Video of the Week: "I Surrender All"

"I Surrender All" has become my own personal mantra for the past few weeks.  Out of all the songs that I know it is the one that keeps coming back to my mind.  I have taken it as a personal God message and have kept it close to my heart.  Here is a stirring rendition by The Isaacs.  Enjoy! 

"I Surrender All" By The Isaacs

Video of the Week: "The Battle of Jericho" with Moses Hogan

I fell in love with the works of Moses Hogan the first time I sang one of his arrangements while attending Christian Music Summer School at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas.  I was so sad to learn that the life of this amazing director and arranger of spirituals was cut short with his unfortunate death in 2003.

I just recently found a collection of spirituals Hogan arranged for solo voice called  "Deep River - 10 Spirituals arranged for Voice and Piano" that I have added to wish list and can't wait to buy when I get the chance.

This week's Video of the Week features Moses Hogan and his arrangement of "The Battle of Jericho".  Enjoy! 

I Want to Learn to Play "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay for Christmas

So, here is a cool way to help you play some of your favorite popular songs on the piano.  Check out the The Piano Podcast with Mario Ajero.  I have been watching Mario's tutorials for some time now and have really enjoyed how he breaks things down and helps you put the music back together.  He also is using his iPad  to view the sheet music instead of printing it out.  One more reason why I might want to get one someday.

The most recent Piano Podcast was a tutorial for "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay.  I'm on this listening kick lately where I enjoy listening to new and different songs for the Christmas season and this fit the bill nicely.  I also really like the piano part and wouldn't mind learning it myself.  So, first let's listen to "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay.     

Here's Mario Ajero's piano tutorial.  Enjoy!

How to play Christmas Lights by Coldplay on piano

Piano tutorial on how to play some of the opening measures of the song "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay.

Video of the Week: Hallelujah Chorus Food Court Flash Mob

Don't you love a good flash mob?  I know I do!  On November 13, 2010 unsuspecting shoppers in a mall food court got a big surprise.  Over 100 participants joined in singing Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in this awesome Christmas Flash Mob organized by http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  This is a must see!  Enjoy!

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Video of the Week: Playing for Change & "Stand by Me"

Music has this amazing way of  helping to forge connections with people of all ages, races and creeds.  Playing for Change is one of those projects that has managed to cross boundaries with the power of music.  I think their website sums it up the best.      

"Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music.  The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world."

(The Playing for Change website)

I wanted to highlight the 16 artists from all over the world that took "Stand by Me" to a whole new level.

• Roger Ridley - Santa Monica, California
• Grandpa Elliott - New Orleans, Lousisiana
• Washboard Chaz - New Orleans, Lousisiana
• Clarence Bekker - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Twin Eagle Drum Group - Zuni New Mexico
• Francois Viguie - Toulouse, France
• Cesar Pope - Rio de Janero, Brazil
• Dimitri Dolganov - Moscow, Russia
• Roberto Luti - Livorno, Italy
• Geraldo & Dionisio - Caracas, Venezuela
• Junior Kissangwa Mbouta - Congo
• Pokei Klass - Guguleta, South Africa
• Django "Bambolino" Degen - Barcelona, Spain
• Sinamuva - Umlazi, South Africa
• Stefano Tomaselli - Pisa, Italy
• Vusi Mahlasela - Mamlodi, South Africa

In 2007, Playing for Change created the Playing for Change Foundation, a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to create "positive change through music education for all musicians and their communities". In early 2008, they established Timeless Media, a for-profit group that helps to fund the work of Playing for Change. Later that same year, Timeless Media entered into a joint venture with the Concord Music Group through the support of label co-owner and entertainment legend Norman Lear and Concord Music Group executive vice president of A&R John Burk. The ultimate goal for all of these ventures is to bring Playing for Change’s music, videos and message to the largest audience possible.

And now, anyone and everyone can participate in this life changing musical experience by joining the Playing for Change Movement. You can host a screening, spread the message of Playing for Change through media sharing, or hold a benefit concert.  You can also purchase "Songs Around the World: Playing for Change" on CD and DVD or the DVD "Playing for Change: Peace Through Music". 

"Together, we will connect the world through music." 

Video of the Week: Los Lobos

Los Lobos has a new album that I can't wait for you to hear for yourself.  The Tiny Desk Concert series does it again by bringing Los Lobos into the office for a three song mini concert.  If I were to pick a favorite of the set it would have to be "Yo Canto".  The rhythm is infectious and it combines one of my favorite languages, Spanish and the musical style of the latin culture.  What I would've given to be the cow bell in the back of the room while they were recording.  Their new album is called "Tin Can Trust" and can be purchased through Amazon.com.  Enjoy!            

Los Lobos: Tiny Desk Concert

Set List

• "I'll Burn It Down"
• "Yo Canto"
• "Don't Worry Baby"

Did You Know I Sing in a Band?

The view from my music stand on Sunday Morning.

Back in January of this year the music ministries of One Spirit United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO embarked on a new journey with lots of changes.  We hired a new Director of Music Ministries and our contemporary service got a complete revamp.  We also had the unique opportunity to start an all new volunteer praise band from scratch.  Most of my music training has been on the classical end so I was excited to expand my skills and try out.

One Spirit UMC Praise Band in action.

Nine months later we have two guitarists, one bass player, two people that play keyboards and up to four singers.  Did I mention that we are looking for a skilled drummer?  Just thought I would put that out there.

Each week we prepare 5 - 6 songs for worship and have been working on music from a list of CCLI's top 100 most popular contemporary worship songs.  I have sight read and performed more new pieces in the last few months than I have in years.  It has kept me on my toes and has been great practice.  I usually sing melody vocals but occasionally get to switch things up and sing parts.  I also play some simple percussion as needed.  We practice on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM right before Chancel Choir rehearsal which works well since most of us are members of the choir.  A few of us even play in the hand bell group.  We wear many musical hats. 

We all admit that we are still a work in progress but I am so proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time.  Each one of us strives to give our best each and every rehearsal and Sunday morning.  I couldn't ask for better people to work with.

One Spirit UMC Praise Band

Noridan Makes Music With Everyday Cast-offs

It's amazing what can be made from trash. Noridan is a South Korean band that makes amazingly beautiful instruments from these everyday cast-offs. If only I was so creative. Enjoy!

Grocery Store Musical

Improv Everywhere, was created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd to cause "scenes of chaos and joy in public places."  Since it's inception, Improv Everywhere has completed over 100 missions or stunts involving tens of thousands of undercover agents. The group is based in New York City.

With the unsuspecting public as it's audience, Improv Everywhere creates spontaneous scenes in unlikely places and the videos are showing up everywhere.  This one landed in my e-mail in-box and I just had to share.  The founder, Charlie Todd, decided to create a produce musical in a random Queens, New York grocery, asking composer and lyricist team Anthony King and Scott Brown (of 'Gutenberg! The Musical!') to create the perfect grocery store show stopper.  Here's how it played out.  Enjoy!

Carol of the Handbell Choir

I so looked forward to playing handbells this Christmas eve but the weather kept me from attending worship and many services in my area were even canceled.  We had a "White Christmas" and then some with over six inches of snow the last time I checked.  So for this weeks video of the week I decided to share a handbell choir piece.  This version of the "Carol of the Bells" comes from the handbell choir of First Baptist Church Eastman, GA, directed by Clay Layfield.  Enjoy! 

Studio Update: 2009 Wrap-up

Well, Christmas Day has come and gone and now we have entered the fun in between time of the 12 days of Christmas and Epiphany.  The past couple weeks have been an interesting time for my family as we prepared for the Christmas holiday.  My husband and daughter passed around a flu bug that wasn't fun for anyone.  I am so thankful that neither I nor my 6 month old son caught the bug. (knock on wood.)  Kansas City received an insane amount of snow that halted pretty much everything in the area and made it so that my family couldn't attend Christmas eve services or church this past Sunday.  I had so looked forward to ringing handbells and singing with the choir so I was quite disappointed and the Children's Christmas program for the Sunday after didn't happen either.  I did get to enjoy Christmas eve unexpectedly from my computer with a live feed from the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection located in Leawood, Kansas.  I remembered at the last minute that they had started that ministry.  I really enjoyed worshiping that way since I had small children and couldn't get out because of the weather.  I would encourage anyone to check it out.

I have learned a lot this year and continued work on my goals for the Elliott Music Studio and can't wait to begin looking to 2010.  This year we embarked on our first try at a studio recital and just couldn't pull it off due to scheduling conflicts.  But we did get some great recordings that I hope to share soon on my website and here on my blog.  Plans are in the works for at least 2 studio recitals / performance opportunities for next year.  One in the spring and the other in late fall.  I like the idea of a Holiday Recital but I am not sure about the logistics.  We may make the Christmas Recital a virtual event that we put on YouTube for families to watch all through the season.  I also enjoyed collaborating on several studio pieces this year and look forward to more opportunities in the future.  The studio is still growing as we work towards are goal of 20 students in 2010.  So, don't forget to share us with your family and friends!  A more detailed list of my music goals for 2010 is forthcoming this week.

