Truly an angel

IT HAS BEEN ALMOST SEVEN YEARS SINCE THERE WAS A KNOCK AT MY OFFICE DOOR. LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT OPENING IT WOULD CHANGE MY HEART AND LIFE FOREVER. AS THIS YOUNG MAN NAMED ARBEY STOOD IN THE DOORWAY, HIS APPEARANCE TOLD ME HE HAD LITTLE AND WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT WELL PHYSICALLY. HE HAD SOFT BLUE EYES, A PINK SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRT, JEANS AND ACROSS HIS SHOULDER HE CARRIED AN OLD BEAT UP SATCHEL. IN AN INSTANT I KNEW THIS WAS ALL HE HAD, BUT I ALSO KNEW IT WAS HIS VERY BEST.

I CAME TO UNDERSTAND HIS SITUATION THROUGH OUR CONTINUED DISCUSSION, AND I’LL NEVER FORGET HOW FAST HE TALKED FEARING I’D SHUT THE DOOR BEFORE HE’D FINISH. HE WAS NOT THERE TO ASK FOR MONEY OR FOOD OR CLOTHES AS MANY WHO CAME TO OUR DOOR HAD. ALTHOUGH HIS BODY WAS RIDDEN WITH DISEASE INSIDE FROM ALCOHOL AND OUTSIDE FROM THE COMPLICATIONS OF SEVERE DIABETES, HE WAS THERE TO FIND WORK. HE ASKED IF HE COULD SWEEP OUR PARKING LOT, AND I REMEMBER LOOKING AT HIS WEAK BODY WONDERING HOW HE COULD EVEN LIFT A FINGER. BEING IN A SMALL OFFICE, I COULDN’T THINK OF A THING TO OFFER THIS MAN. I FUMBELED THROUGH MY PURSE FOR A FEW DOLLARS, WISHED HIM THE BEST AND SENT HIM ON. BUT AFTER CLOSING THE DOOR, I FELL TO MY KNEES AND CRIED. THE TEARS WOULDN’T STOP. A WHILE PASSED AND SOMETHING INSIDE CONVICTED ME TO GO AFTER HIM. UP UNTIL THAT DAY, I HAD CONSIDERED MYSELF A PRETTY COMPASSIONATE PERSON, BUT THIS MAN DIDN’T LOOK LIKE ME, HE HADN’T LIVED THE KIND OF LIFE I HAD LIVED, I DIDN’T KNOW HIM IN THE LEAST. BUT I KNOW I WAS CALLED TO GO LOOK FOR HIM, AND IT WAS AT THAT MOMENT I CAME TO UNDERSTAND THIS TRUTH; THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALIVE AND WELL IN BELIEVERS. STRONG GODLY DESIRES OR CONVICTIONS TO REACT OR RESPOND IN SITUATIONS ARE NOT MERE COINCIDENCES OR SOLEY OF OUR OWN DOING, BUT THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN US.

