Announcing the 2020 Summer Session

Announcing the 2020 Summer Session

Last week marked the end of the school year (and 12 weeks of online teaching) and the start of something new. A simpler schedule, a slower pace, a season to plan and prepare for what’s next.

What is next?

For many of us, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about what the next few months will hold. Will we return to in-person teaching? Will schools and churches reopen? Will it be safe to sing together, play together, be together?

We don’t have the answers just yet. But what we do have is an opportunity to plan and prepare.

Editorial: Where There Is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love

Editorial: Where There Is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love

Friends, my heart is heavy with the events of this past week: the violence, the riots, the hatred, the bigotry. It's hard to know what to say.

I'm afraid that hate is growing stronger + that we are growing numb to it.

But now is not the time to stay silent, to keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves. To effect change, we need to start conversations, wrestle with ugly truths, and do the hard work of learning to be better.

Music by Black Composers: 105 Sacred Works for Organ

Music by Black Composers: 105 Sacred Works for Organ

The past few weeks, we’ve been reminded yet again of the racial inequality that has plagued the United States and other parts of the world for centuries.

This week, like so many others, I’m taking some time to read, learn, and listen to the black community and begin the work of change. Here are a few small ways I’m taking action:

  • We donated to an African-American cause we care about.

  • I started reading Blindspot: The Hidden Biases of Good People.

  • We started conversations about racial injustice with friends and family members.

  • I’m spending time researching music by black composers (and women, in particular) to learn more about their contributions to the field.

I started thinking about the repertoire we study, perform, and teach; the composers we study in music history, the music shared in worship, and the musicians from history that we introduce to our students. Are we honoring all the voices that have contributed to our field? Are we celebrating the diversity of composers in addition to diversity in styles?

A partial result of my research is the list you see below: 105 sacred works for organ for use in both worship and recital settings.

Are you looking to incorporate more diversity into your repertoire? Are you looking for ways to feature African-American and black voices in the music you choose?

Perhaps this is a starting place.

Editorial: Looking for Rainbows

Editorial: Looking for Rainbows

This weekend, we passed Day 50 of shelter-in-place (or “pause” as we’re calling it here in NY State).

There are a few things I’ve learned so far:

  • You can get a lot of things delivered.

  • Teaching online is not as limited as I once thought.

  • That being said, Zoom fatigue is real.

  • I can give Steve a haircut.

  • Time is passing very slowly. Also, what day is it?

  • I can make pizza rolls (trying sourdough this week — wish me luck!).

  • Puzzles are a great way to pass the time.

  • Music is a gift we can give and receive right now.

19 Ways to Connect (and Sing!) with Your Choir Virtually

19 Ways to Connect (and Sing!) with Your Choir Virtually

These are strange times we’re living in.

Who would have thought that we’d find ourselves worshipping through a screen — together, but apart, that congregations would scatter, events would be canceled, and choirs would not be able to sing?

And yet, for the safety of our friends and neighbors and community members, here we are. Each in our own homes, flattening the COVID-19 curve, but missing the connection, the fellowship, the joy that comes with making music together.

I’ve been thinking about creative ways you can connect (and sing!) with your choir virtually and today, I’m sharing a round-up of 19 ideas (for adult choirs and children’s choirs) that you can start using right away.

The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity: What I Learned from Keith Sawyer's "Zig Zag"

The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity: What I Learned from Keith Sawyer's "Zig Zag"

Last summer, I discovered a book one day that piqued my curiosity while browsing in the OverDrive app (side note: do you know about this? It’s a way to check out eBooks and audiobooks from your local library.)

The book was Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity by Keith Sawyer.

I’m always interested in learning more about the creative process and gleaning insight into our creative processes as musicians, thinkers, educators, and creators, and when I found out that Keith Sawyer was not only a scientific expert on creativity but also a jazz pianist, I couldn’t wait to start reading.

How to Teach a Virtual Studio Class

How to Teach a Virtual Studio Class

A few years ago, I started teaching monthly group classes in my studio.

The idea was to include more opportunities for informal performance, observation, musical discussion, and developing musicianship skills in a supportive group environment. All students are invited and encouraged to play something each time, even just part of a piece.

This gives us an opportunity to:

  • show works in progress

  • talk about practicing, learning processes, challenges, and rewards

  • give feedback (positive + constructive)

I also plan a few musical games and activities related to listening, movement, creative musicianship, and composition — things we can’t really do in our one-on-one lessons.

This year, I planned to teach five studio classes specifically for 3rd-6th graders, two studio classes for 7th-12th graders, and monthly buddy lessons for my K-2nd grade students.

But what to do when the world shuts down and everything moves online?

Host a Zoom studio class, of course.

Last week, I taught two studio classes (3rd-6th grade and 7th-12th grade) and two buddy lessons (K-2nd grade). Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I set these up, how I structured our time together, and what activities I created to play virtually.

Seven Things to Read, Watch, or Listen to This Week

Seven Things to Read, Watch, or Listen to This Week

Two times a year, I pull together a handful of articles, books, videos, and podcast episodes that are inspiring me lately so I can share them with you.

Because when life gets turned upside-down and you find yourself trying to make sense of it all, sometimes a deep breath and a fresh dose of inspiration goes a long way.

I don’t know about you, but I love hearing about what others are reading or listening to or watching, even more during these uncertain times.

This must be the strangest Holy Week we’ve ever experienced. Sanctuaries are empty. Services are slimmed down for streaming or recording. Choir members are singing from their living rooms.

We are learning so much from one another right now and it’s helping me feel grounded and connected during this unsettling time.

If you’re here today, I hope you find something in this post that inspires and motivates you to keep doing good work.

Editorial: Learning How to Adapt

Editorial: Learning How to Adapt

What a month it's been.

My heart is with all those who are isolated and alone during this time. All those who are feeling the effects of the economic downturn, who have lost their jobs, their security, their peace. For those who have lost their health and those who have lost a loved one.

Who would have thought a few weeks ago that we'd be where we are today?

Social distancing. Staying home. Teaching online. A new normal.

22 Creative Ideas for Teaching Music Online (for All Ages)

22 Creative Ideas for Teaching Music Online (for All Ages)

Like many of you, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to teach music creatively online these past few weeks.

  • What tools work best to facilitate connection, dialogue, and musical experience?

  • What strategies lend themselves best to online teaching?

  • What assignments will foster music-learning during this time?

As many of us are navigating this new territory of learning how to teach online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought I’d put together a master list of ideas for teaching in a variety of settings: church music, community teaching, and K-12 music.

I’m also including a list of tech tools that I’m using personally, have used in the past, or have heard recommended from other music teachers in the field.