Are you a multi-tasker? Is there a particular time that you remember in particular?
I'm inspired to write about this, because I was told by a student today that she sometimes recites multiplication-tables while practising. She told me that a combination of a certain piece that she was practising with the 5X multiplication-tables was particularly hard. I laughed and told her how proud I was that she could do music and math at the same time. I hope this means I am doing something right!:)
Later on I was talking about this with another student, who informed me that she as well multiplies while practising piano and sometimes sings her multiplication while playing!
A couple of years ago I had a lovely student who would have entire conversations with me while playing her songs.
My students never cease to amaze me!
I am a strong believer in multi-tasking.
For example: when I commute to practices, my own lessons and friends houses by cycling, I listen to the children's songs that I need to learn to sing for toddler classes at the same time. This can sometimes have the interesting effect of whistling "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" or the "Hokey Pokey" at dinner parties, but is generally helpful!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Lightening!
I'm currently reading a great book by Oliver Sacks called Musicophilia. The book is full of Tales of Music and the Brain, so part psychology and part music.
The first chapter is an unbelievable story of a man who was struck by lightening. He was an orthopaedic surgeon and was completely unaffected after the being struck, aside from having a sudden strong desire to learn piano! He would dream music, but had no way of notating it, since he had no music education. He began to devote himself to learning piano and theory in every moment outside of work. This did not go over very well with his wife and they eventually divorced.
My oboe teacher suggested that perhaps she chose oboe as a result of being hit in the head with a baseball as a child. She pondered further over the fact that there are not many hockey players that play the oboe.
I don't remember if there was a key moment when I decided to get serious about piano. I was young and we had a piano at home and my parents put me in lessons. I am always curious to hear why my adult students start piano though.
I chose the oboe in high-school because it seemed the most interesting. It is also a great instrument to accessorize (unlike the piano) and I pride myself in my colourfully tied oboe reeds and purple polka-dotted reed case, fun!
What made you choose your instrument, if any? Or other activities that you do? Maybe not a bolt of lightening, but surely a great story! I look forward to your comments.
The first chapter is an unbelievable story of a man who was struck by lightening. He was an orthopaedic surgeon and was completely unaffected after the being struck, aside from having a sudden strong desire to learn piano! He would dream music, but had no way of notating it, since he had no music education. He began to devote himself to learning piano and theory in every moment outside of work. This did not go over very well with his wife and they eventually divorced.
My oboe teacher suggested that perhaps she chose oboe as a result of being hit in the head with a baseball as a child. She pondered further over the fact that there are not many hockey players that play the oboe.
I don't remember if there was a key moment when I decided to get serious about piano. I was young and we had a piano at home and my parents put me in lessons. I am always curious to hear why my adult students start piano though.
I chose the oboe in high-school because it seemed the most interesting. It is also a great instrument to accessorize (unlike the piano) and I pride myself in my colourfully tied oboe reeds and purple polka-dotted reed case, fun!
Friday, March 1, 2013
On re-reading
Excess of it.
Do you read novels and discard them? Or do you re-read?
Among other books, I am currently re-reading The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. The perfect book for an artist. How many times have I read it? Probably at least ten.
The appeal for me comes from the many aspects that are interwoven in the story. The main character is a scarred individual, in more ways than one. His upbringing was turbulent and without other skills, he was soon an actor in adult films. He was smart however, and soon directed, until he was in a car accident which burned him, leaving him physically scarred and missing some key elements necessary for his previous acting career.
His accident and medical journey following are documented throughout the book. While hard to read at times, I like this aspect of the book, as I come from a medical family and can become very involved in hospital talk.
In his twist of fate, he meets a psych patient, who is an artist. She carves gargoyles and does so in a definite manic state, without eating, other than coffee, literally from the tin. He turns to his other love of learning and consumes as much information about her mental state as he can. During their time together, she recounts their history, which she claims took place in medieval Germany. The story is beautifully interlaced and seamless in its ending. It is the only real story of love that I have read, that is not physically explicit, but rather mentally and artistically.
When I like books, I love them. I cannot tell you how many favourite novels I have read and re-read when the mood strikes me. Like music, there is a time and place for every piece and I can pick the perfect book off the shelf for any occasion.
What novels have you been unable to put down time after time?
Do you read novels and discard them? Or do you re-read?
Among other books, I am currently re-reading The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. The perfect book for an artist. How many times have I read it? Probably at least ten.
The appeal for me comes from the many aspects that are interwoven in the story. The main character is a scarred individual, in more ways than one. His upbringing was turbulent and without other skills, he was soon an actor in adult films. He was smart however, and soon directed, until he was in a car accident which burned him, leaving him physically scarred and missing some key elements necessary for his previous acting career.
His accident and medical journey following are documented throughout the book. While hard to read at times, I like this aspect of the book, as I come from a medical family and can become very involved in hospital talk.
In his twist of fate, he meets a psych patient, who is an artist. She carves gargoyles and does so in a definite manic state, without eating, other than coffee, literally from the tin. He turns to his other love of learning and consumes as much information about her mental state as he can. During their time together, she recounts their history, which she claims took place in medieval Germany. The story is beautifully interlaced and seamless in its ending. It is the only real story of love that I have read, that is not physically explicit, but rather mentally and artistically.
When I like books, I love them. I cannot tell you how many favourite novels I have read and re-read when the mood strikes me. Like music, there is a time and place for every piece and I can pick the perfect book off the shelf for any occasion.
What novels have you been unable to put down time after time?
Sunday, December 16, 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
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?!
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?!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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.
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