THIS 39-YEAR OLD MAN BECAME A HUGE PART OF MY HUSBAND JOHN’S AND MY LIFE. WE LEARNED ABOUT HIS FAILING HEALTH, HOW HE’D COME TO BE HOMELESS, AND ABOUT HIS PAST. ALTHOUGH IT WASN’T A PRETTY ONE IT DIDN’T SEEM TO MATTER. HE WAS SEARCHING FOR A NEW WAY - A NEW LIFE, AND A NEW LIFE HE FOUND. THE THREE OF US HIT NUMEROUS PEAKS AND VALLEYS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS BUT NOTHING COULD HAVE PREPARED US FOR THE PHONE CALL WE RECEIVED ONE LATE SUMMER NIGHT FROM OUR DEAR FRIEND. HE TOLD JOHN HE COULDN’T DO IT ANYMORE. HE COULDN’T FIX ALL THE WRONG IN HIS LIFE AND HE NEEDED GOD TO TAKE CARE OF IT. HE SAID HE HAD WANTED TO COMMIT HIS LIFE TO HIM FOR A LONG TIME BUT NEVER FELT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH. NOW WAS THE TIME, AND HE WANTED TO BE BAPTIZED. THE NEXT DAY WE ALL MET AT OUR CHURCH, AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS WHEELCHAIR BOUND, ARBEY FORCED DRESS SHOES ON HIS SWOLLEN AND DISEASED FEET FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF HIS LIFE. HE ASKED FOR TIME ALONE WITH GOD AND THEN WE ALL PRAYED TOGETHER. AFTER CARRYING HIM UP THE STEPS TO THE WATER, MY HUSBAND STOOD NEXT TO HIM IN THE BAPTISTRY TELLING HIM HOW VERY PROUD WE WERE OF HIS DECISION AND HOW FAR HE’D COME. ARBEY MADE THE GREAT CONFESSION PROCLAIMING CHRIST AS THE SON OF GOD AND HIS SAVIOR, AND JOHN LAID HIM BACK IN THE WATER LIFTING HIM UP A NEW MAN. TO THIS DAY, I BELIEVE ANGELS ARE STILL REJOICING IN SONG FOR THAT UNDENIABLE OBEDIENCE TO THE KING. FOLLOWING THE BAPTISM ARBEY JUST STOOD THERE IN THE WATER. HE ASKED ME TO SING “AMAZING GRACE,” PUT HIS HAND OVER HIS HEART, CLOSED HIS EYES, AND LIFTED HIS HEAD TO THE HEAVENS SOAKING IN EVERY WORD. IT WAS TRULY EVIDENT THAT THIS MAN HAD FOUND GOD AS HE DISPLAYED UNDENIABLE APPRECIATION FOR THE FACT THAT HE HAD.

ON OCTOBER 31ST OF THAT YEAR I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND RECEIVED A CALL ON MY CELL PHONE TELLING ME ARBEY HAD PASSED AWAY AT 6:20 THAT MORNING IN HIS APARTMENT. HE HAD PEACEFULLY GONE IN HIS SLEEP AND I PRAISED GOD THROUGH MY TEARS. FOR DAYS FOLLOWING I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, “SUCH A BIG CHAPTER OF MY LIFE IS NOW CLOSED…” BUT I REALIZE THIS CHAPTER WILL CONTINUE ON AS LONG AS I KEEP IT ALIVE, FOR WHAT ARBEY TAUGHT ME CANNOT BE CONDENSED INTO ONE CHAPTER BUT IS A LIFETIME OF LESSONS. HE MADE ME REALIZE THAT GOD PURSUES EVERY HEART AT EVERY HOUR. HE NEVER GIVES UP ON US – EVEN WHEN WE GIVE UP ON OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER - AND AT THAT MOMENT WHEN A HARDENED HEART DECIDES TO SOFTEN IN THE LEAST, GOD IS READY TO MAKE IT HIS OWN. ARBEY TAUGHT ME THAT LOVE CONQUERS ALL – IT SINCERELY CONQUERS ALL. IT DOESN’T JUDGE OR CONVICT. IT DOESN’T CARE ABOUT YESTERDAY BUT ONLY LOOKS AT THE HERE AND NOW AND WHAT IT CAN ACCOMPLISH TOMORROW. ARBEY TAUGHT ME THE IMPORTANCE OF A CHILD-LIKE FAITH AND HOW GOD DOESN’T NEED OUR PIOUS WORDS AND INTRICATE DETAILS, BUT ONLY AN INNOCENT, PURE HEART THAT DESIRES A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.

ARBEY WAS NOT SENT TO MY DOOR SO THAT I COULD BE OF ANY HELP TO HIM. ARBEY WAS SENT TO MY DOOR SO THAT MY EYES MIGHT BE OPENED TO A WORLD I THOUGHT I KNEW BUT REALLY DIDN’T. I SHUDDER TO THINK OF WHERE I MAY HAVE BEEN HAD ARBEY NOT BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE. OH, I WOULD HAVE LED A GOOD, DECENT LIFE, GONE TO CHURCH, LOVED MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BUT I’M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE OR COULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE DEPTH OF LOVE GOD HAS FOR EVERY SOUL – GOOD OR BAD - HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THIS MAN. GOD USED A MAN THIS WORLD WOULD NOT DEEM AS SUCCESSFUL, RIGHTEOUS, INVITING OR APPROACHABLE TO LEAD MANY CLOSER TO HIM.

