By Jamey Mann Last week a promising young student came in for his lesson somewhat down and despondent. A sophomore in high school, we are beginning to talk about his options for college and subjects he may want to study. Naturally, being a talented student I suggested studying music as an option and we discussed several different majors and other possibilities. The student was intrigued so...
Read MoreBy Alyssa Cowell Ah, Valentine’s Day – a day set aside to commemorate romance, and what is more romantic than the music of an opera? Strains of Musetta’s Waltz often accompany scenes of romantic dinner dates in the media, potentially giving the impression that opera is all swoons and smooching. That is, until you really start paying attention to the plot of any given opera. Consider that...
Read MoreBy Sarah Haughton Nothing says New Year’s resolution like doing something you dislike (e.g. eating green leafy things, elevating your heartbeat past its resting rate, etc.). So why not stretch your taste in music? Here is my challenge to music teachers, students, and enthusiasts in the year 2016… Listen to a composer you have never heard of before. Here are a few composers that you should get to...
Read MoreBy Alyssa Cowell There’s no two ways about it, the year is winding down and we’re heading into the holiday season. While everyone knows that means Christmas songs will be on the radio imminently, I recently found myself wondering what kind of music the attendees of the first Thanksgiving might have enjoyed. To my disappointment, and admittedly, the small amount of research available, I find that the...
Read MoreWritten by Sarah Haughton I’m in the process of training for a half-marathon. During the final days leading up to the race, part of my training includes what I like to call “race simulation”. Simulation allows you to practice enduring fatigue, maintaining form, and regulating your body chemistry. All of these elements find their equivalents in performance preparation. The goal in race and performance simulation is not to...
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