What’s on our wish list this year? A stress-free holiday where we can come together to spend time with our loved ones. Along with the holidays comes shopping, planning, deadlines, final exams and other obligations. It can be a bit overwhelming when things pile up but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Take a breath….
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Happy Hanukkah!
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, began this past Sunday on Dec. 2nd. Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew word for dedication, and is celebrated to remember the Maccabees victory and rededication and of the Temple over the Syrian Greek army. There is a well known miracle of Hanukkah, which is why it is commonly referred to…
Jimi Hendrix: Remembering a Legend
“Music doesn’t lie. If there’s something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” -Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) had a deep reverence for music which was evident throughout his career. He began as a self taught guitarist, after he had been honorably discharged…
Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy
Autumn leaves are falling and a frost is setting in. It’s that time of year again to reflect. It is so important to take the time out of our busy schedules to be thankful for everything we have. We hope that you take time this holiday season to spend with family, friends and loved ones. Show your gratitude this…
What Makes a Performance Great?
Performing on stage can be a terrifying experience. I remember reading a quote of one pianist who said that “you always get very nervous, you just get used to it after time”. If you’re questioning whether or not to perform, here’s some things to think about. First, make sure you have good technique on your…
Are you ready for Memorial Day?!
Most of you are already familiar with Memorial Day; it is a day to honor those who died while serving our country. It is a service that not many are willing to do and we should all be extremely thankful for those who serve. Memorial Day has also become the official beginning of the Summer…
Rock and Roll Part II
n this installation of the history of rock and roll, we explore the decades of the ’60s and ’70s. This is arguably rock’s pinnacle of achievement, ushering in the superstars we have all come to know and revere. While American rock and roll was still going strong with artists such as Elvis, something was brewing…
A History of Rock and Roll, Part I
This month we explore the roots and evolution of rock music, beginning with its inception in America. Rock music has a deep history, which is full of facts that you perhaps have never known before. We begin with the pre-history of rock and roll and how it came about. Rock and roll was a musical…
An Introduction to Form
Form is the structure in which a piece of music is organized. Form provides the building blocks in which a composer will construct a coherent piece of music. Knowing the form of a piece of music is essential for performing, but just as essential for the listener in the audience. A listener who cannot identify…
A Brief History of Classical Music: Part I
n my ten years of teaching it has always been (and for other teachers as well) a struggle to motivate certain students to study classical music. Classical music is certainly not the end-all to learning an instrument, but rather the most efficient gateway into proficiency in all musical genres. What one student can accomplish through…