Summertime! Jumpstart Your Summer with Music By Amber Flynn "It's a smile; it's a kiss, It's a sip of wine. It's Summertime…" ~Kenny Chesney

It’s Summertime! Time to plan a vacation, attend a music festival, go to a concert, and even go to the symphony. Turn up your radio, kick off your shoes, and play your favorite songs!

What is it about Summer that makes us want to listen to music? It could be because we have longer days, sunshine, and summer vacations. These things help remind us to escape, relax, play, and enjoy life.

And this is where music comes into our lives. It reminds us to play, dance and sing, as well as learn how to "check out" and to be able to "check-in."

Summer is the season of simplicity. So one of pop's most genuine pleasures is the Summer Song - be it a hit that dominates the Top 40 and every backyard cookout or a sweet ode to the season itself. Summer inspires many songwriters to write incredible songs that convey a sense of freedom and joy, like "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding or "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

“The first blooms of Spring always

Make my heart sing.”

— S. Brown

Spring is here! And we welcome this season of longer days, warm breezes, and the excitement of the sun, the birds, the rabbits, and the bursting of spring flowers!! It is the season of renewal and joy as we come out of the cold and dark of winter.

But what does music have to do with this season?

Music has always been known for capturing and celebrating how we feel. Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate it than with classical music designed to "nod" toward the seasons? Classical music has many compositions that bring delight and glorious feelings about life.

I've chosen my top 3 compositions and hope you will find a way to listen to their beauty and inspiration to welcome Spring!

1. Antonio Vivaldi, The Four Seasons La Primavera (“Spring”)

“I never loved someone

The way that I love you.”

— "Fallin" by Alicia Keys

We all know emotions from songwriters inspire love songs. But there is something extraordinary about a love song inspired by a real-life love story. Some of the greatest love songs are about genuine relationships, and we love their truth and the story behind them.

The above quote by Alicia Keys was just that. She was going through a turbulent relationship which inspired the song, “Fallin.” She was young, and it was a vivid and new experience. She shares, "You're tripping your way through it, and those hardships and good times and just growing is how the song 'Fallin" developed."

The Beatles wrote a lot of love songs. And actually, George Harrison got his chance to shine with his song "Something."

"Something in the way she moves

Attracts me like no other lover

Something in the way she woos me

I don't want to leave her now

You know I believe and how"

A New Experience That Is Good for Body, Mind, and Soul

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy New Year! As you begin your New Year, consider what goals or plans you will add to your New Year's resolution list to help you achieve a more exciting and happier year!

Ushering in the New Year comes with tons of excitement and anticipation! Choosing to ring in 2023 with a resolution to live your best life boldly and purposefully is what most individuals reach for. And, perhaps you are ready to try and experience something good for yourself - Body, Mind, and Soul.

The New Year is the time to make a fresh start, develop a new habit or learn a new skill. Music lessons are an excellent New Year's Resolution for both children and adults because you learn a new skill and develop the healthy habit of consistent daily music practice and discipline.

Music For the Body:

One of the most common things musicians share is that being a musician is highly physical.

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

In the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight,

We’re happy tonight.

Walking in a winter wonderland.”

— Lyrics to the song “Winter Wonderland.

Have you decided on a gift for your loved ones this holiday season?

Gift-giving has always been a part of our culture, along with decorating and celebrations. Much research has been done about what makes a meaningful gift memorable for both the recipient AND the giver. We have found that music is THE gift that keeps on giving and a wonderful gift for both young and older students!

Giving experiences rather than objects is the best gift to give. Research shows that people who receive experiential gifts feel more connected to the gift giver than people who receive material items. It is also fascinating that the giver and the recipient do not have to share the experiential gifts to receive a connectivity effect. And the gift can be for a friend or family member of ANY age!!!

Our Top 5 reasons to give Music Lessons or Recording Studio time: