Goal Setting & Making More Music in 2011

I am a list maker.  I make lists so I don't forget things and to keep myself organized and focused.  A couple years ago I made what I called the "Big List" that would include all my goals and ideas for my life as a professional musician.  I included unfinished projects, goals that I once had but wasn't sure if I could or wanted to accomplish and things that I felt that I should complete based on social conformity.

So this year I took that list and broke it up into four main areas:  Worship & Sacred Music, Music Recordings & Performances, Blogging & Music Website, and Music Fun & Enrichment.  I also trimmed the fat so to speak and took out things that didn't make sense for me to be doing right now or ever.  That took some courage but I am now happy with the result. 


Goals and Ideas for 2011

Worship & Sacred Music

-Find & Attend a Kansas City Area Taizé service

-Find out more about Emerging worship
-Video Tape Myself Leading Worship for resume building
-Reignite Kansas City/Raytown Taizé worship if possible
-Find a Worship Director / Church Music possition so that I can continue to use my skills

Music Recordings & Performances
-Record 1st Vocal Christmas CD

-Make a Children's Music CD to go along with E-book

-Record a Taize Music CD

-Make a Wedding & Sacred Music Sampler CD
-Find more ways to share music with others through local performances
-Work on Jazz and Pop Standard repetoire

Blogging & Music Website

-Add a Music Player on My Blog, Website and Facebook to showcase recorded works

-Finish rep list on biography page of website and blog
-Continue tweeking and making the site better.
-Stick to my weekly writing schedule and even prepare posts in advance
-Write my first e-book and learn how to share it.
-Grow my affiliates and sponsers by selling limited ad space

Music Fun & Enrichment
-Create a play-list of my favorite songs for my MP3 player

-Go out and listen to live Jazz in Kansas City

-Sing at a Piano Bar
-Go to the Kansas City Jazz Museum

-Buy a large conga type drum and take part in a drum circle


My next steps will be to list all the little things I need to do to accomplish the big items and create some deadlines.  So, every Saturday my Musical To-Do List posts will help me focus my actions and share with you what I am doing to achieve my goals for 2011.  I need the direction, extra motivation and accountability this will provide. 

What are some of your goals for 2011?  How are you bringing more music in your life?

What's New in 2011? *Updated*

So, I bet you are wondering where I have been for the past week or so.  I had great plans for the start of the new year here on the Elliott Music Studio blog but had to postpone writing and posting because the computer I have been using decided to quit working.  So, all of my best laid plans had to wait for a few more weeks.  I am borrowing a different computer now until the other one is fixed.  The amazing snow we are having here in the Midwest has made it so shopping for new parts hasn't yet been possible.  Sigh...

I try to re access before the start of the new year and look at ways I can improve things and set goals for the coming 365 days.  Here are just a few things I have been working on for the Elliott Music Studio Blog.  I will be posting additional posts about my music goals for 2011 in the coming weeks.

• I have made a few changes to the layout of this blog in the last couple months to make it easier to read and navigate.  As of last night I changed the color scheme and background graphic.  I tend to play around with that often because I get bored.  I failed to find a background that I liked so I set off to find myself an image and make one.  Stock.xchng.com never fails to help me find what I am looking for and it's free.  You can't beat that.   

• There will be a new posting schedule for 2011.  All posts will be Wednesday through Sunday with Monday and Tuesday off.  Wednesday will be the "Video of the Week", Thursday will be a longer post or a post from an ongoing series, Friday's I will share a bit of  Music Technology or an Online Music Find, Saturday will be a post related to my "Musical To-Do List", and Sunday will be my favorite "Quote of the Week".

• This year I decided to explore what it would take to start to make a little money using my blog so I can cover my time and add some much needed income for my family.  I promise I won't be inundating you with ads all over the place.  I can't stand visiting blogs that do that.  I will however be adding some Amazon affiliate links where I feel there are relevant and helpful.    I also will be adding a donate button so those that feel so moved can donate to the cause.  I am contemplating a few other avenues but I have no other plans as of yet.  *Update:  I finally added the donate button and it works just like this one here.

