Go with the flow...

Opportunities to just go with the flow surround me.  Daily.  When I play out a future event in my head and notice how precise my need is for things to happen smoothly and neatly, there is usually a little voice that says, "Hmm... that's interesting that YOU see it playing out THAT way." Chuckle.

It doesn't really matter how big or small the event is.  It just matters that it turns out "right".  (That little voice is chuckling again.)

On October 27th, I gathered my musicians together for a performance opportunity at The Gardens in Santa Monica - an assisted living home for the elderly.  It seemed so simple to organize.  I had made a phone call a few weeks prior, set up the hour long time slot, informed and invited my musicians and their families and arrived on the 27th ready to entertain.

"Who are you visiting today?" The lady behind the information counter asked.  As I told her that we were scheduled to play for everyone, she scrambled through her papers to find something that would indicate this to be true.  She didn't find anything.  She did, however, inform me that we were competing with BINGO and that if we really wanted to have an audience we should have been put on the calendar.  Go with the flow.

Though there were only a handful of residents in the lobby, they seemed curious about our visit.  One child started to play and our mini audience came closer and settled in for the entire hour.  One after another the students played 2, 3, 4 songs from their repertoire and once finished they asked if they could go again. We heard blues, classical, contemporary, and lots of sing-a-long songs.  Towards the end, the kids just started lining up to play.  They knew they had a limited amount of time and they wanted to get in as much as possible!  

I had imagined something entirely different for this event, however, I got more than I had expected.  I got to see my students light up at the opportunity to just play and the opportunity to listen to others play.  Will I plan out our next event and expect it to happen as it "should"?  Absolutely.  But I will also go with the flow if it doesn't?  Oh, yes.

Here are some photos from our playing opportunity:

A big THANK YOU to the students and their families who also went with the flow!

Time Travel

Time travel must exist because I feel like I'm being pushed faster and faster into the future...  As I stand at my whiteboard preparing to write notes for the class that just finished, I'm writing 10/22/12.  What?  Wasn't I just writing 9/22/12?  Even 6/22/12 seems like yesterday.

I think I assumed that having kids would make things slow down a bit.  It's the repetitive everyday tasks like washing breakfast off their faces, getting them dressed, teeth brushed, shoes on...  the long and sometimes drawn out bed time routine... the baths that cause raisin-ization.   Even these everyday things don't do anything to slow it all down.  Monday quickly turns to Friday which quickly turns back into Monday again...  We all know that time flies when you're having fun so taking more time off, going on trips, having adventures will not stretch each minute a little more than last.  

I think I just need to get better at appreciating each moment as it's happening.  Often I feel rushed to get to the next moment.  And there are so many things that have to happen in any given moment (household tasks, children's needs, preparing for a lesson, teaching a lesson, emails, etc.) that the day just flies by.  Appreciating the moments...  whatever they are... when and wherever they are...  be present...  now.

Swallowed by a lion...

I'm not a group person.  I think I work well in groups, but I typically like doing things by myself.  The piano, often thought of as an instrument for one,  fits with my personality well.  Fortunately, I'm also a person who likes to challenge myself in new ways, look outside the box and test things out.  What if piano could be explored in a group setting?  This is the question I asked myself almost six years ago.  And the answer that came to me was through a Google search:  Simply Music.  Since beginning my Simply Music journey, I've explored this area of group learning and what it's done is made me more curious about group creating.  What would the experience of creating piano music in a group be like?

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of introducing eight of my students to composing in a group.  This is how it went:  We started with deciding on a who, what and where for our story.  A free flow of ideas emerged as the kids came up with the name for our character, what he does, what he wants and where he is.  From there we established a beginning, middle and an end.  Each student contributed an idea and within five minutes we had our simple story on the board.  

One of the students got to be the storyteller and he told the story completely giving us all a clear picture of who "Ike" was and what he was doing.  We took it to the piano and each student "told" his/her part of the story by finding notes to express the mood or the action.  For our group performance, two students sat at the piano, one stood as the storyteller and the others played a drum or a shaker.  Plenty of drama, silliness and lots of laughter:)

With the framework in place, I chose two leaders who then picked their groups.  With pen and paper they drafted their own stories.  There were students who had an endless supply of ideas.  "And then Bob got swallowed by a lion...  but... but...  the lion couldn't digest him!  And then..."  Others listened to the one with all the ideas and would offer "Yeah!  A lion!  And he got a stomach ache!"  And others sat in their group, listening but were noticeably nervous about sharing an idea.  

