Editorial: Staying Connected

Editorial: Staying Connected

Last month, we marked one year of the pandemic. For me, this means one year of teaching solely online (an estimated 1,000 Zoom lessons!).

In the beginning, it was an adjustment for all of us.

We learned the ins and outs of Zoom ("Is 'original sound' turned on?"), my students sent me their completed theory pages via text, and we held our first virtual recital.

We figured out how to position our devices next to our instruments, brought in lamps from other rooms for evening lessons, and uploaded recordings back and forth on Google Drive. I learned how to create and send digital assignment sheets (look for a blog post on that next week!) and purchased an entire set of my favorite sight-reading curriculum so I could have copies to reference at home.

We've come a long way.

8 Solo Piano Collections for Worship

8 Solo Piano Collections for Worship

This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, churches have relied more on instrumental music in worship than choral music.

There’s been a need for more solo music vs. ensemble music and in some cases, music that can be recorded ahead of time or even recorded from home.

As any church pianist will tell you, having collections that you can pull out and play from over and over again is golden, especially at times like these when you’re providing the majority of the music in the service.

Looking for something new to play this year?

Here are eight solo piano collections to consider adding to your library.

Editorial: The Gift of a Melody

Editorial: The Gift of a Melody

Last week, I set a goal to include one creative activity (composing or improvising) in every lesson – 22 total.

Here's a simple activity I used with my older students:

  1. Play two notes (I usually start on Middle C, then choose an interval that's accessible for the student). Name the first note.

  2. Have your student play both notes, then add a third. Then, it's your turn again.

  3. Play all three notes, then add a fourth.

  4. Continue taking turns, playing the melody and adding one new note each time until you come to a natural resolution (or you forget what you created!). (source)

How to Create Virtual Choir Recordings with Soundtrap

How to Create Virtual Choir Recordings with Soundtrap

There's been a lot of talk this year about virtual choirs.

For those who have the technical skills and the time (read: hours) to commit to it, virtual choir videos can be a fun and meaningful project to work on with your choir.

But for everyone else—the directors without Logic Pro X and Final Cut and hours and hours to devote to editing—is there a simpler way?

Is there a way to keep your choir singing together during this time without having to spend a lot of time and money producing fancy virtual choir videos?

The short answer: yes.

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36 Children’s Choir Anthems by Women Composers

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36 Children’s Choir Anthems by Women Composers

Today, I’m sharing a collection of children’s choir anthems composed by women.

After all, March is Women’s History Month and over the years, it’s also become a time to celebrate women in music.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your planning this year and seeking ways to include more diversity in the voices you share and represent, here are 36 children’s choir anthems written by women composers to help you get started.

48 Anthems by Women Composers (3-part + SATB)

48 Anthems by Women Composers (3-part + SATB)

Today, I’m sharing a collection of church choir anthems composed by women. After all, March is Women’s History Month and over the years, it’s also become a time to celebrate women in music.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your planning this year and seeking ways to include more diversity in the voices you share and represent, here are 48 titles written by women composers to help you get started.

Five Creative Incentive Programs for Your Studio

Five Creative Incentive Programs for Your Studio

Have you ever used an incentive program in your music studio?

This might be a month-long practicing challenge, an annual assessment period, or a summer music camp (or other break-week).

This is a great way to keep momentum in the studio, encourage good practicing habits leading up to our end-of-year recital, and assess where my students are in all facets of their musicianship.

Looking for a fun, creative theme for your next studio incentive program? Here are five to consider.

Editorial: Do One Thing Well

Editorial: Do One Thing Well

We're one month into 2021. Can you believe it?

Whether you're making great strides toward achieving your goals or still trying to find your way in this new year, here's my February challenge for you:

Choose one thing to focus on this month. One thing you want to improve in your teaching or a musical skill you want to cultivate.

Whatever it is, find a few new ways to introduce it and demonstrate it in your lessons and rehearsals this month or carve out some time to work on this new skill on your own.

How to Plan for an Uncertain Year (7 Fresh Approaches)

How to Plan for an Uncertain Year (7 Fresh Approaches)

Most years, the beginning of the new year feels fresh and exciting. Everything is new and bright and full of possibility.

This year, in the midst of a global pandemic and political unrest, things feel a little different.

That’s why today, I’m not here to talk about how to set the right goals or plan out your entire year in one sitting (because who knows what the year may hold!). Instead, I want to share a few unconventional ways to prepare for the new year ahead.

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25 Books to Read This Year (2021 Book List)

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25 Books to Read This Year (2021 Book List)

One of my favorite traditions is putting together a book list at the beginning of each year. I try to choose a variety of books (old and new) from a few different categories:

Business, Spiritual & Lifestyle, Fiction, Personal/Intellectual, Nonfiction/Memoir

This helps me be intentional about the books I read and ensure some diversity (so I don’t end up reading only one type of book!).

Looking for books to read this coming year? I hope you find something interesting and relevant on this list.

Follow along with my creative work and daily adventures: @ashleydanyew

Sending you love and warm wishes this season! Here’s to another year of teaching, writing, creating beautiful music, and building community wherever we are. 💛🎵🥂 Love, Ashley, Steve, and Rory