SO, IN HONOR OF ARBEY, MAY WE ALWAYS KEEP OUR HEARTS AND EYES OPEN TO OUR NEIGHBOR, OUR FRIEND, OUR ENEMY, AND EVEN A HOMELESS MAN, THAT WE DON’T PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITY GOD SO WANTS US TO TAKE. AS THE HEBREW WRITER TELLS US, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

THANK YOU, ARBEY, FOR PROVIDING ME THE OPPORTUNITY. OH, AND DON’T FORGET TO SAVE ME A PLACE IN YOUR MANSION.

amazing grace, how sweet the sound...
jg

All I need is the air that I breathe...

... to be fresh air! This is a line in a song rewritten just for the four of us - a group I am SO thankful to be a part of! Standing in this picture are three of the finest vocalists with whom I've ever had the privilege to perform. Rodney is to my left, Lisa and Danny to the right. We were asked to perform for an air and water purification company, Ecoquest, at their 2007 convention in Ohio this summer. We did all kinds of material, including songs the creative department had taken and rearranged to announce the company's new products as well as tunes stating their purpose and message. We mixed a few standards in their as well... blues, rock, country, jazz... you name it. The crowd of over 3000 enjoyed the numerous performances we did over the four-day conference so much, we were asked to return a couple of weeks ago for a quarterly meeting being held in East Tennessee. We had a ball together and have been invited to their Kansas City annual convention next June! Even with four very distinct and unique voices, we are a testament to when one or more are gathered together displaying a genuine love and passion for music and appreciation for one another, the blend cannot be matched.

Making music matter,
Jen

Dynamic Duo

I have to send out a HUGE congratulations to Nathan Pugh and Chandler Seal, two of my talented voice students who just learned they made Middle Tennessee's Honors Chorus. Only 120 students out of approximately 500 were chosen from across the region. Nathan is a 6th grader at Lipscomb Middle School, and Chandler - also a 6th grader - is at Goodpasture. Not only do these two have fantastic music ability, they have HUGE hearts as well, making it a pure joy to be a part of their lives. So proud of you two!

Making music matter,
Jen

We believe!

Kindermusik Convention, 2007, "Believe in Music," left us no choice - we BELIEVE... if we didn't before, we do NOW! Over 400 educators, world-wide, attended and were forever changed! I keep telling everyone in my summary of the week, I felt I had experienced a semester of college in five days. From presentations on developmental psychology, to classroom management, to sensory integration, to award-winning entertainment, my brain - and heart - were filled to capacity. The pictures you're viewing are from this terrific week in Chicago. Beginning with a pose in front of the Kindermusik banner, myself, along with two other local educators - Amy Alley (Blair School of Music) and Maria Schatz (Franklin) are proud to be a part of the global - 66 COUNTRIES - and LEADING early childhood music and movement program. Below is my dear friend Ginger Bennett. A music therapist and Kindermusik educator of many years, she has been a true inspiration and confidante in my quest to make this passion of mine a reality. For more information on her current rebuilding efforts in Biloxi (her hometown), and how you can contribute to the efforts, go to www.missionloveseedskatrina.com. One of the greatest aspects of being a part of this convention was meeting new friends from the states and all over the world who shared the same goal - to reach families everywhere with the power of music! This year, we had representation from Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Africa, and more. In this picture, next to me, from left to right: Deborah from Texas, Kim and Nancy from Canada, Tamra from Oregon (and one of my roomies), and Carmen from Canada. We were all operating on very little sleep, but this photo was taken following our educator recognition banquet, the last event of the week... yet we still stayed up a couple more hours in the hotel restaurant gabbing about business practices, personal stories, some struggles, a lot of accomplishments, and most importantly, how excited we were to get back to our Kindermusik families and be better educators and inspirations to everyone who walks through our door. The last picture is Maria, again. I had to include this! If there were ever a person who loved music, and giving it to others, as much as myself, it has to be Maria Schatz! We laughed and cried, sang, and learned… We were friends before, but our relationship went to a higher level last week. I just love her to death, and if you’re on the Franklin side of town – RUN, don’t walk, to her program! You will be SO thankful!

Wow! I am truly blessed.

Making music matter,
Jen in Nashville

PS - Click on each image to get a closer look.

Does my heart good!

It does my heart good to host recitals and observe the process of a child working so hard towards a goal. At the end of last month, about half of my private students participated in the "Give My Regards to Broadway" event, which was no small feat, considering September can be laden with school transition, added activities, and for some, the first month they had ever taken part in private lessons, let alone a public performance. You're viewing, from left to right - Klinton, (the back of) Benita, her sister, Rubie, myself enjoying the beautiful roses presented, Chandler, Nathan, and Sarah Grace. Come December we'll be at it again, celebrating the sounds of the season. I'm sure, as always, they'll do a fine job and make their families proud... not to mention the teacher!

Making music matter,
Jen

It takes me back...

... I can smell the cold in the air now... The comforting heat as our car would slowly warm to a toasty state. I even remember the feel of the velour seats in our Oldsmobile as I'd sink down for an enjoyable ride anticipating our destination. Not to mention the sounds... The sounds were my favorite - George Winston's, "Autumn" resonating in our cassette player. This was the typical setting of my jaunt across town with Mom to honor's chorus rehearsals. I had to write about it, as I sit here at almost 11 PM. I was up late the other night working on a paper for a class I'm taking and veered over to iTunes, which is not unusual at all for me when sitting down here in this quiet den at the computer. With two little ones, it's rare I get a moment to really LISTEN to music. Out of the blue - I think - GEORGE WINSTON!!! Oh my goodness... I couldn't click to search for it fast enough! I immediately downloaded the entire album. Over 45 minutes of excruciatingly beautiful acoustic piano. It was like I was in 4th grade all over again, watching the city's lights flash on the dashboard as we made our way those Fall and Winter evenings to rehearsals. It is amazing to me how music has the power to do so much. By the end of Track One, I had already reminisced, cried, and smiled just having lived in the moment of all those years ago, simply due to one song. If you're looking for a little peace, a nice dose of satisfaction, and pure talent, you have to give it a try - "Autumn," by George Winston. I highly recommend the purchase, especially at this time of year. It's worth every penny, and for me... every memory!

...now, on to Track Two...

Making music matter,
Jen

He doesn't stand a chance!

This is our oldest son, Daniel. The firstborn of a creatively-minded musician and an athletic coach who's Daddy happens to be at a school with a 24-time State Championship marching band. So, no matter how many times we see Daddy's football games, we also get a real nice glimpse at one kickin' half-time show! Daniel's been going to games since he's been in-utero as well as listening to me singing or playing a tune just as long. It just dawned on me the other day that we have such a wonderfully balanced household. Unfortunately, for as long as I can remember, sports and music have always rivaled one another... but not under this roof! Our love and support of both spans the spectrum... poor guy just doesn't stand a chance - isn't it great?!?

Making music matter,
Jen

We've only just begun...

...to siiiing, and play, and oh what a TERRIFIC first week of classes we had! BUT, it's not too late. You can enroll at ANY time throughout the Kindermusik program, as we build on each week, sharing in previous week's activities and expanding them throughout the semester. It's easy to ease on in and not feel as if you've missed out. Of course, the semester is prorated according to when you join us, so you don't lose out financially either. There are spots available in various classes, so call today for a super-fun experience...oh, and did I mention you get to learn too???

Making music matter,
Jen

Thank you, MT. JULIET CHICK-FIL-A!!!

For those of you who ventured out to the Mt. Juliet Chick-Fil-A last night, we had a BALL! From 5-8 pm, there was a steady stream of little voices, hands, and feet, ready to play, sing, dance, and have a TERRIFIC time! All my families that came out to take part, and enjoy the ice cream, thank you for your support! I'll be back in September, with a date to be announced within the next week.

I also want to send out a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE thank you to the restaurant and its owner, Ray Daniel, for their agreement to sponsor my year-long study group endeavor. In a little more than two weeks, the fall semester begins with an array of classes, one of which is a special class included for families with children with developmental differences. It's my quest to learn from the participating families and, in return, give them the benefits of the life-changing Kindermusik program. The Mt. Juliet Chick-Fil-A will be sponsoring the materials for every family by donating funds and also allowing me opportunities to come and hold "Spirit Night" at the restaurant to raise additional support. What a TREMENDOUS blessing and answer to prayers. So, stay tuned for the announcement of dates to enjoy a meal at the greatest place in town, and in turn help out other families and their children. You can't beat it!

Making music matter,
Jen

YOU could do it too!

Meet Nathan Pugh and Phil Sanders. Nathan is a voice student of mine and Phil is a dear friend and fellow musician, songwriter, and engineer. I have been writing songs for years and decided to begin the journey with some of my private voice and piano students. Nathan was the first to have the opportunity to go record in Phil's home studio, where I've had the privilege of working on many projects in the past. Songwriting is such a creative outlet, an avenue to express ideas, emotions, to impact lives in wonderful ways. I wanted my students to have the opportunity to learn how to do all of that, AND I wanted them to be able to experience the extraordinary process of recording their masterpiece to keep forever! I can't even begin to tell you how hard these children have worked, and some of the ideas they've come up with... well, it has been enough to make this grown woman weep. While brainstorming through this project, we've decided to record all of the material, make a CD, and sell them to friends, family, and anyone who would like to hear the thoughts and ideas put to music of these young spirits. The proceeds from the sales will go into my Tots and Tunes Music Fund, which provides quality music classes and materials for families with special needs and financial strain.

Private lessons are a terrific choice for any age. Time and again, research proves a strong correlation between music instruction and higher test scores, greater attention and focusing skills, stronger self-esteem, and better spatial-temporal reasoning. And, with the Tots and Tunes approach, it's just plain fun! Learning fundamentals, songwriting, performing in recitals, recording... what a blast! YOU could do it to, so call and find out more today!

Making music matter,
Jen

It's Here, It's Here, It's Here!

I've completed the Fall 2007 schedule for your viewing. Take a look and see the wonderful opportunities available to you - opportunities to build family, community, your child's development, and all through a REALLY fun and exciting way - MUSIC! Can't wait to see you in just a few weeks... OR, if you're able, come be a part of the July Summer session, beginning the 9th. Click on the link, and certainly feel free to call or email if you have any questions!

Making music matter,
Jen

Just Around the Corner...

I can't believe it's already time to be thinking about Fall, but it is! Tots and Tunes' Fall Schedule will be available no later than Monday, June 25th, so check back for some great opportunities to take part in the world's leading early childhood music and movement program - Kindermusik! Also available, private voice and piano lessons, thematic birthday parties and more. To receive additional information, or for questions, please contact me by email at totsandtunes@hotmail.com or by phone at 874-2110.

Making music matter,
Jen

Go, be with God.

I received some very sad news this evening... well, I should say sad for those of us still here on earth without my sweet friend. The angels, the Lord, and Ms. Christine are rejoicing, I'm sure, as they're sharing time together even as I sit here. Christine came into my life several months ago when I began volunteering at a local nursing home, directing the small "choir" of voices who'd join me in the activities room on Sunday afternoons and on Monday mornings for Kindermusik story times with community children. Ms. Christine would require my reintroduction every time I visited, as her mind was "just not what it used to be," according to her. She would remind me multiple times in a setting that her dear husband worked for Colonial Bread for years, and that she was proud to be from Franklin. She certainly never failed to mention her long affiliation with Una Church Church of Christ, either. But though little pieces of information would come and go in her mind, once we began to sing, her memory would stand at attention and words, along with a beautiful alto voice, would pour out of her like she'd been doing it all her life... and she had. We sang hymns, folk songs, big band music, and the like, with one of her favorites being, "Down By the Old Millstream." She was moved to another facility a short time ago, following a fall. I visited her there, unknowingly, for the final time. She had a really difficult time recalling much of anything. In a new place, with different people, she really struggled. But, we got out our hymnals and opened up to "Blessed Assurance," for one last praise together. It was priceless. Ms. Christine, thank you for sharing your heart and voice, your spirit and your kinds words. I can't wait to see you again someday!

"This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long."

Making music matter,
Jen

I have something to prove...

and I need your help! When I finally determined the name of my company, Tots and Tunes, I knew I needed a tagline to help define it a bit more. I didn't want it to be just about another music class but wanted it to create the idea that music is powerful and life-changing, given various settings, participants, knowledge, and so on. That's why I settled on, Tots and Tunes ~ MAKING MUSIC MATTER. It was as much or more a challenge to myself to find ways to show others the impact music can have on so many as it was an advertising line.

And so, as the title of my post states, I DO have something to prove. Among other things, I want to compile hard data supporting the idea that involvement in a developmental music program, such as Kindermusik, on a regular basis with committed families, can make a tremendous difference on children experiencing developmental delays due to low-income environments and other extinuating circumstances. Beginning in the Fall 2007 semester, I am looking to conduct a series of pilot Kindermusik classes. I would like to host these classes, free of charge, to ten families who want to see a difference in their child with special needs or developmental differences - whether it be verbal, cognitive, social, or physical. It will require a full year's commitment and permission to video-record every class. It will also require families to put this weekly class at the top of their priority list, not missing for just any reason, but working with the other families and myself to support and encourage growth in multiple developmental ways, through the use of music. Other requirements will include family documentation of the use of provided home materials and observations of the expansions of the in-class activities at home. Above all, open communication between myself as the facilitator and the participating families is a must! The class I'm considering is the Family Time option, which is open to multi-aged, multi-children families. We begin with newborns and go up to about age 7, chronologically speaking. Of course, this can be altered and discussed further.

If you have anybody you think might be interested, or if you yourself are interested in more information, please contact me at totsandtunes@hotmail.com. I look forward to continuing with this goal and anxiously await the results in 2008! Not only will I be able to tell others about the difference the use of music can make in lives, but I'll be able to say, "Here! Read and watch it for yourself!" How could you argue with that?

Making music matter,
Jen

This is why I do what I do!

· Each year over 13,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. That's 35 children each and every day.

"Every day, I have to endure up to six injections of insulin and more than ten finger pricks to keep me alive. When my blood sugar is high, my head hurts, I feel angry and sad, and it is hard to concentrate. When my blood sugar is low, I am dizzy, shaky, and in danger of becoming unconscious."
— Emma Melton, 16, Massachusetts

"I already have problems with my kidneys, and I take medicine every day so my kidneys won't fail. I worry about what will happen if a cure isn't found soon. I don't have time to wait."
— LaNiece Evans-Scott, 11, Ohio

Playing just a minute part, I was blessed to have been included in the 2007 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes that took place in Southern Indiana last Saturday. I provided some entertainment for the 1300 plus walkers who took part in helping to raise over $215,000 dollars for diabetes research! What an incredible number!! The pictures you see are of myself and Mike Blake, the local NBC anchorman I've had the pleasure of working with in the past and grew up watching on latenight news, as well as the presentation of Rufus, "the bear with diabetes." We all danced, and sang, and celebrated the community's commitment to such a need. I had a ball and commend the Southern Indiana chapter on their extraordinary accomplishment! Also, while in Indiana, I made my annual appearance at Dexter Elementary School to help those earning their Citizenship Award celebrate their day as well. I even shared some Kindermusik fun with the morning Kindergarten classes. They work all year to receive this special concert and surrounding events... kudos to all you Dexter Braves!

Making music matter,
Jen

Chicken all the way!

What a wonderful time we had last week at Hermitage Chick-Fil-A's Kids Night! There was such a great turn-out of enrolled families with lots of nuggets and Ice Dream Cones to boot! And I can't think of a better event in which to sing, "We're a Musical FAMILY, can you?" On my drive home that night, I just kept thinking of how versatile, adaptable, and mobile music can be... We're in a space no bigger than a bathroom, and yet there's still a way to have boatloads of fun. When you have music, a few instruments, lots of friends with willing spirits, what else do you need? You made my night, so let's do it again! Mt. Juliet has contacted me to come visit them. Stay tuned for the date and a couple of pictures from last week's event. Thanks to the DiMarcos for helping me capture the fun on camera!