My hope has always been to create a place where I can share what I am passionate about and to enrich people's lives with music.  I want to thank you for taking some time out of your day to visit.  If you don't already subscribe via email or rss reader, I hope you will do just that.  Do share with your friends, too. 

Thanks for joining me on this musical journey.     

Long Time No See

I know I promised to get back into the groove of writing here on the Elliott Music Studio blog but my schedule has been a bit hectic recently both personally and musically.  I thought for today's update I would share with you some of the highlights.

On June 6th my youngest, Oliver, turned 1 years old.  Our theme was ducks and bubbles.  I had a great time designing his invitation and including some of the lyrics to the rubber ducky song.  We had a really nice time celebrating with family and friends.  I still have a hard time believing that my littlest baby is already one.  Time has really flown for me. 


I continued work this month on the Raytown Arts Council sponsored "Evening of German Lieder - Selections from "Romanzen" in a Recital of Songs on poems of Heinrich Heine".  The Music was composed by Don Forsythe and performed by: Don Forsythe as Bass Baritone, Emily Elliott (me) as Mezzo Soprano and Vania Todorova on Piano.  I had been working on this music off and one for over a year but these last couple weeks were crunch time as we worked to pull it all together.  We performed our evening of German Lieder on Friday, June 18th at the German American Club of Kansas City which is located at the Richards - Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, MO.  I can't wait to hear the digital recording we were able to get of the performance.  I'm eagerly awaiting my CD. 

During all that time practicing I continued to work on my Music Studio and we started Summer lessons.  Our practice incentive program this summer is our "Have a Ball" practicing contest to see how many days we can practice from June 1st - August 1st.  We will celebrate in August with a fun music party and give out prizes to the winners.

 

I am active in the music at One Spirit United Methodist Church of Kansas City and have kept up my weekly rehearsal schedule and singing for two services on Sunday.  I have sightread more music in the last couple months than I have done a long time.  Sometimes I just have a couple hours with a song before I have to sing it.  It's been a bit crazy at times but I have learned a lot and have grown as a musician because of it.  I am getting to sing some of my favorite songs that I have always wanted to share with the world which has been fantastic.  Look for some of my recent favorites in upcoming video of the week posts.    

I just love tabbed browsing with color tabs in Firefox.  When I see an article that I want to look into with more detail or a video I want to save for a potential blog post I just open up another tab.  I am notorious for opening dozens of tabs at a time and leaving them up for days until I can go through them.  Yesterday I decided that enough was enough and that I wasn't going to be able to get to all the tabs that had been sitting there for days.  So, I decided to create a link list and share with you the highlights that I so wanted to share.  Enjoy! 
 

• "Mane Nobiscum" – New CD from the Taizé Community.  "Kyrie 21" is a new favorite. Many of these beautiful songs would make wonderful simple anthems for your church choir.

• Beat Lab - Lay some tracks and create your own beat and battle with your friends. I had fun checking this out this weekend.

• Performous - an open-source Karaoke game
  

• Action Method – Organize your life with this neat online tool and only spend time on what you love and what will help you achieve your goals. Life's too short.

• Singable Stories - Adding a cool base line to story time. Check out Listen & Learn Music for more great music ideas.

• Music Staff Floor Races – A new game I can't wait to try in my studio.

Studio Update March 2010

This post is full of good news and little bit of bad news. Which would you like first? I hope you picked good news first because that was my choice. So, here we go.

The Elliott Music Studio is growing and we are now up to 11 students for this month. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to be sharing music with so many people. I can't wait to see how things shape up for April. Our student goal for 2010 is to grow to 30 regular students. I am confident we will reach our goal. I want to thank everyone who has supported us so far and shared the Elliott Music Studio with their family and friends. We can't thank you enough!

I have continued my work on a project with the Raytown Arts Council, that I started last spring. Don Forsythe, Vice President of the organization and I will be performing a special recital this spring for a local German club featuring some of his original compositions of German Lieder. I have seven songs total to learn for the performance. This week I have reviewed each song and completed a line by line loose translation of the German. Don has composed 140 settings, more than any other composer, living or dead, of Heinrich Heine poems. All of these songs are in a collection at the University of Massachusetts Music Library. For a complete listing of these works, visit Heine Lieder Query, http://webcgi.oit.umass.edu/~shea/query.html.

Day Zero has been keeping me on task with my music goals for 2010 and beyond and is the home of the 1001 day project.  It challenges you to complete 101 tasks in a 1001 days.  I have sketched out a plan of attach for each month until the challenge is completed.  March 2010 includes the following projects:

1.Attend a local Kansas City Taizé service
2.Finish United Methodist Studies Class in Doctrine for Certification Studies
3.Send audition information to the Kansas City Chorale for 2010-2011 season audition consideration

Numbers one and three shouldn't be a problem but number two is really kicking my butt. That class is what I consider the bad news of this post. I started the process of Certification for Lay Musicians in the United Methodist Church several years ago and while in that process they added an additional educational requirement that I needed to finish. So, I have been trying to take this course for some time and life has gotten in the way. I finally decided on the correspondence course because it seemed the best option and it was the least expensive. The downside is that it's intense and I do a ton of reading and all the tests are essay based. I added up all the writing and I believe I will have to write a minimum of 30+ pages before I'm done. That does not excite me one bit.

Between my responsibilities at home and with the studio I am already feeling the pressure of not having enough time to finish my class work.  I have until the middle of May to complete the course and send it in.  I have decided to stream line my posts on the blog for awhile until I get this done.  I can't imagine writing 4 articles a week and getting this class done at the same time. I'm not that crazy.  So, until the end of May the Elliott Music Studio Blog will have weekly posts of "Quote of the Week" & "Video of the Week" with the occasional article.  As soon as the class is complete and the package has been sent I will be back to work bringing you more interesting articles from my music world.  But, until then things will be pretty light around here.

Well, that is all for now from the Studio. I better get back to studying.

Creating a Musical Vision for 2010

For the past month I have been working on my musical vision for myself in 2010.  Each year I try to organize my activities to better reflect the goals I have for myself for that year.  Not everything goes as planned and some tasks get rolled over but each year it helps me stay focused.  I feel doing this activity this year is even more important than ever before for several reasons. 

1. I'm 27 years old and want to make sure that before I hit 30 that I tie up current loose ends and finish any projects that I have left undone so far.  I would like to enter that next decade with a somewhat clean slate, ready for what comes next for me. 
   
2. Now that I have two children my time to do what I love seems to be getting shorter and shorter.  I have to make sure what I do spend my time on is worthwhile and truly helps me accomplish my goals.
3. Many different versions of the "Bucket List" have been showing up for me when I'm reading online.  I must be calling these to myself for some much needed reflection.
4. I have so much I want to accomplish as a musician that I am a little overwhelmed.  Organizing and prioritizing my ideas should help take the stress down a bit.   
   

For this post I thought I would focus on my brainstorming sessions with the many "Bucket Lists" I have found.  I ran across 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind and decided to start there.  This list is all over the place and got me thinking about life and how I want to live it.  Then I was off to Day Zero where you can "Plan.  Create.  Motivate. Achieve."    Day Zero is the home of the 1001 day project.  It challenges you to complete 101 tasks in a 1001 days.  The tasks in your customizable list must be specific and be clearly defined.  Each task must also be realistic and stretching.  At first I had a hard time thinking of 101 things that I wanted to accomplish but Day Zero gives you suggestions that really helped to get the ball rolling.  Here are a few of my music goals from my list at Day Zero.   