I wanted to share a couple of Christmas items I found that I thought you all might enjoy and had planned to share earlier but couldn't with all the hubbub.  The first one comes from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and it's entitled, "The Christmas Story Through Period Art".  I found it last year and have kept going back.  It is such a beautiful experience.  You won't regret the visit.  The second one is a fantastic video from Straight No Chaser and their rendition of the "12 Days of Christmas."  I believe it needs no more explanation.  Enjoy!

A Caroling We Will Go - "Let is Snow & Sleigh Ride"

I had to change gears a little bit from my blues listening on thesixtyone.com to get into the spirit of the season to write this post. If this video doesn't help you get into the spirit of things I don't know what will. On my "A Caroling We Will Go" adventure I ran across the grand finale to Pellissippi State Music Department's Christmas Concert from 2008. Carolers appear one last time to perform two timeless Christmas holiday classics, "Let it Snow" and "Sleigh Ride." The Conductor is Bill Brewer, Associate Professor of Music. I love how they added that extra special touch by dressing like carolers. It truly adds a touch of whimsy. I am told that the awesome high kicks during "Sleigh Ride" come from Michael Stokes who belonged to the Concert Chorale and Variations vocal groups at PSTCC. He also teaches dance, go figure. Enjoy!

A Caroling We Will Go - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings"

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" featuring Sarah McLachlan comes to us from the album "Barenaked For The Holidays" by the Barenaked Ladies. It is not the holidays until I listen to this song. I think it's pure genius and I will have it on repeat for the rest of the season. If you know where I can get the sheet music for this arrangement let me know. The other reasons why I love this CD is because it makes great party music and it includes songs for Hanukkah and New Year's. It's a must have. Enjoy!

A Caroling We Will Go - "Angels We Have Heard On High"

This year I have decided to try and enjoy the music of the season even more than usual. As a church musician it's hard to get in the spirit since I have had to practice all of these songs since October. But for my kids sake this year and for future years to come I am trying to enjoy these songs more and one way to do that is to widen my scope. I have been listening to many different styles and trying not to stick to just my favorites. Accuradio.com has been a help in this. Try the channel of unknown Christmas albums. I will warn you that some of these might scare you at first or take you completely off guard. They are not your usual Christmas carols.

I also took one of those funny pop knowledge quizes for Christmas Carols this week. I had to identify songs based on sound clips. It turns out I am at Elf level and scored 860 points getting 61.29% of the questions right. I am 140 points away from the Santa level. To try your hand at this cool quiz and others related to Christmas music check out the Parents.com website here.

Now back to "A Caroling We Will Go". "Six Pence None the Richer has done it again with "Angels We Have Heard on High" from the "The Dawn Of Grace" album. I would love to find out who designed the animation. It is just so cute. My daughter has been asking me to replay it every day this week. I enjoy the light and almost delicate sound that they give this song and visuals are such a great pairing. Enjoy!

A Caroling We Will Go - "Silent Night"

I have fallen in love with Sixpence None The Richer's album "The Dawn of Grace" which features eight Christmas classics and two original recordings for the season. I have chosen "Silent Night" Featuring Dan Haseltine from Jars Of Clay for this week's Wednesday video. The amazingly cute animated video is a cool bonus. I have found a great arrangement of "Silent Night" for my own recording project and hope to put it on Youtube soon. Enjoy!

A Caroling We Will Go - "Drummer Boy"

I am kicking off my first ever "A Caroling We Will Go" series for the seasons of Advent and Epiphany. So, from now until mid January I will be sharing with you some of my favorite carols from various artists. Our first one comes from a live performance of "Drummer Boy" by Jars of Clay. This song and 14 others are available on Jars Of Clay's album "Christmas Songs". I love the use of mallet percussion constantly reminding the listener visually of the drum and the little boy going to visit Jesus in the Stable. For more information about the history of carols and your favorite carol check out this article. Enjoy!

TMG "Science is Real:"

They Might be Giants' latest album Here Comes Science has been a hit in my household and is regularly requested when mom is searching on youtube. We also love TMG's entire collection for kids including, Here Come the ABCs and Here Come the 123s. Enjoy this weeks video from Here Come Science, "Science is Real"!

