Tired of Frosty and Rudolph? Rediscovering Christmas Music
I just blogged about one of my passions– traditional Christmas carols–over at Music Teachers’ Helper , complete with audio excerpts of the best recordings. Enjoy!
No Triumph, No Tragedy
“No Triumph, No Tragedy” is the name of a program on BBC Radio 4 where a well-known blind radio presenter, Peter White, interviews various celebrities who have also had to deal with physical challenges. The program is enthralling–Peter White is an excellent interviewer and his subjects are equally fascinating. So why did that title offend …
The Best Musical Tools
I’ve recently written two blog entries for Music Teachers’ Helper, one on some of the best tools to improve rhythm, and the other on pitch. Despite being educated at one of the best music schools in the UK, it has taken me a long time to research and refine the best teaching tools, not only …
Are You a Stable Pack Leader?
“Humans are the only animals that will follow an unstable pack leader.” – Cesar Millan, ‘The Dog Whisperer’ How many times have I followed an ‘unstable pack leader’? Try: My whole life! I bet I’m not alone either. Ever since I heard that quote a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been pondering what it means, …
Busy blogging
Wow, it’s been a busy time lately, as I have had commissions to write for several other blogs, so what with teaching, coaching and a trip to Australia to meet our new nephew, I haven’t had time to post here. However, I’d love to point you to a couple of posts I wrote for the …
Boosting Your Creative Energy
My new blog post over at Music Teachers Blog is about boosting your creative energy. It’s primarily aimed at musicians, but there are some ideas anyone with a creative bent can enjoy too. I’d love to hear your ideas…
An Event Like No Other
Next month, I’m going to a brand new musical in Libbey Bowl, our picturesque outdoor venue here in Ojai. Written by Deb Norton and Chris Nottoli, directors of Theater 150, they will also be starring in the production, accompanied by a chorus, a band, and, according to Deb, “one or more of the following: zip …
New blogging job.
This week, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve joined a team of bloggers on the well-established Music Teachers Blog to add my thoughts and ideas on music teaching and teachers. I’ve been enjoying this blog for nearly a year already, as I find great value in being able to exchange ideas with other independent music …
Diagnosis of a Faun
Last week, I saw an amazing article in the New York Times, describing the creative relationship between an experienced and adventurous choreographer and a young and talented actor with cerebral palsy. Tamar Rogoff, the choreographer, saw the actor, Gregg Mozgala, in a Shakespeare play and immediately knew that she wanted to work with him to …
Wild Thing
Recently, I went to see the movie “Where the Wild Things Are”, not quite sure whether to trust this expanded and re-envisioned version of the classic picture book, since it had received mixed reviews. It was tremendous. Grounded in the mundane life of a real little boy, Max, when the movie takes us across the …