1Go see an Opera

5 Sing karaoke at a bar

36 Record 1st Vocal Christmas CD

37 Create a play-list of my favorite songs for my MP3 player

38 Create & Offer a Family Music Class for the studio

39 Offer Music for Little Mozarts Music Class for the studio

40 Audition for the Kansas City Symphony Chorus

41Send info to Kansas City Chorale to audition

49 Record a Taize Music CD

50 Record a Sacred Music CD

61 Attend several live music events

66 Go to the Kansas City Jazz Museum

67 Go out and listen to live Jazz

68 Video Tape Me Leading Worship

71Sing at a Piano Bar

72 Record Wedding & Church Music Sample CD

73 Practice & Perform my 2nd Solo Recital

74 write 4 articles a month for my blog

75 Find out more about Emerging worship

76Attend a KC Taize service

78 Start my own Kansas city choir or ensemble

79 Book myself for Christmas 2010 music gigs related to my CD

80 Hold First Christmas Winter Concert w/ Choir-Ensemble

81 Hold First Late Spring Concert w/ Choir Ensemble

82 Hold a Spirituals Concert during black history month or MLK Day w/ choir ensemble

83 Reignite Kansas City/Raytown Taize for Advent 2010

90 Hold auditions for my choir/ensemble May 2010

91Have Choir Ensemble retreat August 2010

94 Hold German Leider Recital w/ Don Forsythe

97Add Music Player on Website to showcase recorded works

98 Finish rep list on biography

100 Prepare an audition notebook w/ varied selections

This is such a great way to keep track of personal goals of any kind.  I am looking forward to checking some of these things off my list.  I encourage you to take some time this week and make a list of all the things you have yet to accomplish on your 2010 "Bucket List".  Then make a plan for your year.  Research what it would take to complete some of your goals and break them down so you can manage the steps.  Stay confident and enjoy the journey.  You will reap some amazing rewards.

Give the Gift of Music with the Elliott Music Studio!

Struggling to think of new and exciting gifts for your friends or family? Give them the gift of music - it's way better than bad aftershave or some boring socks. Find the perfect gift with the Elliott Music Studio, we've even showcased some in this post for you. We think they're great and we're certain you will, too.

Can't wait until Christmas? Not a problem. We are excited to offer you the opportunity to have a fun and enriching music experience with private or small group voice and piano Lessons. We are currently enrolling all ages, children and adults. Check out the Elliott Music Studio website to see our studio calendar for available lesson times and to fill out our enrollment form. Don't forget to ask about sibling and family discounts. We look forward to sharing music with you and your friends and family this holiday season!

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Featured Gifts

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• Private Voice Coaching & Instruction – For students 10 years and up. Lessons are customized for the student based on their personal goals and will include basic vocal warm-ups, breathing technique, sight-reading and ear training exercises. Choose from a 1, 2 or 3 month package starting at $60.00 for one month of weekly half hour lessons.

• Music for Little Mozarts – A piano method designed especially for your favorite 4, 5 or 6 year old. This program helps foster an early love for music that lasts a lifetime. These lessons will use singing, coloring, and movement as well as one on one instruction to teach the musical ideas for that week. Choose from a 1, 2 or 3 month package starting at $60.00 for one month of weekly half hour lessons. *Instructional materials not included.

• Piano 101 – This short course lasting eight weeks is designed especially for high school students and adults who want to study the piano for fun. The Piano 101 course is divided into 6 units and serves as a basic introduction to music study. Eight weeks of weekly, hour long lessons is $240.00 plus the cost of materials.

• Private Piano Instruction – Available for students 6 years and up. Piano lessons include sight reading, music theory, fingering technique and performance music. Choose from a 1, 2 or 3 month package starting at $60.00 for one month of weekly half hour lessons. *Instructional materials not included.

For more information about these great gifts and the complete offerings of the Elliott Music Studio contact us at 816.372.7169.

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Friends and Family Referral Discount

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I want to thank you for sharing the Elliott Music Studio with your friends and family with our Friends and Family Referral Discount. Let your friends and family know about the Elliott Music Studio and receive the Friends and Family Referral Discount. If they sign-up for their first month of lessons you get one lesson free ($15.00 - $30.00 value) your next month. It's our thank you to you for sharing us with the people in your life. We look forward to sharing music with your friends and family!