When it came time to put the music and the drums with the story, they all got involved.  Lots of decisions to be made:  which part of the story needs a loud drum beat or a tinkling of the keys, does the storyteller speak while the music is happening or does he wait?  As the group, they took their roles and contributions and put them together to make it work.  

At the end of the hour, each group performed for each other.  Their stories were so completely different!  There were lions eating people in one and diamond thieves in the other.  I looked around and saw bright eyes and smiling faces.  It was clear they had enjoyed being the audience just as much as they enjoyed being the performers.  And it was also clear that collaborating with others in a creative space encourages listening... which encourages new ideas... which encourages action... which makes for a really fun time!

What's Your Story?

Butterflies... trees... wind... ladybugs and frogs...  The combination of these can make a pretty terrific story.  Today was my first opportunity to introduce parents to the Play A Story program designed for 4 to 6 year olds.  What a treat it was!  

To give the parents a taste of what their children would experience, we explored our musicality through improvisation and play.  My favorite part of this introductory session was having a parent at the piano expressing herself through the piano while I read a story about the zephyr wind and its movement through the forest.  This parent had never had piano lessons before.  She placed her hands on the keys and let the story move her all over the notes.  And it sounded so lovely!  When the story ended, she gently took her hands off the keys and with a big smile on her face said, "That was amazing!"  

Music and story allow our focus to rest on a single moment in time.  Now.  And the feeling that comes from creating in the moment is like none other.  Bravo parents!  

The Play A Story classes will begin the first week of October!

Are there any 4 to 6 year olds in your world who would love to learn how to express themselves through music?  

Check out:  http://www.simplymusic.com/PlayaStory to find a teacher in your area!  and

http://www.rhythmnyou.com to learn more about my studio!

Lovely Surprises Along the Way...

As a human, I make assumptions about people.  As a teacher, I make assumptions about students and parents.  And I'm thankful for those moments when my assumptions (good or bad) are proved wrong because it's a reminder that I don't know everything.  There's something liberating in knowing that. 

When I get calls from excited parents about piano lessons for their 2, 3, 4 or 5 yr old, I take a deep breath and listen to everything they want to tell me about their little virtuoso.  But in the end, I make other recommendations.  Though Mozart was a gifted composer at the age of 4, I believed that HE was the exception to the rule.  And my "rule" had always been to begin teaching students somewhere around 6 1/2 years old or 7.  

Well, wouldn't you know it, someone had to prove me wrong.  Nancy Leung came to lessons for a Workshop I offered through Living Social.  She took her materials home and her little guy, Connor, started learning the songs on his own.  He was 5 years old at the time.  Connor is one of those little "Mozarts" who seems to eat music.  

Here's what Connor's up to now...

Since Connor began taking lessons, more little tikes have come into my studio and surprised me with their capabilities.  More to share on that soon...

Oh, sweet reflection...

The year is more than half over and I'm sitting here thinking about the first 7 months...  reflection...  And instead of listing all the things I've accomplished in that period of time and also the things that I had hoped to accomplish, I think I'll just take the time to say thank you. 


To my family:


Thank you, hubby, for your ever consistent love for me and our girls.  For your unwavering support of all the "things" I want to do and be.  I know I keep you on your toes...


Thank you, sweet Ava, for being a little girl that I love to be with.  For your charm, humor and grace.  You are truly mommy's angel.


Thank you, darling Dakota, for being the perfect addition to our family.  For your laughter, your playful growl and your strength and determination.  You are an unstoppable being who, thankfully, is full of light and love.


To my other family:


Thank you, Simply Music, for being a company that is comprised of conscious beings who believe in what you're doing.  And in turn, make the rest of us believers as well.


Thank you, students, for being willing to learn and grow, not only your musicality, but also your character.  You all continue to amaze me with your commitment to this journey and your honesty with the ups and downs of this long-term relationship.


Thank you, parents, for your support of the program, my studio and the tasks at hand.  It is your "vision" of seeing your child become musically self-expressed that is crucial.  Thank you for that.