Making music matter,
Jen

Goodbye... but not for long!

It's always bittersweet to say 'goodbye' to another semester. My Spring semester came to a close last week after ten weeks of making music, making friends, and loving my job even more. As an educator and facilitator of such a busy kind of class - nearly a dozen children, usually under the age of four or five in one setting, I'm not able to catch every word or movement or attempt at an activity. But there are those enlightening moments when I realize that a child was just a lap baby last semester and is now sitting up attending to my words, or the 18-month-old is expressing more inner control during the start and stop games than he did just six weeks prior. I realize more and more, it's not just about the music and yet it's all about the music. I'd be thrilled if some of my students grew to be successful musicians, but that's not why I teach Kindermusik. I teach Kindermusik because it makes a difference in a child... in his speech, in his social and emotional growth, in his cognitive abilities, in his motor skills, and the list goes on. Music facilitates learning. It makes it stick. It makes a difference. It matters!

Although there's not a weekly class meeting for a few weeks, the end of May brings another opportunity. Summer camps will not only be a fun and entertaining way to involve your child, but they will give you an opportunity to learn how your child grows, learns, and develops. They will offer you quality time with your family and a chance to make memories. I encourage you to find your spot. You'll be so glad you did.

Making music matter,
Jen

Did You Know?

The pace of scientific research into music making has never been greater. New data about music’s relationship to brainpower, wellness and other phenomena is changing the way we perceive mankind’s oldest art form, and it’s having a real-world effect on decisions about educational priorities. To see some of the latest research and the prominent effects of music in the lives of children, go to www.amc-music.com/child_development.htm. Here is just a portion to peak your interest:

Did You Know?
The world's top academic countries place a high value on music education. Hungary, Netherlands and Japan stand atop worldwide science achievement and have strong commitment to music education. All three countries have required music training at the elementary and middle school levels, both instrumental and vocal, for several decades. The centrality of music education to learning in the top-ranked countries seems to contradict the United States' focus on math, science, vocabulary, and technology.
Source: 1988 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IAEEA) Test

Did You Know?
Research shows that piano students are better equipped to comprehend mathematical and scientific concepts. A group of preschoolers received private piano keyboard lessons and singing lessons. A second group received private computer lessons. Those children who received piano/keyboard training performed 34 percent higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability than the others ‹ even those who received computer training. "Spatial-temporal" is basically proportional reasoning - ratios, fractions, proportions and thinking in space and time. This concept has long been considered a major obstacle in the teaching of elementary math and science.
Source: Neurological Research February 28, 1997

Did You Know?
Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to med school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted. Also, a study of 7,500 university students revealed that music majors scored the highest reading scores among all majors including English, biology, chemistry and math.
Sources: "The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University," Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480
"The Case for Music in the Schools," Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994

Consider private lessons or Kindermusik for your child, and give him a head start in so many areas of his development!

Summer Camp Schedule is Available

Tots and Tunes Summer 2007 schedule is now available. Go to www.freewebs.com/totsandtunesinfo to register, or you can click on the link under "My Favorite Websites," to the right. Looking forward to making lifelong summer memories with your family!

Making music matter,
Jen

Music therapists use their talents to heal

I have the priceless opportunity to volunteer each week with Jenny Plume, new Music Therapist at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. She's a remarkable talent and kind soul. I just wanted to share a portion of this front page story that ran on Easter Sunday in the Tennessean... so thankful our community is beginning to recognize the healing power of music!

