Monday, October 10, 2011

Friday, October 7, 2011

Earstu flash: Barley n Hops - Occidental. Tonight. 9pm to Midnight! Ur on the gig list 4 my band Earstu. If u wish 2 b taken off let me know. hope 2 c u!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

reminder to everyone: Earstu at Auborgines. Tonite! 9pm.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Soulshine won! Thanks everyone for your support!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Check out this fun Boomwhacker composition. Amazing!

Get you Boomwhackers here: Click here for Boomwhackers! 



Thursday, September 22, 2011

Hi everyone. EARSTU tonight. Thurs. 9pm. Northlight Books - OLIVERS CTR. Cotati. Rock on!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Music as a Career Path

Career Paths: Music is a tougher one than many but if your child has a passion for it and wants to pursue music as a career then I would suggest encouraging it but also make sure you look at all the career options and help your child to create a plan of action. It may be good to figure out something they can do in conjunction with music. Not something separate so it becomes a this or that choice but something which may dove-tail with a music career as an extra income earner. Music is tougher than most but if you have a game plan and take action it will be rewarding.

Muiscal Instruments

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Why do we play music

What is the reason we play music in the first place?
When I was five years old my uncle would rehearse his band in the living room of our house. My uncle was a guitar player but when the band would come over the drums were my focus! The bass drum would hit me right in the heart. I can still remember the “thump” it would create in my chest. The beat would give me an excited, uplifting feeling, a feeling I can’t quite put my finger on today. As I grew older the feeling faded. There wasn’t an exact moment or time period when it faded. It just did. That feeling did start me on a journey of playing drums and today I’m a fairly accomplished drummer.
As we grow older the world starts to flood in and become increasingly demanding and complex. The wonderful feelings we experience as children can become shut down. We become unreceptive in our hearts and minds. For me it has become a work of the heart. Now that I’ve been playing the drums for over 40 years, all the while struggling with the fact that it has not been the most lucrative career choice for me, I’m trying to get back to the reason for my pursuit of drumming in the first place. A few years ago I decided that I’m no longer going to play for material gain. Adopting that mind set helped out in my creative endeavors and helped me to become a better drummer but it still didn’t seem to address the real reason, that initial heart feeling, that first bass drum thump, that barely containable excitement that would completely take me over when I heard a drummer.
Trying to find that place is a very worthwhile endeavor. I believe I may never find “it” to be like it was when I was 5 years old. But I can find the essence of it and each time I play music I catch it in one way or another. It’s still a work in progress and that’s part of what drives me on.
Always have fun with your music and try not to lose sight of why you started playing in the first place. Music as a career choice can really put a damper on your fun. And by fun, I don’t mean superficial “I just want to have fun” mind set. I mean fun as in that wonderful excited feeling that carries you to another place, a good place, a place where we all can be.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Soulshine. 2nite. Windsor green. 6 to 9.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Music and Story with you Children

Create a story using music you have in your collection. Help your child write a simple story and then pick out music for the different parts of the story. Maybe a dramatic classical piece by Stravinsky for a dramatic place in the story and a happy "up" song for another place. You and your child can act out the story with the music. I did this when my son was younger and it was great fun! I put the songs onto a cd via my computer and presto....instant sound track!


Musicforkids!

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Language of Music

You can't read or write music without notes. If you think of music as a language, the notes are like letters of the alphabet. If you know how to recognize the notes, you can learn the language.

Musicforkids! 



Tuesday, July 26, 2011

An interval is the distance between two notes.
Anything to stupid to be spoken is sung - Voltaire

Saturday, July 23, 2011

All my Marin friends- playing CORTE madera town ctr mall Sunday 2 - 4

Friday, July 15, 2011

Balloon Shaker

BALLOON SHAKER: Add a small handful or unpopped corn into a balloon, droping them through the narrow neck. Blow up the balloon and tie. Makes a great thunder sound!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Tim Cain's Children's CD's!

Tim Cain is an incredible children's artist. Check out these CD's! Great stuff: Tim Cain's CD's Click Here

Monday, June 27, 2011

Music for Kids!

Stimulating your children's  creativity is one of the best ways to prime them for life. A life of ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns can leave a person at a dead end. Creativity has helped me achieve flexibility in my life and see a way out of that dead end. When situations get me down I'm able to put on my creative thinking cap and view things in different light. Being creative has sped up my response time and kept me in the "here and now". Playing music has even kept me out of trouble!

It helps to be flexible in your thought when creating music. When learning to play music I quickly found out that if I stuck to rigid thought patterns and rigid body movements the music would not flow and my creativity could not blossom. When I relaxed body and mind the music would work wonders. This, of course, helped me in all areas of my life. When I could relax in times of strife then it was easier for me to assess the situation and do something about it.


