Since We've Been Doing Improv..

Yo, since we've been doing a ton of improvising and this rotation is almost over, here is a list of things to remember in case you forget!
http://blog.discmakers.com/2012/02/11-improvisation-tips-to-help-you-make-music-in-the-moment/

Beyond Practicing

Thanks to this blog, I've signed up to receive emails from Bulletproof Musician, a great website that provides articles about everything music. Since subscribing, I've gotten a couple interesting emails, but this one stood out the most to me. In the email was a link to an article about "Beyond Practicing".

Beyond Practicing is a home-study course that helps musicians figure out the best way to bring their musical capabilities to a performance. It acknowledges the disconnect many musicians face between the low-stress practice room and the anxiety-ridden, shaking fingers reality of being on stage with an audience. The course itself seems really helpful, although it also costs money to take. If you're interested, I'll leave the link for anyone to check out the course. If nothing else, check out the article describing the course, because I found it very interesting.

One thing that stood out to me in the article was that the creator of the program, Dr. Noa Kageyama, is a sport and performance psychologist. He started as a musician, attending Julliard for performance, but now he focuses on the psychology of performance in musical and athletic situations. I think it's really interesting that he draws a line of connection between music and sports. Often we discredit the similarities because many musicians don't consider themselves athletic. In reality, the two are similar pursuits of passion and performance.

Sorry this post kind of went in two directions! Feel free to comment on either portion, Beyond Practicing or the connection between sports and music.
http://my.bulletproofmusician.com/beyond-practicing-2/

Why (classical) Music?

Another reiteration of the conversation of the context of classical music in the context of society. 
PLEASE WATCH THIS TED TALK IF YOU HAVE THE TIME, IT'S SO WORTH IT.

Classical music is for everyone because it is usually simple and universal, the subjects of classical music are usually something everybody can relate to - a belief in god, longing for a lost relative or friend and etc. But just because classical music is relatable does not mean that classical music is not complicated. It is extremely complicated and the basis upon which modern music has been created. Everything is relatable. In fact, we relate meaning to practically everything in order to feel connected to the Universe and not to feel so small and insignificant.

This Ted Talk nearly brought me to tears. While we often focus on the intrinsic and admirable relatability of music (important for the sake of not isolating future audiences), it is easy to forget the intimate, yet powerful quality classical music does have.

Anthony Hopkins Did What?

One day as I was perusing the internet I found this incredible video. André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performed "And The Waltz Goes On" in Maastricht. A Waltz composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins. Taken from "André Rieu - Under the Stars. Live in Maastricht 5." For those who do not know Anthony Hopkins is a famous movie actor and has stared in multiple world renowned films.

For example,
Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal
Elephant Man
Meet Joe Black.... etc

As the video shows the orchestra brings to life the idea that Sir Anthony Hopkins composed when he was in his early twenties. He did not know that the orchestra was going to play it!  He had always loved music but never felt like he could pursue it. This piece shows how the average person can have such a beautiful musical impact. I truly believe that every person has certain musical gifts and should always feel that they can use them.

Enjoy and tell me what you think!

Kids,TV and Music

I have made one of my "Aunt" duties to make sure my niece and nephew grow up with a lot of music knowledge. My 4 year old nephew used to use a pencil and a shoe to practice violin when I practiced. I also spent quite a bit of time with him on my hip while playing the violin because he liked to help (yes, I understand this probably was not the safest but how could I resist my little nephew!). Even if I didn't try to do my part to expose Micah and Eden to music, kids these days seem to have plenty of easy ways to get exposure.

I'm just going to touch on one example- TV. I have to say, I don't mind baby sitting when my sister lets the kids watch TV because the music on shows these days is fantastic! My favorite that Eden and Micah watch is The Backyardigans because they sing in four part harmony!

Then you have Sesame Street. The children who watch Sesame Street and absorb what they see are the type of future musicians I would want in a music school, especially a 21CM program. From Usher to Rihanna, Lang Lang and Itzhak Perlman to Pentatonix, children are being exposed to the diverse styles of music that we encourage in our 21CM program at DePauw.
So much of what I have been learning in Psychology this semester is about observational learning and that is why I find certain children's television to be very positive. Just something as simple as watching some TV can actually be making great future musicians.

I know this is a random, funny post but I thought I'd share a little Pentatonix (the kids version!) Because of this Micah can beatbox. I didn't even know what beatboxing was at four. Sesame Street is amazing I tell you.

I have this song memorized because its the only thing that calmed my niece down during Winter Term.

                                         

How to "Crowdfund"

I know a lot of us are interested in doing summer music programs throughout our college careers, but they're so dang expensive, so it's hard for many of us to find the means to do these programs. "Crowdfunding" (like GoFundMe for example) is a way that some people raise the money they need for these programs. This link has useful information on how to successfully crowdfund, which is extremely helpful.

I also have one question for everyone:

I have never set up a GoFundMe account or anything like that to pay for summer programs because I personally feel guilty just asking people for money - over the internet or at all. What are your opinions on the process of raising money by crowdfunding?

http://majoringinmusic.com/crowdfunding-summer-music/

SURPRISE!!

I'm so disappointed that not once in my life have I run into a random place and been surprised by one of those flash mobs of classic pieces like Beethoven 9 or Carmina Burana. This article talks about the mainstream phenomenon that flash mobs in public places. I'm curious, have any of you guys experienced one of these before? Or even participated?

Also, check out this amazing O Fortuna flash mob, makes me so happy!