Sunday, 04/08/07
Music therapists use their talents to heal
Musicians find fulfillment by tapping healing power of their craft

By JOY BUCHANAN
Staff Writer

...Though most would happily perform professionally if they made it big, a part of them would still be drawn to music therapy. Therapy is about healing others with music. Performing is about healing themselves.
JENNY PLUME
Jenny Plume's pager buzzes on her hip while she pushes the tall black cart loaded with her therapeutic tools: a guitar, a djembe drum, toy instruments and her MacBook Pro laptop. Plume is the new — and only — music therapist for Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in its new program supported by the Julian T. Fouce Music Therapy Fund. She works with the Child Life department to help children understand their treatment and feel more in control of their experience at the hospital.
She knocks lightly on a door decorated with shiny, flat balloons, including a heart-shaped one picturing Winnie the Pooh hugging an armful of lavender flowers. This is Mya's room.
Mya Henderson of Bowling Green, Ky., is an 8-month-old leukemia patient. On that morning, her parents, Katrina and Evan, took a rare trip from their daughter's side to run errands. As soon as Plume walked through the door, Mya's eyes fixed on her. It's the music lady.
Plume pulled out an "ocean drum." Through the tight, plastic covering, Mya could see hundreds of tiny ball bearings swirling around the bottom of the fish- and seaweed-decorated drum, sounding much like waves crashing onto the shore.
"My Bonnie lies over the ocean, my Bonnie lies over the sea, my Bonnie lies over the ocean, so bring back my Bonnie to me," Plume sang while Mya ran her pudgy hands over the drum's cover and her nurse pressed a stethoscope to her stomach, then injected liquids into the tubes running into Mya's body. The baby gurgled and waved her arms to pound on the drum.
"I love your music. It makes the kids so happy," said the nurse, Theresa Tracy. Plume's pager buzzed again and she had to leave Mya, but not before singing the Good Bye song.
Plume came to Nashville in 1994 after traveling the country playing gigs. She wrote for Bluewater Music Group, where she met her husband and performed on writers' nights at different venues under her maiden name, Jenny Ornstein. She studied music therapy at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, then completed her internship and worked in Canada before returning to Nashville in September.
"It wasn't about me giving up on music," she said about the change. "It's been me, me, me for a long time, and I decided to do something for somebody else."
Her work with the hospital isn't just playing music for fussy patients. She creates plans for individual children to help them accomplish small goals, sometimes teaching them to play an instrument to manage pain or as an alternative to watching TV or playing video games.
Plume made a record but put it on hold after having her daughter, Ruby, two years ago. Now she performs at some local venues, mostly on writers' nights. "I need that balance. I don't think I'd feel fulfilled if I didn't have that outlet. I'd feel like I'd be gypping myself," she said. "I still love to play and write. I will always do it for the rest of my life, because it's part of me."
It's the connection with other people that she strives for in both places, but it's deeper with her therapy patients. "It's more emotional here," she said. "I think I feel better about myself. I've done something good. And something that will last longer than the effects of a good show."

12 Month-old SIGNS cry INSTEAD of Crying!

Beginning this summer, Sign and Sing will be a part of the Tots and Tunes Kindermusik program. For a real look at how beneficial this curriculum can be for you and your family, WATCH THIS NOW, and sign up for the class tomorrow. You won't want to miss it!

DESCRIPTION OF VIDEO ~
Signing Smart 12-month old signs CRY instead of actually crying! Audrey's signs are capitalized. Her signing tells me, "AUDREY (A fist on her chin), CRYING; (feels) YUCKY, (wants) Ma MILK, MAMA!" Rather than cry, she tells me she feels like crying!! Two word sentences are typical between 18-24 months, but this is a 5 word sentence! Thank you SIGNING SMART and Kindermusik Sign & Sing for the ASL STRATEGIES!! I can truly have a conversation with my baby!

It's Finally Here!

It's about time... a blog of my very own. For those of you who know me, I can talk, and talk, and talk, so you've been fairly warned! I welcome each of you and really encourage my students and families to come frequently, sit long, and blog often. Add your thoughts, your experiences, just whatever is on your mind, and let everyone else grow and learn from what you have to offer. I will be utilizing this avenue to keep you up to date on coming events and special offers. Make sure you set aside a time to come peek once a week. You'll be glad you did! I look forward to staying in touch with all of you in this new and exciting (and convenient, I might add) way!

Making music matter,
Jen