I could go on and on...  Thank you to all my close friends who have introduced/re-introduced me to things like the WiSpa, new wines, dancing to Latin music, playing the guitar, new ice cream shops, jogging, boogie boarding, eating greener, living greener, and the list goes on...  It's been a good year so far.  A great year, in fact.  And I get five more months to make it even better.

Aging melodically...

When an adult calls about piano lessons, they are quick to tell me their age.  I guess this is kind of a disclaimer or something on their part.  "Please don't expect much from me because I'm old."  I usually let them know that my oldest student is 89 years old and he plays beautifully.


Age is a funny thing.  It's a number and it only means what we want it to mean.  I've met many elderly folks who just seem old.  They're often grumpy, impatient and simply unhappy.  And then there are those rare ones who, though, the lines on their face and the shuffle in their step tell a story of a life long lived, there is a brightness in their eyes and a gentleness in their soul that sings an ageless song.  This describes my John.



I recently posted a blog about John (teacher's pet) and wanted to post something again in celebration of his 100th lesson.  John comes weekly and in our lessons together we always end up playing duets together.  We just can't help it.  He is a "tinkerer" at the piano and can play some very remarkable, melancholy melodies.  


Here we are playing together for his 100th lesson.  Enjoy!

Don't just perspire this summer... be inspired!

One week into my two week "stay-cation".   Pool, beach, bbq, friends... and last night, fireworks.  It's been a great summer so far.


Aside from the non-work activities, I've also taken some time to organize my summer schedule, talk to prospective students, play the piano and the guitar and will hopefully, complete the training for Play-A-Story before summer's end.


It feels great to be doing other things. Gives my brain a break and helps me come back to center.  One of the areas I want to dive more deeply into is composition.  And with many students taking a break this summer, I'll have more time to focus on playing and composing.  My declaration:  by September 1st, I'll have written two songs, one for each instrument (guitar and piano).  I will let you know how that's going in a few weeks!


Here's a great video of two kids who not only play beautifully, but are also amazing composers.  Anna shares a bit of Bach and her brother, Lukas, a sweet little song by Neil Moore.  Anna finishes up with a brilliant combination of the two.  


Enjoy!

12 Things That Make My Job Better Than Yours

Next week we'll be finishing our school session.  Then taking a break for a couple weeks and in mid July we'll be moving on to our summer session of lessons and workshops.  Lots of really wonderful things happened this year.  In fact, there are 12 things that just make my job better than yours...  :)


(1)  many new students have come as a result of parents talking about the program and students playing for their friends - thank you for this!


(2)  referrals are the best and I've been able to discontinue all paid advertising.  Yay!


(3)  the new students and parents that have come in are exactly what I want to attract;  they get the program, appreciate the musical progress and love making music together!


(4)  the 32 day challenge and the 100 day challenge got us all practicing more and it connected the students to each other


(5)  moving the furniture out and around the studio, painting, and getting new pieces has made the space even better


(6)  I've pushed through my own mental barriers around teaching the higher levels (reading notes and so on) and as a result...


(7)  teaching my upper level students has given me a new appreciation for Neil and his brilliance


(8)  and it's made me very proud of my students and what they're able to play and create at the piano


(9)  pushed through another mental barrier around learning other instruments;  taking up the guitar is shifting my relationship with music and it's opened up a new avenue of expression


(10)  exploring the world of blogging has been fun because I get to showcase my students;  the videos and interviews have been a great way to connect with students and parents on a different level - thank you for participating and allowing me to video you!!


(11)  playing the piano has been more fun for me this year;  coming from a traditional background, I have hidden hang-ups that many people don't know about;  many of these hang-ups have been almost completely silenced due to me playing more with my students.  


(12)  and the last thing I'll share is that because I'm able to teach this amazing program to amazing people and can do that from my home, I'm able to be with my two girls.  This is a major blessing for our family!


Looking forward to some fun in the sun this summer!  And to exploring this awesome musical journey we're on!

A Musical Cavern

I think introducing a new student and his/her parent to the Simply Music program is like being a trail guide into the Grand Canyon (I imagine).  The hikers have no idea what is coming around the corner, but the guide does.  There must be moments on the trail when the guide sits back and watches with a mischievous grin as the group wanders into a cavern that is more breathtaking than anything they’ve ever seen before.   All the effort it took to get them there must be worth it in that moment.

