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Showing posts from February, 2022

February Update: Piano Guys, Frozen, and Arranging

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I never cared for the song, " Let It Go ."    When I watched Frozen for the first time, the selfishness, rebellion, and complete lack of self-control in Queen Elsa got under my skin. Then I discovered that every girl everywhere was singing that song, and that made me dislike it even more. I commented to someone, "That song is so popular, it's annoying."    Then, you might rightly ask, why on earth would I use that  song as a teaching tool?    Good question. For one thing, it's the song every one knows. Even me. I mean, I'm clueless when it comes to what's trendy. Always have been, probably always will be. Just ask my mom, who has to *coughs* help me update my wardrobe every... five years. 😆    For another thing, the Piano Guys have a video (that you've probably seen if you have watched anything  from them) that combines "Let It Go" with Vivaldi's "Winter."     Now, it's true that this is not a unique video in their re

Word of the Week

 Vivace Lively and brisk

Word of the Week

Leggiero Light

Singing Truth Instead of Disney

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 I'll be honest: I have a fascination with Disney music.    And, as a piano teacher to mostly small children, that can be a good thing. Especially for someone like me, who honestly has no idea what's hot in the music world at any given time. Classical is foreign to small ears -- and mostly out of their playing ability anyways. Disney songs provide a bridge between their world and mine.     So, what's so bad about that?     Every song, every piece of music, conveys a message, regardless of whether it has words or not. Where there are words, the message becomes crystal clear. If the message aligns with God's truth, great.     But when it doesn't... do we even notice? Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash    I'm afraid that even the Christian subculture is guilty of not using enough discernment in this area.     Worse yet, I know that I have been guilty.     I took some of my favourite Disney songs one day -- some of which came from movies I either haven't watch

Word of the Week

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 Dolce Sweetly Happy Valentine's Day to everyone who needs a taste of God's love 💗

February Piano Parent Tip

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 This week's  Parent Tip  is all about location -- and the instrument itself! 

Word of the Week

 Staccato Short and detached