Author Archives: Marie

Happy Birthday, Patty Smyth

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Marie

Happy Birthday to American singer/songwriter Patty Smyth, who began her career in the 1980s as the lead singer for the band Scandal. In the 1990s, she won a Grammy and an Academy Award for her songwriting efforts. Here, she sings … Continue reading →

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Poaching Students

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Marie

Here is the scenario: Johnny began taking piano lessons at a private school. His teacher was moving and mentioned it in passing to Johnny’s mother. They were happy to learn that the teacher was moving closer to Johnny’s house. “Can we … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, David Paich

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Marie

Happy Birthday to extraordinarily gifted American musician David Paich, b. 1954, who has contributed as a keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and arranger to the works of many artists in the music industry including Cher, Rod Stewart, Quincy Jones, and Michael … Continue reading →

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Today in Music History, 1846

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Marie

This day in music history, 1846, Paris, France: The saxophone is patented by Belgian-born Adolphe Sax. Today, the saxophone is popular in blues, soul, rhythm and blues, reggae, ska, and funk. Long Live Lisa Simpson.

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Happy Birthday, Kris Kristofferson

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Marie

Happy Birthday to Kris Kristofferson, b. 1936, who, with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, formed The Highwaymen. In 2004, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Celebrate by enjoying this little ditty written by him:

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Happy Birthday, Musicians!

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Marie

If today is your birthday, you share it with Beach Boy Brian Wilson (b.1942), Commodore Lionel Richie (b.1949), Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony (b. 1954), and Duran Duran bassist John Taylor (b.1960). Happy Birthday! Celebrate by enjoying some beautiful a … Continue reading →

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Piano Lessons for Adults

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Marie

You have wanted to learn piano since childhood, but you never had the resources. Now that you have the instrument and the support you need for lesson, you feel that you’re too old to begin. If this is so, please … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Musicians!

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Marie

If today is your birthday, you share it with Paul McCartney (b. 1942) and Dizzy Reed (b. 1963). Paul McCartney is an English musician, best known as a member of the Beatles (1960-1970). He wrote “Live and Let Die” in … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Rivers Cuomo

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Marie

Happy Birthday to Rivers Cuomo, born 1970, American musician, best known as the frontman for the band Weezer.

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Reading Notes, Memorizing Pieces

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Marie

Q: I have a feeling that my child is not learning to read music. Instead, she memorizes the pieces. When I ask her to name one specific note in the written music, she cannot answer. I would like for her … Continue reading →

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