As a Simply Music teacher, I cannot predict when that moment of "awe" will happen.  But I love guiding students and parents towards the possibility of being blown away.  When a student is discovering composition after only having learned a couple songs or when a student has an “uh ha!” moment because he can see where a new musical tool fits into what he already knows is like standing in that cavern.  Suddenly, what was once unexpected and hidden is now out in the open.  A beautiful thing!   

Edie is a fairly new student.  She’s had 20 lessons and leading her through the musical cavern that is Simply Music has been a joy.  I love her eagerness to use what she's learned to create her own songs.  Here she is playing a piece she wrote called, “The Night It All Happened”.

What about Nicole?

One of my favorite scenes from the movie, What About Bob, is the one that shows Bob securely tied up on the sailboat and in his delight for having found an activity he enjoys, he exclaims, "I sail!  I'm sailing!  I sail!"  


This is how I feel about playing the guitar.  It's such a great activity and though I am merely a novice, it makes me want to exclaim, "I play!  I'm playing!  I play!"  Here's a video to prove it.

Musical Pacifiers... who knew?

Just read this very cool article about premature babies and music.  
What is it about music that encourages growth in premature babies?  

The innovative PAL device, which uses musical lullabies to help infants quickly learn the muscle movements needed to suck, and ultimately feed, is being sold through a partnership with Powers Device Technologies Inc. Research studies have shown that PAL can reduce the length of a premature infant’s hospital stay by an average of five days.

“Unlike full-term infants, very premature babies come into the world lacking the neurologic ability to coordinate a suck/swallow/breathe response for oral feeding,” said Jayne Standley, Florida State’s Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Music Therapy and inventor of the PAL. “The longer it takes them to learn this essential skill, the further behind in the growth process they fall. PAL uses musical lullaby reinforcement to speed this process up, helping them feed sooner and leave the hospital sooner.”

PAL uses a specially wired pacifier and speaker to provide musical reinforcement every time a baby sucks on it correctly. The musical lullabies are gentle and pleasant to the baby, making them want to continue the sucking motion so they can hear more of the lullaby.

Read the complete article here:  http://bit.ly/Kxm3ma

Can I borrow a cup of Burgmuller?

Sometimes inspiration comes from taking something I'm familiar with and tweaking it slightly... or tweaking it to the point that the familiar 'thing' is no longer recognizable.  When composing music, I often look around me at the music I like.  Why do I like that particular piece?  There are many treasures in any given song and it's with creative freedom that the musician expose the parts he/she likes by creating a piece based on the familiar song.  

In this video, Jessica, plays for us Friedrich Burgmuller's Ballade; it's a familiar playful piece that Zach Brewer borrowed from to create his own composition.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, yes?  Enjoy!

Teacher's Pet

Teachers aren't supposed to have favorite students.  And certainly they aren't supposed to tell others who the favorite is.  But I'm going to have to break that rule here.


Prior to meeting John, over two years ago, I had never met a person with more strength of character, more focused intent, more gentleness and more patience.  John came to me after suffering a brain injury.  The injury happened because of a fall and it changed his life.  The simple everyday things that he was once able to do without any thought, have become everyday challenges in which assistance is necessary.  


John began taking piano lessons because his doctor recommended the Simply Music program.  Learning the piano is a way for his brain to heal and make new connections/pathways.  It's been a long road with many ups and downs, but John is nearing his 100th lesson.  And despite his challenges, he brings sunshine into my studio every week.  


Here we are playing the blues:

 

Please move me to tears...

I'm not opposed to crying at all.  In fact, I've been known to cry while listening to "The Winner Takes it All", watching Hallmark commercials, hearing a friend share a personal tragedy, seeing a squirrel get hit by a car, looking into my daughter's eyes after I've scolded her, saying goodbye to my parents after a long visit and the list goes on and on.  I've been told that I'm a sensitive person.  And I've told myself that since I was really young.


As a teenager, sad music was something I learned to create to reflect my endless introspection. I took free reign over simple chord progressions laced with minor and suspended chords and threw in some surprising dynamic choices.  I was sitting behind the controls of the roller coaster and my riders (my peers mostly) thought the emotional ups and downs were fantastic.


