Nocturne in f minor by Frederic Chopin

I did it. I performed a Chopin Nocturne today at a piano recital my teacher, Donna Meinecke, held in Denton for her students. It was held at the Denton Women's Club near the TWU campus. I am so relieved it's over! :-) At the same time, I'm so glad I played. I was last after about 20 young people ranging from a senior in high school down to about first grade. I think it's good for them to see an adult still pursuing music, never giving up, continuing to find the time to improve and learn. You never 'arrive'. It's a continual journey from which I learn not only about the music, but about myself.

inspiring

VERY inspirational story a friend sent me today.....

The boy is amazing....but more amazing is his mother.

Honing my teaching skills

I'm so excited to be going to the annual Kindermusik convention this November! I recently registered, now all I have to do is buy a plane ticket and I'll be all set. I thought you might like to know the 2008 convention mission statement:

The purpose of our 2008 Kindermusik Convention is to celebrate who we are as a community and as individuals – passionate educators and entrepreneurs making a difference in the lives of children and families through Kindermusik.

The convention helps me to grow as a teacher. To be better for my families. You! It is 4 jam-packed days of learning. I am totally, joyfully exhausted when I'm done! I come home completely inspired.

Why did Kindermusik International pick “a good beginning never ends” as the theme this year?

Because we will be celebrating 30 years of Kindermusik!
Because we will celebrate the beautiful benefit a child gains for life.
Because we will celebrate the relationship that grows from pleased parent, to loyal customer, to friend.

Thank you for being that to me. Right at this moment, I can say I have truly gained the bulk of my friendships from my Kindermusik family.

Some tv, in moderation, can be ok, but.......

here are few things your children are NOT doing when watching tv....

1. Scanning

2. Practicing gross and fine motor skills

3. Practicing eye-hand coordination

4. Using more than 2 senses

5. Asking questions

6. Exploring

7. Exercising innovation and motivation

8. Being challenged

9. Solving problems

10. Thinking analytically

11. Exercising imagination

12. Practicing communication skills

13. Being either creative or constructive

Read more about how tv affects your child by clicking here.

Memorial Day

It's time for pancakes

I love getting new music

Thank you to Launa, in Arlington, VA for posting about family music for grown-up tastes on her blog. I appreciate her comments too. I listened to a few of the snippets and it is really great stuff. It's a great time to go out and get a few new things to spice up your summer. You knew you needed some fresh new music, right? Well, what are you waiting for? :-)

do you have music in your summer?

I am about to launch into summer camps! Starting off is Peek-a-Boo I Love You, Creatures in my Backyard, and On The Road. Check my website for ages and course descriptions. I hope you'll plan some time to interact musically with your child this summer at one of my camps. Come celebrate the new location with me. I will miss you too much if I don't see you 'til fall. Call me at 972.754.0853 or register online.

I saw a news report this morning on the harmful effects of cell phone usage and pregnant women. At first I was alarmed and thought if I were pregnant, I would have concerns. But, I found this report which made sense to me. What do you think?

Kindermusik Grad Fiesta

We had a wonderful Fiesta tonight in my home with 11 adults, 10 kids and LOTS of Mexican food! We had a potluck and everyone brought lots of food. The counters were covered with dishes of wonderful enchiladas, burritos, and side dishes of all kinds. All Mexican. All yummy. Especially yummy were the lemon bars made by a Kindermusik Dad. He keeps the recipe secret because he sells them on the side! I'm telling you, they are GOOD. It was a fun night of hearty laughter, getting to know the Kindermusik dads, and enjoying eachother's company. The kids were all running around out back in the beautiful evening weather.

I am definitely going to make this an annual event.

Although... it was bittersweet that Kindermusik Young Child IV is really over. I was a little sad when cleaning up after everyone left.

Young Child II Graduates 2008

These tenacious little students have gone through all 4 semesters of Young Child and 3 of these students have been in Kindermusik since Our Time. Kauai, Miranda, Jonathan, and Marina.....I am so proud of you!!! Congratulations on graduating from Kindermusik and embarking on your musical journey. I know Kindermusik has given you a great start! I am so blessed and honored to have been your teacher.

Can't wait for the Fiesta Saturday!

Zales Mother's Day 2008 commercial

Every one of you deserves diamonds! :-) I wish for you sweet simple moments that are meaningful, peaceful and joyful. Happy Mother's Day!

i like this

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.

Albert Einstein

Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me

Last night
the rain
spoke to me
slowly, saying

what joy
to come falling
out of a brisk cloud,
to be happy again

in a new way
on the earth!
That's what it said
as it dropped,

smelling of iron,
and vanished
like a dream of the ocean
into the branches

and the grass below.
Then it was over.
The sky cleared.
I was standing

under a tree.
The tree was a tree
with happy leaves,
and I was myself,

and there were stars in the sky
that were also themselves
at the moment
at which moment

my right hand
was holding my left hand
which was holding the tree
which was filled with stars

and the soft rain -
imagine! imagine!
the long and wondrous journeys
still to be ours.

Mary Oliver

How does music help baby's brain?

Sensory Learning - Sensory Input

This helps explain the multi-sensory learning we talk about in Kindermusik classes!