About.com Music Education

Famous People in Arts, Science and Sports

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:31:09 +0000

Neil Armstrong was the first astronaut to walk on the moon, Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize in 1921 and Oscar Robertson is considered by many as a basketball legend. They are brilliant inventors, scientists, writers and athletes, but what do they have in common?

This Day in Music History: 1827 - Edmond Dede was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was one of the famous Creole of color composers; a violin prodigy and Orchestra Conductor at the Alcazar Theatre where he served for 27 years.

Famous People in Arts, Science and Sports originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 11:31:09.

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Political Figures Who Played a Musical Instrument

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:10:57 +0000

There are many famous people in history who played a musical instrument but chose to pursue a career in politics. To this day, some of them continue to play a musical instrument, perhaps as a hobby. Here are several familiar names.

This Day in Music History: 1828 - Franz Schubert died in Vienna. He was referred to as the "master of song" of which he wrote more than 200 songs. He studied counterpoint, keyboard playing and singing under Michael Holzen. Schubert wrote hundreds of musical pieces, some of his well known work are: "Serenade," "Ave Maria," "Who is Sylvia?" and "C Major symphony."

Political Figures Who Played a Musical Instrument originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 11:10:57.

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Historical Figures Who Played the Piano

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:53:22 +0000

They are brilliant scientists, politicians and writers who have at least one thing in common - they all played the piano. This image gallery shows several historical figures who reportedly played the said instrument.

This Day in Music History: 1873 - The 22nd New York Regiment Band had their first concert. The band was formed by Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore, a bandleader, cornet soloist, songwriter, also known as the "Father of the American Band" and "Father of Military Bands."

Historical Figures Who Played the Piano originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 10:53:22.

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Friendship Songs

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:24 +0000

Countless friendship songs have been written over the years. The theme of friendship is one we all can relate to and never tire of listening to. Here are some timeless friendship songs and links to available music videos, sample lyrics and music sheets to purchase in case you'd like to learn how to play the songs on your instrument.

This Day in Music History: Heitor Villa-Lobos died in Rio de Janeiro. He was a prolific Brazilian composer, conductor, music educator and advocate of Brazilian music. His works reflected his country's music fused with influences from composers such as Stravinsky and the music of Eastern Europe. His etudes and preludes for the guitar remain popular to this day.

Friendship Songs originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 10:28:24.

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The President's Hymn

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:34:27 +0000

In 1863, a song was composed by William Augustus Muhlenberg and Joseph W. Turner to honor the new holiday established by President Abraham Lincoln. The song is called "The President's Hymn." Here's more information about the history and men behind "The President's Hymn" as well as links to the music sheet and lyrics of the said song.

This Day in Music History: 1895 - Paul Hindemith was born in Hanau, Germany. He was a German music theorist, teacher, string player and composer during the 20th century. He was the professor of composition at Berlin's Academy of Music from 1927 to 1937 and taught at Yale University from 1940 to 1955. Hindemith also received honorary doctorates from the University of Frankfurt, the Free University of Berlin and Oxford University.

The President's Hymn originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 21:34:27.

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Thank You Songs

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:06:50 +0000

The music of Thanksgiving is deep inside us; it is the beat of our hearts as we express our love for others, it is the smile we bestow and the helping hand we lend to people who need it most. May everyday be a day of thanks as we listen to several "thank you" songs from different artists.

This Day in Music History: 1787 - Christoph Willibald Gluck died in Vienna, Austria due to a stroke. He was a composer during the Classical period especially known for his operas and for reforming the operatic styles of that era. He came from a family of foresters but Gluck's true passion was music. When he was about 13 years old, he left home, perhaps to avoid the family profession. His most successful works include his "reform operas" with Ranieri Calzabigi, namely "Orfeo ed Euridice" and "Alceste."

Thank You Songs originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 20:06:50.

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Thanksgiving Music Resources

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:19:42 +0000

Amazing how swiftly time flies. It seems like we recently celebrated Halloween and now Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This is the time to reflect on the many blessings we have in our lives and to show our gratitude and appreciation to the people around us. Here are some Thanksgiving music resources to make your holiday more memorable. There are links to websites offering free music and music sheets (for a fee or to purchase) for Thanksgiving day.

This Day in Music History: 1816 - John Curwen was born in Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, England. He was a Congregational minister and British educator especially noted for developing a system of musical notation known as the tonic sol-fa. Although not as widely utilized as before, Curwen's system continues to be used in Europe, the United States and other countries.

Thanksgiving Music Resources originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 19:19:42.

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El Sistema - A Review of the Documentary

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:56:10 +0000

From Paul Smaczny, the director of the 2006 International Emmy Award winning film "Knowledge is the Beginning," comes this documentary about a revolutionary music education program founded over 30 years ago in Venezuela by Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu. The methodology of El Sistema is now being adapted to the United States.

This Day in Music History: 1915 - Heitor Villa-Lobos' concert was well-received. He was a prolific Brazilian composer, conductor, music educator and advocate of Brazilian music. His works reflected his country's music flavor fused with influences from composers such as Stravinsky and the music of Eastern Europe. His etudes and preludes for the guitar remain popular to this day.

El Sistema - A Review of the Documentary originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 06:56:10.

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Methods of Teaching Music

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:12:44 +0000

There are various approaches used by educators when it comes to teaching music. Learn more about the four most popular methods of teaching music to children, namely Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki and Dalcroze.

Music Education in the News: Multiple Grammy-winning composer and violinist Mark O'Connor will be releasing the O'Connor Violin Method this November. More information about the O'Connor Violin Methods I and II is available at his Web site.

This Day in Music History: 1833 - Aleksandr Borodin was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. He wrote songs, string quartets and symphonies. His most famous work is the opera "Prince Igor" which was left unfinished when he died in 1887. The said opera was completed by Aleksandr Glazunov and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov.

Methods of Teaching Music originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 07:12:44.

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Patriotic Songs

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:28:38 +0000

Music is one of the most powerful platforms a person can use to express his/her thoughts and sentiments. A type of music that can urge action, foster dialogue, inspire unity and peace is patriotic music. These songs have become an important part of our cultural and musical heritage. Here are 5 patriotic songs written by some of the most prominent songwriters and musicians in the U.S.A.

This Day in Music History: Veteran's Day is a time to honor all the brave men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Here are some World War 2 music favorites:

Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree - Lyrics and chords of this old time favorite by Glenn MIller.

The White Cliffs of Dover - Has lyrics and midi of Nat Burton and Walter Kent's composition.

Patriotic Songs originally appeared on About.com Music Education on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 08:28:38.

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