Emotional music can be pleasing for some and unnerving for others.  Occasionally when I'm teaching a song in a minor key to a student, it becomes apparent that the student cannot handle the piece.  Not because it's too difficult, but because it's too sad.  I've had a couple students walk out of the room when I play a sad song and still others have cried.  I wonder if this has something to do with the vibration of a particular note and it's affect on our bodies and brains is largely due to our bodies being roughly 70% water.  Sound can transform water.  Energy vibrations can transform water.  (Interesting read, "Messages in Water" by Masaru Emoto).


I'm not a scientist and I cannot easily articulate my thoughts around this phenomenon, but I do know that Adele's "Someone Like You" brings me to a place of sadness surrounding past relationships, makes me go inward, makes me tear up and yet, I want to listen to it again.  And again... the pain is pleasurable.


Here's an interesting article about the mystery behind sad music.

The science behind Adele's emotional music

www.mnn.com

Researchers examine how the hit 'Someone Like You' evokes an emotional response that keeps us coming back for more.

A Family Affair

Learning an instrument is a family affair...  Everyone experiences music on some level.  You may be an "audience" member or you may be the music maker, but you're all - mom, dad, brother, sister - exposed to the vibrations of sound that are created by hands on an instrument.  


The Anzai family embraces music in their home.  It's present on a daily basis.  Sam and Taylor share their music with us - a little boogie woogie and a little jazz!  And Joe (their dad) shares his thoughts about their musical journey...  

Old Man Henry

Just watched this video and have a smile on my face.  What a beautiful moment Henry has with music.  He literally comes alive!


http://now.msn.com/living/0410-old-man-and-power-of-music.aspx#scptmd




Currently, reading my way through Oliver Sacks' "Musicophilia" (highly recommend it!) and it's just mind boggling the extent at which music affects the brain.  Such a mysterious phenomenon...


Enjoy!

I heart Jason Mraz

One of the things I want my students to enjoy is picking up music they love and learning how to sing and play it.  It's a real accomplishment to be able to do this AND it gives them the "American Idol" experience of sorts.  Who doesn't want to be a rock star?


Kylie Vanhove has been with me for nearly five years and she has a serious love for Jason Mraz.  Quite naturally, when she dug deeper into Simply Music's Accompaniment Program, she absolutely had to play and sing one of his songs.

Kylie also shared with me some of her thoughts about Simply Music.  Enjoy!

Play Me, I'm Yours

My hubby and I took our girls (Ava - 3 1/2 and Dakota - 8 months) to the Santa Monica Pier this afternoon.  I had to check out the "art installation" called Play Me, I'm Yours.  Luke Jerram, the artist who started it all, has been installing pianos in various cities since 2008.  What a great way to get the community playing together!  


There are 30 pianos installed throughout LA, but they'll only be here for 3 weeks.  If you live in LA, find a piano and share your photos with us!


Please check out this link to learn more:
http://www.streetpianos.com/


Remember when I wrote about not being a performer?  Well, I couldn't resist playing this beautifully decorated piano.  


Here's a quick video clip and some photos:

Check out the website and find out when this art exhibit is coming to your city!  And then, of course, go play!

Sure, why not?

Every morning when I open my email, I'm tempted to check out every 'deal' that's landed in my inbox.  From Groupon, Groupon Now, Living Social, Living Social Adventure, Living Social Escapes, KGB Deals, Dealfind, etc.  I'm bombarded with opportunities to explore, be pampered, eat well, drink well, and dress well all for a great deal!  On those days when I'm wondering if I deserve another $29.00 massage, I say, "Sure, why not?"


Almost a year ago, myself and a few other teachers in the area offered a Living Social Deal for a 4 Week Piano Workshop.  There were many who said, "Sure, why not?" to this deal.  One of our deal seekers is finishing up his workshop next week.  What has been his experience?  Check this out:

If you, or someone you know is interested in getting a taste of this remarkable program I teach, please contact me to schedule your 4 Week Piano Workshop!


www.rhythmnyou.com
rhythmnyou@gmail.com

The Great Escape

Just watched this amazing story of music in the Congo.  Gave me chills to see the joy on those beautiful faces!  If you missed 60 minutes, check this out...

