News
​Celebrating Music's Impact: Oscar Win for "The Last Repair Shop"
The Oscar win for "The Last Repair Shop," a poignant documentary set in Los Angeles, serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of music, particularly in our schools. The film, situated in a downtown warehouse where over 80,000 musical instruments are meticulously maintained, shines a light on the dedication of craftsmen and the transformative potential of music education.Accepting the prize, Bowers said, “Music education isn’t just about creating incredible musicians — it’s about crea
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11th Mar 2024
Peaceful Practice: Solutions for Shared Spaces
"Can you do that somewhere else? Why is it so loud? Do you have to do that right now?"Musicians make beautiful sound, but sometimes those sounds aren't as welcome as we'd all hope. Let's be honest, listening to someone run scales for an hour is not as interesting as a Bach prelude or a Joplin rag. But if practice makes perfect, how can we meet our housemates halfway to make sure everyone is happy? Fortunately for families, roommates, and neighbors alike, there
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22nd Feb 2024
Timing Is Everything: Metronomes
"The right note played late is now a wrong note."Many musicians have heard a teacher or conductor make this remark, but it can't be stressed enough how important this is. Music is art made with sound operating within time. Obviously this doesn't mean that music must exclusively have a steady beat, but the difference between music and the cacophony of the universe is the deliberate placement of sound within time by a performer or group. But enough pretense, the real topic t
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8th Feb 2024
Unwrap Your Musical Gifts: 5 Compelling Reasons to Take Private Music Lessons
If a someone gave you an unsolicited guitar or ukulele, it can seem like they've given you a chore. Don't be intimidated by their gift - unless they already booked you a gig. If you're a little rusty, expanding beyond your expertise, or have never played an instrument, private lessons can be an excellent way to get the most out of your new gift. Here are five great reasons why private lessons can be a game-changer for your musical journey.1. Personal Attention:Private music les
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23rd Jan 2024
Are You Ready for Solo & Ensemble?
What is Solo & Ensemble? Let’s talk about one of the amazing student opportunities for musical development here in Wisconsin. The annual Solo & Ensemble festival program is organized by the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), and draws in more than 100,000 students each year, from every county in the state! At these festivals, students will perform a selection from a list of approved musical works in front of an audience and adjudicator, receiving valuable feedback on their
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6th Jan 2024