to be able to explore. Just because they try one instrument now does not mean they will never try another. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Most children who have played one instrument with confidence and success will be more open and willing to try out new instruments in the future. The best way to create that success and confidence is to support and embrace their unique interests!
Keep sending in your questions!
Happy practicing!
Shelly
From anonymous in Great Falls, VA
Another great question! Here is the rule of thumb. If your child has a strong preference towards a specific instrument, don't fight it. The only thing you want to make sure is that the instrument is age appropriate (example: they may LOVE the tuba at age 5 but would not be able to hold it up! :) )
Remember this is their musical experience and they need room to be able to explore. Just because they try one instrument now does not mean they will never try another. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Most children who have played one instrument with confidence and success will be more open and willing to try out new instruments in the future. The best way to create that success and confidence is to support and embrace their unique interests!
Keep sending in your questions!
Happy practicing!
Shelly
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Guitars for Left-handed players
Ah the great debate! If you are left handed, do you need or should you use a left handed guitar?
The answer on the outside seems simple. Left = left. Not necessarily. As a young beginner there are no really good quality guitars that are made for the left-handed player. This means you would have to re-string the instrument upside down. This causes it's own problems not the least of which would suggest that you are compromising the instrument it's self by changing the layout into something that the parts were not set up to accept.
It comes down to this. The majority of the finger work on guitar is done in the left hand. As a lefty - you have an advantage! Why give that up? :)
If you have a left handed child or you are a lefty yourself; feel free to get that right handed guitar in confidence. You have the advantage!
Happy Practicing!
Shelly
Sunday, October 17, 2010
How to choose a Pre-school
An Education
Your questions being answered:
From anonymous in Bethesda, MD - "What do I look for in a good pre-school program?"
This is a great question! I can answer this question using at least three hats. :) One as mother, one as an educator and one as a business owner and professional that has worked closely with many of these facilities.
I can tell you that a good pre-school will serve your individual needs while behaving professionally and keeping high standards for their teachers/other staff and for the safety of the facility. Everyone is different and you must determine what you and your child are looking to get out of the facility.
Do NOT be fooled by a pretty crest, the word academy in a title and a uniform. This does not create a quality facility. These things are a façade. You must dig deeper. I have experienced many “high quality” facilities that do not have a minimum requirement for their educators, their principals are not degreed in education or early childhood development and probably the most shocking were the facilities housing ages 0-5 yr olds that were advertising a safe environment yet had unlocked doors and little to no security concerning who was on campus, what they had access to, and poor pick up and drop off safety procedures, etc.
Here are a few tips when choosing your pre-school:
Ask the questions -
- What degree and qualifications does your principal and other administrative staff have that aid them in running the facility?
- What are your safety procedures and who is responsible for making sure they are maintained
- What are the minimum educational requirements for your teachers (Note - when they say their minimum requirement is a Bachelor's or equivalent life experience that means there IS NO real requirement)
- What curriculum do they use (Note - Links of Learning is one of the main educational “curriculum in a box” programs some pre-schools purchase - this is OK but ask them how they implement it and if they also expand upon this cookie-cutter curriculum and who is responsible for creating and implementing this on-site curriculum component.)
Remember - you are paying a lot for these facilities and you are entrusting people with your most precious commodity. Your children. And not just for 30 minutes at a time but for upwards to 10 hours a day, 5 days a week in some cases.
Can you afford NOT to make sure they are all they advertise to be? The answer is no.
If you'd like a list of facilities I would personally and professionally suggest or NOT suggest feel free to email me!
Keep asking questions!
Shelly
An Education
Your questions being answered:From anonymous in Bethesda, MD - "What do I look for in a good pre-school program?"
This is a great question! I can answer this question using at least three hats. :) One as mother, one as an educator and one as a business owner and professional that has worked closely with many of these facilities.
I can tell you that a good pre-school will serve your individual needs while behaving professionally and keeping high standards for their teachers/other staff and for the safety of the facility. Everyone is different and you must determine what you and your child are looking to get out of the facility.
Do NOT be fooled by a pretty crest, the word academy in a title and a uniform. This does not create a quality facility. These things are a façade. You must dig deeper. I have experienced many “high quality” facilities that do not have a minimum requirement for their educators, their principals are not degreed in education or early childhood development and probably the most shocking were the facilities housing ages 0-5 yr olds that were advertising a safe environment yet had unlocked doors and little to no security concerning who was on campus, what they had access to, and poor pick up and drop off safety procedures, etc.
Here are a few tips when choosing your pre-school:
Ask the questions -
- What degree and qualifications does your principal and other administrative staff have that aid them in running the facility?
- What are your safety procedures and who is responsible for making sure they are maintained
- What are the minimum educational requirements for your teachers (Note - when they say their minimum requirement is a Bachelor's or equivalent life experience that means there IS NO real requirement)
- What curriculum do they use (Note - Links of Learning is one of the main educational “curriculum in a box” programs some pre-schools purchase - this is OK but ask them how they implement it and if they also expand upon this cookie-cutter curriculum and who is responsible for creating and implementing this on-site curriculum component.)
Remember - you are paying a lot for these facilities and you are entrusting people with your most precious commodity. Your children. And not just for 30 minutes at a time but for upwards to 10 hours a day, 5 days a week in some cases.
Can you afford NOT to make sure they are all they advertise to be? The answer is no.
If you'd like a list of facilities I would personally and professionally suggest or NOT suggest feel free to email me!
Keep asking questions!
Shelly
An Education
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Great Expectations!
NOW That's What I Call Music! 30
This is from anonymous in Burke, VA -
"How do I know what to expect from my child's music lessons?"
That's a good question! In our experience parents come to the musical table with a wide variety of expectations for their children's musical exploration. The key is this is your CHILD's musical exploration. The goals and direction should be made with your child in mind and involved. At a very young age the main goal should be that of enjoyment. This goal should not be put aside as they get older either. Music should be a positive part of each person's life whether they become an avid listener or a participating musician on any level. When we come to the table with preset expectations or personal experiences that may cloud the present circumstances and education possible we potentially set ourselves and our children up for failure.
An easy way to know if your lessons are working - are they engaged and having a good time in the lesson? Yes? Success!
The practice and dedication will come if it's built on a solid foundation of fun and excitement for the music its' self!
Keep sending in your questions!
Happy Practicing!
Shelly
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