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Please Join Our Online Networks:

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Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/eelliottmusic

Facebook: http:/www.Facebook.com

Search for Elliott Music Studio & Emily Elliott

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyelliott

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/elliottmusicstudio

Who Are YOU? www.whohub.com

I am always working to strengthen my internet presence and network with other musicians on the world wide web. During one of my recent research sessions I came across whohub.com and I thought I would share my findings with you all.

Whohub is a directory of interviews with creative professionals in the areas of communications, arts, technology, marketing, etc. To be a part of this unique list all you have to do is create your interview by answering questions that are relevant to your craft and personality in both professional and personal categories. In any of your interview answers you can include links to your websites, blogs, and online projects to link your pages together. Once your interview is complete you will have created your own interview page with the answers to the questions that you chose.

Here are some of the questions from my interview.

• When did you realize that making music could be a way of life for you?
• How often do you practice?
• What time did you get up this morning?
• What is your blog address? What subjects do you deal with?

For answers to these questions and many more check out my interview page at http://www.whohub.com/elliottmusicstudio

Studio Update - October Round-Up

It has been awhile since I wrote up an update and quite a bit has been going on since my last one so here it goes.

October started out with a great afternoon Cabaret n' Love concert benefiting the Shepherd's Center of Raytown. I was so happy that this event finally was rescheduled since we were snowed out last February. I sang "People" from Funny Girl and "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Gershwin. I was very happy with my performance and look forward to more concert opportunities like that one. A couple weeks later I sang my new favorite solo from Sandi Patty called "You Alone" during both church services that week. I was thrilled to finally get to sing it after many years of it sitting in my file box and to sing it with the band at church was pretty cool, too. Truly memorable performances!

Also in October was United Methodist Women's Sunday where I was asked to be the song leader for worship that day. It was an honor. I just love it when something good comes together. I am also proud to be a part of such a great group of ladies that do so many things for mission around the world for women and children. I am thrilled to be learning so much from this organization and leading others as our UMW's Alpha Circle President.

Several days before Halloween I got a wild hair and started thinking about Christmas and music projects. I am excited to announce that I have started the work on a Christmas music recording project that I hope to have available a few weeks before Christmas. I am taking suggestions now for music ideas to consider. I am looking to strictly work with creative commons licensed or public domain music that doesn't require royalties to be paid for use. It takes a little more leg work but it is well worth it and the music I am finding so far has been great. Check out the Emily Elliott fan page on Facebook and join the discussion about your favorite Christmas songs.

I am preparing for several Christmas music performances this year as well. Instead of a Christmas Cantata our church will be hosting a carol sing that will include many different kinds of holiday music presentations. More info to come. I have also been asked to help with the children's Christmas program that will be the Sunday after Christmas and will include a skit and favorite carols of the season. I am working with one of my favorite music people on this one so it should be a lot of work but also quite fun.

The Elliott Music Studio is going to offer something new this December for all interested piano and voice students. We will be holding our first ever Holiday Recital. Work has already started on several musical selections both sacred and secular. I am the most excited about a musical collaboration of "Blue Christmas". I still have the venue and a date to lock down next week but plans are underway.

I am excited by all of the opportunities that I have had recently to "enrich peoples lives with music". I look forward to keeping up the good work.

Come Join in the Fun at Elliott Music Classes

At Elliott Music Classes, it's important to us that music class be fun, creative, imaginative and educational. Through our unique programs, children learn fundamental music skills and concepts. They learn to focus and expand their attention through exposure to many different kinds of music, rhymes and rhythms. Our classes for children include parent and child style music and movement classes that are specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of young children, infants and toddlers.

Come join in the fun as we explore music together!

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Musical Offerings of Elliott Music Classes:

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Tiny Tot's Music I & II

Exploring the World of Music With Your Baby and Toddler.

