Don’t Fret! I wondered where this phrase originated? We all know that it basically means “don’t worry” but does it have anything to do with playing a fretted instrument? Yes and No. Originally, Fretting had to do with eating or gnawing away at something. As in a small creature chewing away at almost anything. So…
For our piano playing friends… 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Every four years, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition brings the world’s best pianists to Fort Worth, TX to compete for the coveted Cliburn gold medal. For the first time in its history, the seventeen day competition will culminate on the big screen with…
Hoping to keep you more up to date on our upcoming, family-friendly performances in the area. Actually, they are all family-friendly but some venues are 21 and over. Tonight (Monday, Feb. 27), I’ll be performing a very special solo for the “Backstories” artist series at the East Hills Public Library. This is MY library! They’ve…
Our students work very hard all year long. They study musical exercises on their instruments. They work their technique and musicianship through weekly assignments of scales, chords, sight reading and repertoire. As teachers, we make a plan for them and help them set goals to succeed. Musical progress translates to success in so many other…
Last week, I attended the FAI conference in Kansas City. Music, music, music! And it’s all very high quality. Artists from all over the world descend on KC to present their music in over 2000 showcases, take part in panel discussions, meet, greet and jam late into the evening. 10am-4am everyday. 4am! This post will…
Our island rock band, Soca Jukebox played a very special event last weekend. It was for a group that’s very near to our own hearts, commitments and values. This was our second opportunity to perform for the families at Parenting Children with Special Needs in Kansas City. A truly amazing night to see whole families…
Ever wonder what actually goes on in a guitar lesson? I’ve had lot of guitar lessons and I’ve also given thousands of them, probably 10’s of thousands. On a one-on-one level, every student is different and so each lesson will be tailored to their levels, abilities and sensibilities. On a more general scale, there are…
There are a couple of more opportunities to perform in recitals this spring. Also note the Evaluative Audition available to our students on April 22. (more info below or at the St. Joe Music Teachers Website. March 12 – SJAMTA Recital – MWSU 2pm March 6-10, Benedictine College Spring Break March 13-17, MWSU Spring Break…
How Does The Summer Work? In February, the Academy grew to near capacity. If you’ve tried to make a schedule change or been in the parking lot recently you’ve seen first hand how full things are at the Academy. Each Spring I often get asked these questions: Q. “How do lessons work in the summer?”…
Today is the anniversary of the Beatles’ performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Their first appearance on American television is now a historical event. But, when it happened in 1964 it just blew everything up. The look, the sound and the personalities of the band members obviously resonated with the American youth of the time….