Joy in the Congo

Music is an escape...

For me, playing music often feels like time has stopped...  listening to great music can either bring me to tears or make me want to dance, jump, leap, spin around...

Where does music take you?

Can I quit?

Not too long ago, Dylan wanted to quit piano lessons.  His mom had texted me to say that she didn't know what to do anymore.  She was tired of the battle that would ensue each day she tried to get her son to practice and she was ready to give in.

A day before I got this mother's text, I had spoken with a dad about how he got his child, Ethan, to get over the same hump.  He gave his son the 32 Day Challenge.  He based this on an article he read about NASA's space training program.  In the training period, astronauts wear special goggles for 32 days straight.  These goggles turn their world upside down.  This is important because without gravity, an astronaut needs to be able to function in different positions - upside down, sideways - without getting nauseous.  If an astronaut misses even one day of this training, he/she needs to start over again.  Why?  Because the brain is developing a new neuro pathway and it requires consistency.  And in turn, the neuro pathway determines that this new way of  seeing is completely normal.  In fact, during the training period, astronauts begin to see everything right side up again even with the goggles still on!  

This challenge worked for Ethan and it got me really excited!  I texted this distraught mother back and suggested that Dylan try the 32 Day Challenge which he did and since then he and many others have moved on to the 100 Day Challenge.  

Here's Dylan talking about his experience:

Make No Mistake

People often assume that because I’m a piano teacher, I play the piano.  Of course I play in the privacy of my studio.  I play in front of my students and their parents when needed, but I’m not a performer.  Not in a band.  Not on tour.  Not in a house.  Not with a mouse.

As a student, I was required to play in front of my peers and their families once a year for a spring recital.  Just saying “spring recital” gives me dry mouth.  My knees would shake, my heart would pound out of my chest and as well as I knew my song, I never knew if I’d get through it without starting in the wrong place, ending up in the wrong place, or just finishing it somewhere in the middle.  What would follow were tears, shame and the overall assessment that I am not a performer.

I’ve investigated this phenomenon with other teachers who have the same performance phobia and I’m thinking it comes down to being present, accepting mistakes and moving on.  In my traditional lessons as a child and young adult, I carried the burden of perfection.  I worked on accuracy and expression and could mimic others fairly well.  I remember playing Chopin’s Polonaise Militaire, Op. 40, No. 1 for a regional piano competition and as I left the concert hall, the room monitor approached me to say that I sounded just like a professional recording or even Chopin himself.  I couldn’t have been prouder.  I sounded just like somebody else.

No mistakes…  I felt like I had achieved something.  Perfection?  Was this perfection accompanied by the pure joy of experiencing my musicality? No.  Playing that piece stressed me out.  I was relieved when it was over and I was relieved to never have to play it again.

Since January of this year, I’ve taken up the guitar.  I have a fabulous teacher who teaches me to stay present with what I’m doing, when I’m doing it.  He teaches me chord patterns of familiar songs and we play and sing together.  It’s beyond fun.  And I make mistakes.  Lots of them.  My teacher instructs me to go slower or to change the way I’m holding my hand.  I take the instruction, make the adjustment and “ahhh” I get that sense of freedom again.  We play all of three or four chords together, over and over again and it’s a beautiful thing.  I feel myself getting better and I'm looking for opportunities to play with others.  No, I'm not joining a band, but I am enjoying playing songs with my piano students.  Baby steps to success.

This is a big shift for me.  And naturally, this shift affects my piano play/practice.  I’m learning to stay present and to allow myself to explore music in the moment.  And make no mistake, this freedom will translate into my students' freedom.  And that’s really the best reason for me to get comfortable with my vulnerabilities.  

Are you a composer?

Composition...  Can anyone do it?   

Simply Music allows students to immediately reveal their musical selves because the songs are taught in a simple way giving students a bag of tools to work with.  These tools make learning the songs really easy, but also borrowing from these tools makes song-writing very accessible.  

Check out the original compositions by Sam and Nahaar and hear what their moms think about Simply Music:

Release your inner composer!