When playing music one must be in the moment and present with what is happening around them. This fosters an ability to be in the here and now which has a direct positive impact on all areas of life. I can think quicker in the moment, act faster in situations that call for quick action and be more observant with what is happening around me. It's like having a meditation practice without having to meditate! 

When I was in Junior High school I had plenty of opportunity to get in with the "bad crowd" but playing music kept me focused and playing in the school band kept me in good social status so I didn't feel drawn into rebellious activity.

I believe having a creative outlet such as music has directly affected the quality of my life for the better. I have made music a large part of my life but even if your child does not choose music the creative skills learned through music can be put to use in all areas as he/she grows up.

Fender Deal of the Month!

Free Picks, Gig Bag, Strap and Cable with every Fender Strat Guitar. Great for Teens!
Check 'em out here

Friday, June 24, 2011

Mozart Effect

The "Mozart Effect" indicates that listening to Mozart's music can make you smarter.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Why Music for Kids?

Why music for kids? Do you want to foster creativity and at the same time promote math? By teaching music you do both these things!
Playing music is a very creative process. But playing music is also a mathematical process. You don’t even have to read music to get the benefits of the mathematical process involved in music. Music is laid out in order.  Even on a very simple level all songs have a verse, chorus and usually a bridge. Although these fall in varying order they create a whole as in 1 +1 = 2.  Verse + Chorus+Verse+Bridge+Verse = Song or some form of this equals a song. It is very mathematical.
So, you can teach creativity and math at the same time. Who says the three “r’s” doesn’t include music? The three “r’s” should include the “s” in the acronym for reading, writing, arithmetic and song! 

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Habit of Listening to Music

Those who form the habit of hearing good music in their homes find their greatest pleasure in the discovery of permanent beauty. - Sigmund Spaeth

Passion = Music = Passion

I believe if kids learn the art of creating music then they have the opportunity to release and spread passion with it later in life. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Summer Specials!

Summer Specials Click Here

Music For Kids has partnered with Next Guru a site connecting music instructors and students!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Playing Mazzaco winery in healdsburg 6 -8 tonight. Friday.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ukulele Madness!

Check out Music for Kids Ukulele selection: Get your Uke here!

Find a music instructor in California!

Find a music teacher in California or if are a music teacher you can find students at NextGuru.com

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Oboe

The oboe is a long slender black tube with metal keys. It looks a lot like a clarinet, except for the mouthpiece.

The oboe has a double reed, two pieces of wood tied together that look like a flattened straw. The double reed is inserted into the top of the instrument mouthpiece.

There are 2-4 oboes in an orchestra.

A standard oboe is 2 feet long.

To play it, you hold the oboe in up-and-down position, put the end of the double reed in your mouth and blow. You use both hands to press on the keys to open and close the holes, and change the pitch of the sounds.


Musicforkids.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

http://ping.fm/LEQSw will be offering online music downloads. Stay tuned:)

Friday, May 6, 2011

Atonal

Music that doesn't have a home key

Aerophone

Any instrument such as the flute, whistle, and horn that produces sound by using air as the primary vibrating means: Aerophone

Arpeggio

Playing the notes in a chord quickly one after the other: Arpeggio

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Vocation Education

Field trips offer children a chance to learn what jobs are possible in the real world. 

Monday, April 4, 2011

Listening Well

When the ear listens well, the whole body is involved. Learning becomes easier and more potential skill and intelligence can be developed. - Billie M. Thompson

Musicforkids

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sippy Cups

These guy's are FUN! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gWAXRKN9Ho

Music and the Brain - Music Therapy

It is becoming more apparent that music enhances brain development and cognition in children as well as adults.  As more studies are conducted with music and the brain new discoveries are opening doors for many. Music Therapy was unheard of 20 years ago. Now Music Therapy is a proven form of therapy for children, adults and seniors. Many well know universities offer Music Therapy degrees. From pre-schoolers to old age homes music is helping seniors to cope with old age and enter into joy again. Music is helping toddlers to interact, have fun and engage.
There is proof that music enhances math skills and raises test scores. Music Therapy is used in treatment of autistic children with very positive results. Music is opening emotional doors in autistic children. Music helps break down emotional walls and fosters communication.
Music has been with us since the beginning and will continue to enhance our lives as we learn more about the positive benefits of music.
I believe that all schools should teach and encourage music as strongly as they encourage math, language or any other required subject. In raising our children our main goal is to raise a well adjusted, well rounded functioning human being. Music can only help in this endeavor. In fact, as we are dealing with more and more stress in this society, we need music more than ever! Music helps to release emotion. Music helps us to cope with stress. We need these coping skills just as much if not more than we need math skills. Dealing with our emotions is becoming more and more essential in an increasingly stressful world.
We need music more than ever. Please, encourage music for all. Music for Kids – Simply Smart!
Musicforkids.com

