Q&A: Music Theory for Adult Choirs

Sometimes I get questions in my inbox that I think others may be wondering, too. Here’s a question I got recently about music theory resources for adult choirs.

15 Supplemental Collections for Elementary Piano Students

Supplemental collections are a great way to 1) incorporate a variety of musical styles into their repertoire plan, 2) expose your students to new voices (especially those who are underrepresented), and 3) foster motivation. Here are 15 of my favorite collections for elementary piano students.

Editorial: Remember Why You Create

Editorial: Remember Why You Create

I realized a few months into the pandemic that I was deeply missing the connection to music-making – singing and playing on occasion, attending concerts, and playing duets with my students. I needed another creative outlet, something to do with my hands.

So I started painting again.

How to Maximize Productivity in Your Choir Rehearsals

How to Maximize Productivity in Your Choir Rehearsals

A successful, productive choir rehearsal takes proper preparation, careful planning, good time management skills, and attention to detail. In this post, I’m answering your questions plus sharing a few strategic tips for maximizing productivity in your rehearsals week after week.

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How to Use Milanote as a Music Educator

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How to Use Milanote as a Music Educator

I’m always looking for tools that are simple and easy to use. That’s why today, I’m excited to tell you about a (free!) web-based tool I’ve discovered to help me organize ideas, plan lessons, track assessments, and write curriculum content.

Editorial: Lessons From Pizza Night

Editorial: Lessons From Pizza Night

Here's something you may not know about me: I love pizza. It's been my favorite food since I was 5, as illustrated in a construction-paper preschool project about my favorite things (macaroni and cheese was a strong contender).

We've learned a lot from pizza nights, but we're still tweaking our process. This is true for our teaching practice, as well. We're always experimenting, evaluating, and studying the outcomes.

8 Things to Do Before Choir Starts Back

8 Things to Do Before Choir Starts Back

Ahhh, summer.

Hopefully, you have some time off this month to rest and travel, read a book (or three!) and spend time with your family.

But as you enjoy a little R&R, you’re probably thinking ahead to the fall and the beginning of the new program year.

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Summer Professional Development for Church Musicians

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Summer Professional Development for Church Musicians

It’s normal to feel a little burnt out after the year we’ve just had. It’s normal to feel tired or frustrated or lost. But what have you learned? What strategies will you keep? How have the events of the last year changed us as teachers, as musicians? What will we do differently going forward?

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7 Engaging Games for Elementary Music

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7 Engaging Games for Elementary Music

Games and musical activities are a fun and engaging way to introduce and reinforce new musical concepts and develop musical skills like listening, singing, expression, coordination, and internalizing a sense of steady beat.

Today, I'm sharing a few of my favorite musical games and activities for elementary music classes, children's choirs, and elementary group classes.

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