Editorial: The Gift of a Melody

Editorial: The Gift of a Melody

Last week, I set a goal to include one creative activity (composing or improvising) in every lesson – 22 total.

Here's a simple activity I used with my older students:

  1. Play two notes (I usually start on Middle C, then choose an interval that's accessible for the student). Name the first note.

  2. Have your student play both notes, then add a third. Then, it's your turn again.

  3. Play all three notes, then add a fourth.

  4. Continue taking turns, playing the melody and adding one new note each time until you come to a natural resolution (or you forget what you created!). (source)

How to Create Virtual Choir Recordings with Soundtrap

How to Create Virtual Choir Recordings with Soundtrap

There's been a lot of talk this year about virtual choirs.

For those who have the technical skills and the time (read: hours) to commit to it, virtual choir videos can be a fun and meaningful project to work on with your choir.

But for everyone else—the directors without Logic Pro X and Final Cut and hours and hours to devote to editing—is there a simpler way?

Is there a way to keep your choir singing together during this time without having to spend a lot of time and money producing fancy virtual choir videos?

The short answer: yes.

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36 Children’s Choir Anthems by Women Composers

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36 Children’s Choir Anthems by Women Composers

Today, I’m sharing a collection of children’s choir anthems composed by women.

After all, March is Women’s History Month and over the years, it’s also become a time to celebrate women in music.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your planning this year and seeking ways to include more diversity in the voices you share and represent, here are 36 children’s choir anthems written by women composers to help you get started.

48 Anthems by Women Composers (3-part + SATB)

48 Anthems by Women Composers (3-part + SATB)

Today, I’m sharing a collection of church choir anthems composed by women. After all, March is Women’s History Month and over the years, it’s also become a time to celebrate women in music.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your planning this year and seeking ways to include more diversity in the voices you share and represent, here are 48 titles written by women composers to help you get started.

Five Creative Incentive Programs for Your Studio

Five Creative Incentive Programs for Your Studio

Have you ever used an incentive program in your music studio?

This might be a month-long practicing challenge, an annual assessment period, or a summer music camp (or other break-week).

This is a great way to keep momentum in the studio, encourage good practicing habits leading up to our end-of-year recital, and assess where my students are in all facets of their musicianship.

Looking for a fun, creative theme for your next studio incentive program? Here are five to consider.

Editorial: Do One Thing Well

Editorial: Do One Thing Well

We're one month into 2021. Can you believe it?

Whether you're making great strides toward achieving your goals or still trying to find your way in this new year, here's my February challenge for you:

Choose one thing to focus on this month. One thing you want to improve in your teaching or a musical skill you want to cultivate.

Whatever it is, find a few new ways to introduce it and demonstrate it in your lessons and rehearsals this month or carve out some time to work on this new skill on your own.

How to Plan for an Uncertain Year (7 Fresh Approaches)

How to Plan for an Uncertain Year (7 Fresh Approaches)

Most years, the beginning of the new year feels fresh and exciting. Everything is new and bright and full of possibility.

This year, in the midst of a global pandemic and political unrest, things feel a little different.

That’s why today, I’m not here to talk about how to set the right goals or plan out your entire year in one sitting (because who knows what the year may hold!). Instead, I want to share a few unconventional ways to prepare for the new year ahead.

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25 Books to Read This Year (2021 Book List)

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25 Books to Read This Year (2021 Book List)

One of my favorite traditions is putting together a book list at the beginning of each year. I try to choose a variety of books (old and new) from a few different categories:

Business, Spiritual & Lifestyle, Fiction, Personal/Intellectual, Nonfiction/Memoir

This helps me be intentional about the books I read and ensure some diversity (so I don’t end up reading only one type of book!).

Looking for books to read this coming year? I hope you find something interesting and relevant on this list.

Editorial: Where We Are & Where We're Going

Editorial: Where We Are & Where We're Going

It was Saturday afternoon.

We were caught up in a good British audiobook and lost in the scenery of the Thruway, traveling east.

A blanket of snow covered the small river town with the brick church on the corner, the red barns and silver silos, the tall spruce trees that line the field.

The grey line of the horizon separated sky from earth, stretched out before us like a pencil sketch. Always ahead, just out of reach.

The word horizon has a double-meaning, of course. It can refer to the limit of our sight but also our perception: the limit of our knowledge, experience, or understanding. What we see is what we know, isn’t it?

Follow along with my creative work and daily adventures: @ashleydanyew

Halloween 2024… …The Lion King 🦁 Swipe to see the outtakes, including lion-wrangling and the 20th photo we took before we realized Rafiki had his mask on upside-down. 😂
The October Musician & Co. Book Club pick is… 📘 Hidden Genius: The Secret Ways of Thinking That Power the World’s Most Successful People This book is a collection of stories, insights, and lessons learned from top performers, entr
Meet Jessie Ning - pianist, graphic designer, and founder of @opushaus, a lifestyle brand for musicians. A former Creative Director at TikTok, Jessie combines her extensive background in graphic design and scenic design with her musical talents. I