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Fender Guitar Pack

Check out these great Fender acoustic guitar packs: Fender Guitar Packs

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Music Therapy

Music and the Brain

It is becoming more apparent that music enhances brain development and cognition in children as well as adults.  As more studies are conducted with music and the brain new discoveries are opening doors for many. Music Therapy was unheard of 20 years ago. Now Music Therapy is a proven form of therapy for children, adults and seniors. Many well know universities offer Music Therapy degrees. From pre-schoolers to old age homes music is helping seniors to cope with old age and enter into joy again. Music is helping toddlers to interact, have fun and engage.
There is proof that music enhances math skills and raises test scores. Music Therapy is used in treatment of autistic children with very positive results. Music is opening emotional doors in autistic children. Music helps break down emotional walls and fosters communication.
Music has been with us since the beginning and will continue to enhance our lives as we learn more about the positive benefits of music.
I believe that all schools should teach and encourage music as strongly as they encourage math, language or any other required subject. In raising our children our main goal is to raise a well adjusted, well rounded functioning human being. Music can only help in this endeavor. In fact, as we are dealing with more and more stress in this society, we need music more than ever! Music helps to release emotion. Music helps us to cope with stress. We need these coping skills just as much if not more than we need math skills. Dealing with our emotions is becoming more and more essential in an increasingly stressful world.
We need music more than ever. Please, encourage music for all. Music for Kids – Simply Smart!
Musicforkids.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

Melodicas!

Just added these new FIRE RED and BLUE Melodicas. Check 'em out: MELODICA

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Music Improves Brain

A year of music training leads to enhanced levels of memory and attention when measured by tests that monitor electrical and magnetic impulses in the brain.- A study done by Laurel Trainor - director of the Institute for Music and the Mind at McMaster University.

Musicforkids.com

Monday, March 7, 2011

Music and Humans


"Music is so naturally united with us that we cannot be free from it even if we so desired" (Boethius cited by Storr).

Thursday, March 3, 2011

STOMP!

Rhythmic and visual treat. Stomp! Check it out: STOMP!


Drums

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Electric Guitar Package Special

This is a great starter electric guitar package. Comes with amp!
Check it out HERE.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Earstu 2morrow 9pm. Sebastapol Community Center. Saturday nite gypsy/jazz/punk. Come down and i buy a drink:)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

First Evidence That Musical Training Affects Brain Development In Young Children

First Evidence That Musical Training Affects Brain Development In Young Children

ScienceDaily (2006-09-20) -- Researchers have found the first evidence that young children who take music lessons show different brain development and improved memory over the course of a year compared to children who do not receive musical training, according to research published in the journal Brain.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060920093024.htm#

Check out: Music for Kids

Friday, February 18, 2011

Soulshine. Tonight. 9pm. Auborgines - Sebastapol.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Gabby La La's I Know You Know I Know


I Know You Know I Know. I know after you meditate on that for a few days you’ll either reach enlightenment or have an epiphany and pick up Gabby La La’s new CD, “I Know You Know I Know”. Upon listening you’ll be transported back to the carefree Zen of your childhood school days.

As you drift into Gabby La La’s world of imagination and daisy chain remembering your body will be moving to colorful musical landscapes and rhythmic joys. Starting with “Alarm Clock” you’ll want to stay in bed and dream about sleeping all day. When you do wake up and make it off to school you’ll be excited while making up the invite list for your four square and jump rope party. As your school day progresses you’ll encounter some trouble with bully girls and school girl cliques. School projects and tests can be a distraction only to find out the projects and tests are a month away! You can get back to dreaming about yummy itty bitty bite size baby pies and a school where the kids make the rules! After school you stroll over to the park and see squirrel, the President of the park. It’s such a pleasure to see squirrel after school. He scares away all those bad ‘ol crows! Halloween gets down right spooky and later on, even though you might fight it, you’ll get to have a nap time.

“I Know You Know I Know” started with the idea for the song “Four Square”. Gabby then went on to create a theme of remembering school days and games kids play. Gabby creates all the music on her new CD with just her voice, Nintendo DS, sitar and theremin. It was all recorded, preformed and composed by Gabby. As with all of Gabby La La’s music it is compelling for all ages and is enjoyed in night clubs and festivals as well as classrooms! Gabby has preformed and recorded with Les Claypool, Bob Weir, Macy Gray and even Snoop Dogg!