Aleisha and Ivy's 32 Day Challenge

I love teaching... I love my students... And I love how involved their parents are in their musical education.  One of the most important things I've realized about teaching piano is that "playing the piano" is actually secondary to all the other things that are being learned.  Students are learning life skills: how to have a long term relationship, how to fit in the things that are important to them, how it feels when they "show up" and do their part in some venture... there's an immense sense of satisfaction that comes from doing something that's important to us, even on those days when we just don't feel like it.

Aleisha (the mom) and Ivy (the student) are sharing their 32 Day Challenge with us...

Have you started your 32 day challenge?  Please share!

Being Musical

Why is it such a pleasure to make music?  As I was having my guitar lesson on Friday morning, my teacher and I were playing 3 chords - D C and G.  We started with a little finger picking and then moved into a nice steady strumming rhythm.  There was a point when it felt like meditation.  A point when I didn't have to think about what I was playing, I simply allowed my body to be it's musical self.  And it was beyond "fun".  Fun is such a funny word.  Was my strumming giving me the giggles?  Not really.  It was giving me a sense of freedom, but also a sense of connecting to my self and to the other player.  I absolutely loved it.  

When introducing someone to the Simply Music program, I love talking about how we are all innately musical.  Being musical is such a part of who we naturally are.  Here's a wonderful video with Neil Moore (the founder of Simply Music) talking about musicality and the simplicity with which a student gets to immediately experience himself/herself as a musician.  Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhpIdijE0zw&feature=related

What is the 32 Day Challenge?

As a piano teacher I've heard a huge variety of reasons why practice wasn't done during the week.  "I was too busy" is the most popular one.  Kids are busier than ever.  I remember as a student having the same challenge and often I didn’t find the time, nor make the time.  And based on how I did with my practice, I would arrive at my teacher’s house with either enthusiasm or dread.  

Life is full of wonderful activities that tick tock away the time I have in a day.  Lesson preparation, teaching, paperwork, Facebook, emails, television, texting, blogging, as well as the other necessary daily things I do like showering, getting Ava ready for preschool, preparing meals, doing laundry, grocery shopping, talking to my husband, and taking care of baby Dakota. I really shouldn’t have any extra time. 

Over scheduling can clog up my time and make me feel like I’m not in control.  But I have a choice.  I can either let life drag me around by my hair or I can learn to say “no” or “not now” or “maybe later”. 

The 32 Day Challenge is a commitment to do something consistently for 32 days.  It can be anything.  I've been taking guitar lessons since Jan (2012) and I committed to 32 days of practice which I've completed.   Since then I've moved on to the 100 day challenge.  Today I'm on day 54. 

What’s the magic behind 32 days?  The brain develops a new neurological pathway that causes your body to think the activity is completely normal and expected.  After doing a little research on this, I found Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul) uses a 30 day challenge in his work to maximize a person's full potential.  30 days or 32 days?  Does it matter? 

What happens if a piano student practices his/her piano consistently for 32 days?  Does a new neurological pathway in the brain that makes piano practice a normal everyday activity have the power to shift a person’s relationship with music?  The piano?  His/her own musicality?  We're going to find out...  Many of my students are either committing to the 32 day challenge or have moved on to the 100 day challenge.  Here's our poster board:

Since completing my own 32 day challenge, I can honestly say that my body will not let me NOT practice guitar.  Or at least not let me forget that I didn’t practice.  I missed one day and the following day it bugged me!  I had this subtle, but nagging sensation to get it done.  And how it’s affecting my relationship to music is something I’m continuing to explore… more on this later.

What is something that's important to you or for you that you have wanted to make a consistent part of your life?  Are you up for the 32 day challenge? 

Starting something new...

I am the great starter of projects. I love having something new to think about.  Whether it's a new technology, new instrument, new music, new curriculum... I get great pleasure in the discovery phase of anything.

My newest delight is finding ways to use technology, social media, stories, and music to push the boundaries of my own insecurities in this great big adult world.  There are many inhibitions that keep me from exploring my own musicality...  there are many fears that keep me from expanding my own teaching opportunities...  I've discovered many reasons to stay small.... to stay the same.  And to those reasons, I say, "SHUSH!"

This blog is something that is out of my "normal" zone.  It's a part of my new project.  I will stay connected to my project.  I will step one foot in front of the other allowing myself to learn and expand...  and you're welcome to join me...