Category: MTMS Blog Posts

Whether it’s a wedding or a funeral, a birthday or an anniversary, your student (or another student, if you prefer a specific piece or a type of instrument that your child isn’t into) may play at all sorts of events.

I know many times we ask the venue to hire someone, but never forget that there are opportunities for your student to share their music in different ways and at different times. Music is something that binds all of us together, and a small, intimate event might be the perfect spot to shine.

Other events might include religious gatherings, school events, or street fairs.

Once, in college, my friends and I couldn’t figure out the three-piece band in the elevator, but the paper picked it up as Elevator Music. They played with you to your destination. It was cute and fun, but acoustic instruments took up half the elevator. Music belongs everywhere and anywhere, and don’t be afraid to share your talents and skills with your community.

Music History: This month music history will be covering Bossa Nova. Bossa Nova is a style of music that was developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s in Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about it at music history this month! If you have any questions, you can ask your lab attendant.

Composition: Will be updated soon, but expect more Bossa Nova music.

April Young Students Blurb: For April, we are featuring the game Isle of Tun for our young students! This game lets students create roadways with objects that make a song! It’s a great way for young kids to learn about composition. And, as always, we have some great spring-themed coloring pages!

Music History: For this month we will be looking at Irish/ Celtic Music! Learn about the history of this genre of music. And look at some famous examples as well. With St. Patrick’s day just around the corner, make sure to try this out to learn all about Irish music. If you have any questions just ask your lab attendant.

Composition: For composition this month we will be writing Irish/ Celtic music! Try listening to some examples and try writing some of your own music! If you have any questions please let your lab attendant know.

For our youngest students: Forthcoming.

Often we talk about the benefits for children of learning music. It is true, teaching your kids an instrument is powerful for their development. It’s about self-esteem, confidence, language skills, IQ, discipline, motor skills and muscle development, social skills, and joy. As we learn music from around the world, we also learn about the cultures that created that piece.

Those reasons might have helped me encourage my kids to learn music. Maybe that sold it for your kids, or maybe they were just dying to play a certain instrument once they saw it.

Did you know it’s great for adults to learn also? Whatever your age, you will benefit from learning an instrument. Our teachers are still learning more about the instruments they teach. There’s more to learn even if you have a PhD in a musical instrument, which may seem like a lot, but it is true.

Learning an instrument as an adult can change so many aspects of life. The disciplined approach may help you learn to solve problems and manage tasks better at work. Music can teach you to be a better team player. Brain activity and memory are often improved with music lessons. Prepare for stress relief and happiness as you learn that instrument, too. Lessons will include posture, and that can be helpful to physical health, especially if you’re using your lungs (voice lessons, woodwinds, brass).

My primary reason for taking piano and trumpet lessons through school (ages 7-18) weren’t necessarily for what was listed above. I loved piano and band. I didn’t pick up guitar as an adult to help my memory, but I am enjoying very much what I’m learning. The more time I make for music, the more I appreciate it. All of the other reasons are just icing on top, but whatever your reasons for trying it, do pick one. There’s never a better time to try it.