On February 18th at 8pm, right here in Gabby’s home town of Petaluma, CA at the Mystic Theater Gabby La La will have her CD release party! You will get a chance to hear her new CD performed live with out the use of synthesizers of any kind. It will all be re-created with live musicians playing instruments. Ananta on electric violin, Zach Morris on drums, Josh Fossgreen on bass and Gabby playing multiple instruments. There will be some very special guests. I mean VERY SPECIAL guests! Also performing will be Odd Bird and Forrest Day. And there’s more! Gabby will be premiering her new music video plus Gabby will be screening the new film by Lila Cugini,Weremeranian. Based on a true story Gabby stars as the mother of a Weremeranian, which is a cross between a Pomeranian and….you guessed it! Spooky!

Come on down to the Mystic Theater on February 18th for this once in a life time experience. Enter Gabby La La’s world of imagination and unbounded joy.

When: February 18th.

Where: The Mystic Theater, 21 Petaluma Blvd N. - Time: Doors 8pm show 9pm

Tickets: Advance tickets $12
At the door $15 – Age: 21+

Monday, February 7, 2011

Getting your child "into" Classial Music - Top 10

TOP 10 things to do to get your child into classical music

1. Listen to classical music at home, not only as a background sound, but when you are playing with your toddlers. If they are accustomed to listening to piano music and orchestral works, they will start to enjoy them. There's lots of classical music which children will find easy and familiar like Mozart's variations on “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.
2. Use classical music to create atmosphere when the kids are dressing up:
* Brides can walk down the stairs to wedding marches.
* Fight scenes or laser fights will work better with Mars from Holst's "The Planets", or the John Williams Star Wars Theme on in the background.
* Soldiers can march to real march music.
3. Do some acting: play Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns and act out the animals with the children. Each track relates to a different creature varying from hens, to elephants, birds, aquarium, swans and pianists. They can get into the music by pretending to be the animals.
4. Put on some Strauss waltzes and polkas and dance your little ones up and down the corridor to the lively dances. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite (go for the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) usually gets little girls dancing too!
5. Listen to music with a storyline. The most well known is Peter and the Wolf. All children are used to listening to a story, and this introduces them to the idea that music can tell them a story they can understand.
6. Make music! Most children like making a noise, so get a shaker or maracas from any baby shop. Tambourine, drum and claves (thick short sticks you hit together) are all easy for clumsy young fingers to play. So you can get a real instrument (which will make a much nicer sound) by buying your instruments from www.musicforkids.com A more expensive instrument that is a good addition to your “orchestra” would be xylophone but these are more expensive.
7. If you like making things, then make your own shaker. It really will take you only a few minutes. For this you need 2 plastic cups and a handful of either dried lentils, or uncooked rice. Put the lentils, or rice into one cup, then sellotape firmly the open end of that cup to the open end of the other. Finished, one shaker.
8. Start a kitchen band with the family. It isn't as daunting as it sounds. You just use things that are in your kitchen as musical instruments. You can use metal saucepan lids as cymbals, and metal different sized measuring cups as a (short) glockenspiel. A metal cake tin stands in for a drum, with a wooden spoon to hit it with, your home-made shaker, and if possible, several upturned metal saucepans to hit with metal spoons as different sized drums. Then put on a piece of music – maybe one of the marches we mentioned earlier – and bang to the rhythm of that. If you feel really confident, you can do the trick of filling some glasses with different amounts of water and hit them lightly so each will make a higher or lower sound than the last. But the main thing is that you are making lots of noise, with a rhythm, and it's FUN.
9. Go to a mother and toddler group with singing. There are sure to be some in your area. It is generally accepted that very little children get a great deal from joining in with the actions which usually accompany the songs. Singing to your children is also considered very soothing, so don't worry if your voice is good enough. It will sound just fine to the little ones. Learning to sing is a very important skill for little children, and one they enjoy hugely. Extra tip: If you have to look after someone else's crying child, sing to them. They usually stop crying. Learn a long repertoire so you don't get too bored.
10. Take your children to a concert. Make sure it's aimed at toddlers so it isn't too formal or go on for too long. Meet friends and sit at cafe tables, chat and listen to well known classics and opera. The children are welcome to dance or sit, but not expected to stay still and silent so the pressure is definitely off the parents!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Guitar Give Away!!

Stay tuned for an acoustic guitar give-away! Check back on Saturday at Music for Kids.com

Friday, January 14, 2011

FREE SHIPPING on ALL INSTRUMENTS! Music for Kids.com

Music for kids.com has FREE SHIPPING on all orders all weekend long! Saturday and Sunday - 1/15-1/16/2011.
Publish Post

Thursday, January 13, 2011

16th notes: 1 e + a 2 e + a ....pronounced 1 e and ah
8th notes are counted: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 1 ......

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Music and Math

Mathematical skills can be enhanced by music learning because understanding rhythmic notation actually requires math-specific skills.

Musical Instruments for Kids