beautiful things can come from the dark: December 2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

It's never too late Mom's!!!

Winter Break - Are they kidding? Any time the kids are here 24/7 it's definitely NOT a break for Mom. Am I right? :)

OK - so maybe you're thinking about New Year's resolutions - clean the garage out, reorganize the kids' rooms, clean out your husband's side of the closet so he can more easily find his things...Ah excuse me - did you forget about yourself? Too many of us do and it's not good for anyone. Not your kids, your husband, your relationship, yourself, etc.

Everyone knows to keep physically active (although we take a day off every now and then ;) but what about your mind? One of the biggest growing epidemics is that of early on set of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Learning new skills is a great way to start the fight against this. Music specifically is a terrific avenue to keep mind, body and spirit moving and growing.

It's never too late to start Mom's!

Happy Practicing!

The Music Momma

POP STAR !!!: Earl "Fatha" Hines Known as the Piano Man - Born T...

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Monday, December 27, 2010

POP STAR !!!: Want to learn to play an instrument?

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POP STAR !!!: American Jazz Trombonist Born TODAY Booty Wood! - ...

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

My child is 2 and LOVES music. Can they take music lessons yet?

More of your questions being answered:

Yes! When kids are very young it's an optimal time for learning!

Many people over look the enormous potential of these early years but it's a great time to begin music!

If you are looking for a private lesson situation, piano, specifically keyboard is a great starter instrument for ages 2 and up.

You want to make sure to find a music company that specializes in curriculum for this young age to keep things age appropriate and most important FUN for these little guys! Also important is choosing a company that can get you an accompanying instrument that is size appropriate for their little fingers!

Happy Practicing!

The Music Momma

POP STAR !!!: Biggest Pop Hits of 2010

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To Suzuki or NOT to Suzuki? That is the Question.

The Suzuki method of teaching music -

The Suzuki method (スズキ・メソード, Suzuki mesōdo, (also called Talent Education, mother-tongue method, or Suzuki movement) is an educational method that strives to teach students using, primarily, a "play by ear" approach.

While the Suzuki method has been around a LONG time and, honestly, sounds fancy and gets young children up and playing it is not a method to rely on for optimal music instruction.

As a public school music educator for about a decade I saw student after student that came in being trained in a Suzuki fashion. These students had good facility on their instrument but no concrete reading ability and were usually years behind their peers in understanding musical terminology and symbols. The result were students that were highly frustrated and typically ended up quitting because the educational gap was too big for them to want to bridge.

The solution? Starting as early as age two, a traditional method of teaching combined with an emphasis on ear training will give them the best leg up on their musical education. Not only will they become versed in musical symbols and terminology at a young age but the "traditional method" will also help them with number and letter recognition as well as fine and gross motor skills.

Happy Practicing!

The Music Momma

POP STAR !!!: Free Music Downloads

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POP STAR !!!: Lars Ulrich - Drummer for Metallica - Born Today

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

New Instruments for the Holidays?

Did you get a wonderful new instrument for the holidays? Terrific! Now what? Right? :)

Now you want to find a quality music instruction service where your child will be given the opportunity to work at their own pace and share in the love and wonder of making music!

Especially if you have a busy family - you want to make sure the company you choose comes to you, takes care of all your musical needs (from instruments, to repairs, to music and instruction, etc.) and has a large staff of quality professional educators so your child's (or your) musical schedule is unchanged when illness ad vacations, etc. occur.

Happy Practicing!!!

The Music Momma

beautiful things can come from the dark