About.com Music Education

Product Review of Literacy in Motion

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:02:14 +0000

For more than 20 years, The Learning Station has released CDs and DVDs that encourages literacy and movement through well-crafted children's songs. Literacy in Motion is one of the CDs in their impressive list of recordings that caught my interest.

Music Education in the News: The Not Fade Away Gallery is holding an auction to benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

This Day in Music History: 1714 - Composer Christoph Willibald Gluck was born in Erasbach (Germany).

"Hail Columbia"

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:12:17 +0000

Also known as "The President's March," this song was once considered the "unofficial' national anthem of the United States. If "Hail to the Chief" is played for the President, "Hail Columbia" is played as the Vice-President arrives at a ceremony or as he enters a formal event. It is likewise preceded by a short piece called "Ruffles and Flourishes."

Music Education in the News: The Community School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina received musical instruments from Yamaha.

This Day in Music History: 1925 - 20th century pianist and composer Erik Satie died in Paris, France due to sclerosis of the liver.

"When Johnny Comes Marching Home"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:40:52 +0000

Written by bandleader Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore, this marching song expresses a person's longing for a loved one to come home from war. Some historians believe that "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" was inspired by an old Irish tune; however, there are those who think otherwise.

Music Education in the News: Fabio Luisi will be the new music director of the Zurich Opera come 2012.

This Day in Music History: 1792 - Bohemian composer Antonio Rosetti died in Germany.

The 27 Club

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:09:27 +0000

In life, there are certain questions that will be left unanswered and mysteries that will remain unsolved. Such is the case with a group of young, legendary musicians whose tragic deaths spawned what is known as the "27 Club."

Music Education in the News: Music students from Vancouver Island University will receive a $15,000 donation from the Pieter de Reuver Foundation.

This Day in Music History: 1911 - Composer Bernard Herrmann was born in New York City.

The Day the Music Died

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:36:49 +0000

"The day the music died" is a line in the 1972 Don McLean hit "American Pie." McLean's song, which he wrote in the late 1960s and released in 1971, was in part inspired by a tragic event which took the lives of three great musicians and their pilot.

Music Education in the News: ASCAP gave tribute to Michael Jackson during the 22nd annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards.

This Day in Music History: 1902 - Richard Rodgers, a 20th century composer known for his musical comedies, was born in New York, U.S.A.

Influential Composers Who Died Young

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:29:27 +0000

Have you ever wondered what would've happened if Mozart didn't die when he was only 35 years old? Would he have composed more or did he already reach the pinnacle of his career at the time of his death? Here is a list of influential composers who died young; most of whom before the age of 50.

This Day in Music History: 1729 - Female French composer and harpsichordist, Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, died in Paris.

Farewell MJ

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:17:38 +0000

The world is shocked and abuzz with the death of Michael Jackson, also known as "The King of Pop." Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He started his career as a lead vocalist of The Jackson 5 and then went on to pursue a solo career. His most notable and best-selling album, Thriller, was released in 1982 by Epic Records. Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

More on Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - the Making of the King of Pop

Top 10 Michael Jackson Songs

Michael Jackson Quotes

Music Education in the News: A bone flute, believed to be at least 35,000 years old, was discovered by archaeologists at Hohle Fels Cave.

This Day in Music History: 1966 - "Strangers in the Night'' by Frank Sinatra was a #1 Billboard Pop Hit.

Product Review of Music Box by Mary Kaye

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:58:54 +0000

Music Box is the latest CD of singer-songwriter, performer and children's music recording artist Mary Kaye, This CD is a collection of 12 songs that will appeal to listeners young and old. Read the review.

Music Education in the News: The City of Belfast School of Music is set to move to a new location.

This Day in Music History: 1945 - Singer-songwriter Carly Simon was born in New York City.

Raising Kids Who Love Music

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:03:11 +0000

We are all born possessing certain gifts and talents, and parents play a vital role in harnessing these gifts. Of course, not all children who love music will become prodigies, and as parents, we shouldn't let this be our goal. Rather, if you have a child who seems to be interested in music, there are simple ways to further stimulate your child's interest. Instilling the love of music in your little one is easier than you think. Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started.

This Day in Music History: 1992 - William Martin Joel, famously known as Billy Joel, received his high school diploma from Hicksville High School.

6 Web sites for Legal Music Downloads

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:48:03 +0000

Many Web sites offer music downloads either for free or for a fee. However, not all of these sites are legal or approved by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Here are 6 online music sources where you can listen to and download music legally.

Music Education in the News: Researchers led by Dr. Luciano Bernardi from Pavia University in Italy, analyzed the effects of classical music on a listeners' cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

This Day in Music History: - The song "Too Young" by Nat King Cole.was a No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit.