People Help the People

When I was studying translation, being current on news was a must for terminology and phrasing.  I hate to admit that lately I have not been as informed as I once was.  However, during my time at the gym this week I have (perhaps unfortunately), seen what has been going on.

More shooting.  Why?  Thanks to my sister for posting the great article http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/12/15/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother

I think that mental and emotional difficulties are often overlooked in our busy society.  All too frequently, people that we know are quietly suffering either first hand, or helping someone close to them.

Music has always been a great help to me.  Either listening or playing, it is an amazing outlet.  There is nothing better than a song that you either create or cover in times of emotion.  In hard times, I have listened to and played pieces repeatedly, just to get the feelings out.

When I teach, I like to have a social aspect to lessons.  While I feel that instruction should be focused, I can't help but become attached to my students and genuinely care about them.  Especially for pre-teen and teenaged students, it is important for them to have someone safe to turn to.  I hope to be this person for some of my students.

The recent events do nothing but increase my interest in Music Therapy.  It is a path that I am strongly considering for the future.

A good song for this week: People Help the People, covered by Birdy.  Let me know if you enjoy it.

Has music helped you? Please let everyone know how by posting a comment!

A great CD release and recital reflections.

Good evening!

I thought I should start out with something musical.  And guess what?!  It's great timing this week, as my very own vocal instructor, Renée Yoxon, will be releasing her second album on Friday at the NAC.  As far as I know, tickets are still available.  The show will be at 730pm on the fourth stage.  If you are not able to make it, you really should check her music out on her site reneeyoxon.com, or come to the Mercury Lounge on a Monday evening(free cover!) from 9pm to 11pm.  Have a listen, you will love her!

This week is an exciting time, as I will be having the kid's recital on Sunday afternoon and an adult wine and cheese "recital" on Tuesday.  While I remember being quite nervous at recitals when I was younger, I try to make my own recitals more about having fun and showing what has been learned, rather than a pursuit of perfection.

Christmas recitals are my favourite, since I love the holidays and Christmas music.
I have been working on Christmas music since just after Thanksgiving!  How long have you been listening?!

An overview

First things first: my perfect blog name should be explained.  Coming up with titles for anything is difficult and it was especially hard to think of a name for my blog before even starting to write.

You might recognize the famous Shakespeare quote from Twelfth Night:

"If music be the food of love, play on, 

Give me excess of it".

This quote encompasses the most important aspects of my life and hence, my blog.  

Obviously music is the first aspect mentioned and the most important to me.  Whether it is teaching, songwriting, listening or playing, music is constant.

Food is next.  Some of you may not be aware that I worked as a cook for 10 years.  I miss it a lot and fight off the urges to pick up part-time work in the restaurant industry by hosting elaborate dinner parties and brunches.

The quote, coming from Shakespeare shows my love of literature and language.  If I'm not at the piano, I'm usually curled up with a book somewhere.

So why use "Excess of it"?  Those of you who know me well know that when I like something, I love it. I listen to songs on repeat, re-read books and poems, play the same pieces on the piano for hours on end.  Whether it is coffee, walking, visiting with particular friends or a favourite food, that's the way I am.

So welcome!  Stay tuned for reviews on restaurants, books and music, as well as general reflections on life.