Ages: 16 - 30 months old or 2 1/2 - 4 years old

When: Tuesdays @ 6:00 pm beginning September 29th

Class Length: 30 Minutes per week

Class Size: 4 Student Minimum - 6 Student Maximum

Class Location: Elliott Music Studio

Explore with your child activities designed to build a strong foundation of musical skills. This will be done through singing, instrumental play and rhythmic movements with a variety of mu­sical styles. This is a parent/caregiver participation class. Enroll today!

Classroom Music for Little Mozarts

An Introduction to Music Making

Ages: 4, 5 & 6 year's old

When: Tuesdays @ 10:30 am or Thursdays @ 3:45 pm - beginning September 29

Class Length: 30 Minutes per week

Class Size: 4 Student Minimum - 6 Student Maximum

Class Location: Elliott Music Studio

This comprehensive approach to musical learning develops singing, movement, and listening skills simultaneously with an introduction to musical styles and concepts. No keyboard instruction is included, but rhythm instruments are used to support basic musical concepts. Parents are required to attend all Classes. Lesson 10 is a showcase for all parents and family to attend. No textbooks are required and children do not need a keyboard at home. Come join in the fun as we explore music together! Enroll today!

Family Music

Ages: All Ages Class

When: Mondays @ 5:30 pm - Beginning September 28

Class Length: 30 Minutes per week

Class Size: 3 Family Minimum - 5 Family Maximum

Class Location: Elliott Music Studio

Move your way through an exploration of the elements of music with your whole family. We will explore rhythm, pitch, dynamics and movement through developmentally appropriate activities that the whole family can enjoy together, including finger plays, songs, circle dances, story time and family instrument jam. Come join in the fun as we explore music together! Enroll today!

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Friends and Family Referral Discount

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I want to thank you for sharing the Elliott Music Studio & Elliott Music Classes with your friends and family with our Friends and Family Referral Discount. Let your friends and family know about the Elliott Music Studio and receive the Friends and Family Referral Discount. If they sign-up for their first month of lessons or music classes you get one lesson or class free ($15.00 - $30.00 value) your next month. It's our thank you to you for sharing us with the people in your life. We look forward to sharing music with your friends and family this fall!

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Gift Certificates

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Music classes and lessons are a great gift any time of the year for birthdays, graduations or special occasions. We have made it easy to give the gift of music any time of year with 1, 2 or 3 month gift certificates starting at $60.00 for one month of weekly half hour lessons. For more information about this great gift contact the Elliott Music Studio at 816.372.7169.

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Please Join Our Online Networks:

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Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/eelliottmusic

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com

Search for Elliott Music Studio & Emily Elliott

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyelliott

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/elliottmusicstudio

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

Fall Studio Update

I can not believe it's August already. This month I took my youngest to his two month wellness check up and he is just perfect the pediatrician said. He is getting so big and starting to coo and smile. Time is really flying by. I had almost forgotten how much fun this can be. As I write this Oliver is dozing off in his bouncing seat. Thank God for those!



Our oldest, Madeline celebrated her third birthday this month with a party for family and friends. She was quite the gracious birthday girl and really enjoyed opening her many gifts. I have been keeping busy musically as always and trying to get in more practice time with two children in the house now. If you have any tips for me I would appreciate it. More cute kids pictures can be had on my facebook page.

School is here and I just finished the new redesign of the Elliott Music Studio Website for Fall Enrollment at the Elliott Music Studio. In addition to private lessons in voice and piano we are expanding our offerings this fall to include music classes for children and their families with Elliott Music Classes. Classroom Music for Little Mozarts will be one of our offerings as well as Tiny Tots music for the little ones and their parents. I will have a separate post soon with the details. I can't wait to get started!

Elliott Music Studio Voted Best Music Class in Kansas City two years in a row! Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect, the online resource for parenting advice and community, allowed parents to pick the best of their local communities with its Second Annual Parents' Picks Awards. The Elliott Music Studio was of Kansas City's nominees for Best Music Class. The 2009 award winners will be featured on ParentsConnect throughout the year. Thanks again for all the support!

We are progressing nicely on the German Lieder Recital that I have been working on for the past couple months with Don Forsythe and the Raytown Arts Council. We have our accompanist now I hope and are just in search of a viola player. We are looking at an October concert date possibly at my church, One Spirit UMC. I have quite a bit of practice still to do but I love a good challenge and the music is beautiful. It looks like October is going to be a busy concert month because the Cabaret n' Love Concert to benefit the Shepherd Center of Raytown that had to be rescheduled due to a huge snow storm this past February will also be in October. Details to come.

Did you know that August 24th is Strange Music Day? I had no idea either until I found this website called Holidays for Everyday. It's one stop shopping for all the neat and unusual things that people recognize for every day, week or month of the year. So don't forget that August 30th is National Toasted Marshmallow day. I know I'll be having one!

Elliott Music Studio Wins Two Years in a Row!

Check us out! We WON Best Music Class in Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Awards! Thanks for your support! We couldn't have done it without you.


For Music Class
in Kansas City

Studio Update - 6/29/09

Welcome to this week's studio update. Enjoy!

• I enjoyed a Sunday of great music yesterday. I attended both services at my church, One Spirit UMC in Kansas City, MO. Our first worship service is more traditional with our chancel choir leading music along with a song leader. We sang "Friends" by Michael W. Smith for our pastor, Rev. Kim Ross for her last Sunday with us. It was a special tribute to her seven years of service. Our second worship service features gospel/jazz music with a small band and is more contemporary. Our chancel choir also sang at that service and was joined by the band. A stirring rendition of "Get Together" by the Youngbloods was also special music for that day. We finished the festivities with a picnic at a local park. Some of the guys brought guitars and shared some live gospel music. It was a great day! Here's a neat video of "Get Together" by the original artists. Enjoy!

• www.dafont.com I went font happy last week once I found this great website of free fonts and dingbats. Check out a few of my favorite music themed downloads.

Lassus Music Class

Music Elements

• I have been doing quite a bit of computer work lately updating the Elliott Music Studio website. I have been throwing around the idea of updating my logo and the site's color palette and now that job has been made a little easier for me. My husband passed along these two sites Your Custom Color Palette from Color Hunter and The Color Palette Generator from DeGraeve These sites ask you to upload your chosen photo and then they take the most prominent colors out to create your ideal color palette. This tool works fantastically for website work or even interior design. Happy creating!

• We are coming out ahead at 62% of the vote this week for our nomination in the Best Music Class category in Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Awards for 2009. We still need your help to win! Vote for us once a day, every day, until July 15th at http://www.nicksparentspicks.com. And while you are there stop by our profile page and leave us a review. Thanks for your continued support!

• Have you found us on Facebook or Twitter yet? Click http://twitter.com/eelliottmusic to follow me on Twitter. Check us out on Facebook at the Elliott Music Studio page or the Emily Elliott Professional Musician page and become a fan.

Studio Update - 6/22/09

Welcome to my new weekly studio update. Here is where I will share about current projects and the comings and goings of my musical world. Enjoy!

• We have a new addition to the Elliott Music family. Oliver Daniel was born on June 6th, 2009 and we are all doing well even through the sleep deprivation. Our oldest, Madeline is adjusting to her big sister status quite nicely by being a big helper around the house.

• I have started work on a new project with the Raytown Arts Council. Don Forsythe, Vice President of the organization and I will be performing a special recital this fall featuring some of his original compositions of German Lieder. He has composed 140 settings, more than any other composer, living or dead, of Heinrich Heine poems. All of these songs are in a collection at the University of Massachusetts Music Library. For a complete listing of these works, visit Heine Lieder Query. We start rehearsing this week. Wish me luck!

• We are holding strong at 64% of the vote for our nomination in the Best Music Class category in Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Awards for 2009. We still need your help to win! Vote for us once a day, every day, until July 15th at http://www.nicksparentspicks.com. And while you are there stop by our profile page and leave us a review. Thanks for your continued support!