The Future of the Choir in Worship

What is the choir's role in worship? That is the million dollar question these days when it comes to the traditional choir that many of us grew up with and are now seeing less and less of in our churches. What is the worship choir going to look like in the next five, ten, 20 years? I wish I had a crystal ball to see because right now I am worried about the future for choral music in worship. I tried to illustrate with the above picture collage that music leadership in worship takes one many faces and includes many different kinds of music. I am a true believer in doing what works for your congregation and worship style. So, I expect to see differences. I would hope though that our one similarity would be that we produce quality music and strong music leadership in whatever setting we are working with.

I ran across an article by Robert Eric Walker from the Robert Eric Walker - From the Heart Blog called "The Worship Leading Choir" that gave me some new ideas on how we can and should rethink the choir's role in worship and how we should think of ourselves as worship musicians. I have always thought of any church choir that I was a part of as an extension of our worship community and ambassadors to worship. Robert lists some thoughts for worship leading musicians. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Don't just rehearse the music, rehearse the worship!

4. As you sing and play, don't forget to engage your heart!

9. Worship without passion is a contradiction in terms.

12. What will it cost you to convey this song with total authenticity?

16. Our goal is to turn passive observers into active participants.

So, what would it cost us to convey music in worship with total authenticity? How can we, with music increase the passion for worship in our churches? These are the jobs of the church choir and it's our job as musicians called to serve to rethink our role and make music in worship even better and more engaging than ever before. How has being in church choir changed how you worship? How important is the church choir to you? I would love to hear about your favorite moments where music impacted your worship experience. Join the discussion in the comments.

So I went looking for information...

On Saturdays and Sundays when I am not teaching I go looking for resources that can help me grow my studio or improve my teaching. Yesterday I hit the internet jackpot. I can't wait to start using some of these resources in my studio with my students. I was downloading like a mad woman. The internet has become the number one tool that I use to improve as a musician and instructor. I don't know what I would do without it. What are some of your favorite music tool websites?

These are just a few of the blogs and websites of fellow colleagues that are sharing their ideas and resources with the music community. More can be found under the Sites of Interest section to the right on this blog. Enjoy!

The Piano Pedagogy Page - Extremely Random Thoughts on Teaching and Playing the Piano

Compose Create - Tools for composing, creating, and teaching music

The Piano Studio

The Unlikely Entrepreneur

Color in My Piano - keeping music alive for piano teachers/students

Everybody's Blog Posts - The Singer Link

The Music Within Us

PS22 Chorus Wows the World

My Mom called late the other night after watching ABC Nightline to tell me about the PS22 Chorus of New York. Thank you Mom! I am always thrilled and delighted to see quality programs like this one crop up because it shows me that there is still a future for music in our schools no matter how bleak it looks. These fifth graders sing with so much love and emotion. What I would give to lead a group like that. They are just brilliant!

I am so proud to have Mr. B, the chorus' teacher & director, as a colleague in music. He makes his job look so easy but I know how much work goes into building a program and keeping it active and thriving. They have quite a bit working against them each and every day but they continue to succeed and it shows. The amount of publicity this chorus has received in the last few weeks is just staggering. CNN, ABC Nightline, The Bonnie Hunt Show, TV Guide Network, just to name a few. Here is the ABC Nightline video clip for you to enjoy!




I was privileged to be a part of several great music programs while I was in public school. I am quite certain that without those experiences I would not have decided to be a music educator or have pursued a career in professional music. Even if a student doesn't go into the field of music they still have important skills to gain and develop being a part of a music program that will make them better learners.

I encourage you to support your local public school music programs any way you can. Volunteer in the classroom. Call your school and inquire about needs in the classroom. Attend PTA meetings and stay current about the future of music in your local school and district. Make sure that your voice is heard about the quality of education that you expect for your children including music education. For too long we have taken for granted that music will be included in our school's curriculum. Unfortunately, with recent budget cuts due to the economy the future of music in our schools looks bleak and many districts have cut music all together. As a parent, if you feel that the music programs in your school are lacking make your voice heard to your school board. Tell them that music is important to your child's education.

Look for ways to expose your child to music in your every day life as well. You don't have to be a great musician yourself to help your budding musician along in their education. You just need to be dedicated and willing to try new things. Private and group lessons are also a great option to supplement your child's musical education. At the Elliott Music Studio our goal is to enrich people's lives with music and that is exactly what we strive to do with private voice and piano lessons.

Tell us your musical story. How has music made an impact on you or your child's life? Drop us a line in the comments.