• Have you found us on Facebook or Twitter yet? Click http://twitter.com/eelliottmusic to follow me on Twitter. Check us out on Facebook at the Elliott Music Studio page or the Emily Elliott Professional Musician page and become a fan.
  

Oh FeedBurner...

I am a still a novice when it comes to using Feedburner and for some reason I have had to recreate my e-mail and RSS feed tracker for this blog and have lost my subscriber list. I am still a little confused but working on the problem. I apologize for any inconvenience. I invite you to re-subscribe so that you don't miss any updates. Let me know if you have any problems. Thanks!

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Emily Elliott & The Elliott Music Studio on Facebook

I have finally figured out this facebook thing and have created a couple pages that I am quite proud of. I am excited to announce that The Elliott Music Studio is now on facebook. I just know you want to become a fan! Check us out here. I have also created a page for myself as a professional musician, director and soloist and have posted some really neat photos from my last choir tour with the University of Kansas in 2003. I have plans to flush this out some more and include future music events and concerts. Join my musician fan club here. Facebook is such a neat medium for sharing information and pictures with your family and friends. Feel free to look me up and become a friend.

We've been Nominated for a Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Award!

Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect, the online resource for parenting advice and community, is allowing parents to pick the best of their local communities with its Second Annual Parents' Picks Awards. We've been nominated for Kansas City's Best Music Class in Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Awards for 2009! We need your help to win! You can vote for us once a day, every day, from May 15th until July 15th at http://www.nicksparentspicks.com! ParentsConnect will announce the winners online on August 17, 2009. Thanks in advance for your support. And while you are visiting the site don't forget to check out the Elliott Music Studio listing and give us a few stars or write a review. We would love your feedback.

Featuring the tagline "We're not perfect, we're parents," Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect celebrates the reality of parenthood and make parents' lives easier. Geared towards parents with kids of all ages, from newborns to teens, the site offers unique features like local events and resources; personalized profiles that help parents connect with each other; daily tips for all ages and stages; expert parenting advice; a weekly meal-planner for quick and healthy meals; and guest celebrity editorials. Each age-related section on the site provides users with daily content to help them through both large and small parenting challenges. I recently signed up for their new weekly pregnancy tracking email. The articles and baby information has been really helpful these past few weeks.




The Elliott Music Studio was the proud recipient of Nickelodeon's 2008 ParentsConnect.com Parents' Picks Award for Best Artsy Class for Big Kids!

Finding Fun in Kansas City with KC Kids Fun

I am proud to announce that the Elliott Music Studio has just been listed in the classes section under music and theater of the Kansas City website KC Kids Fun! The site is run by two local moms who share all the wonderful things that you can do in Kansas City area with your family. I particularly like the articles on children's music activities but you can search for all kinds of things. I encourage you to sign up for regular updates via RSS or email. KC Kids Fun will make sure you aren't bored this summer.

Studio Update - February 2009

Two months are almost over in this year and I feel like the time has really flown. There is so much that I want to accomplish this year. Here are just a few of the projects that I am currently working on.

Private Piano and Voice instruction We currently have 9 students enrolled and attending weekly lessons. Our enrollment goal for the next month is to add 10 more students. Let your friends and family know about the Elliott Music Studio and receive the Friends and Family Referral Discount. If they sign-up for their first month of lessons you receive 10% off yours. It's our thank you to you for sharing us with the people in your life. We look forward to sharing music with your friends and family. And if that wasn't enough be sure to share our Valentine's Discount for new students this month

10% off Valentine's Discount Offer
During the month of February I am running a 10% off Valentine's discount for everyone that signs up for lessons from now until the end of this month. Continue to receive 10% off your next month if you refer a friend that signs up for one month's worth of lessons. Bring this coupon to your first lesson to receive the discount. I look forward to sharing music with you!

Elliott Music Classes This idea has been in the works for sometime now and we are finishing up the details. Class offerings will include: Tiny Tot's Music I & II for children 16 months – 4 years old & parent, Family Music for all ages and Classroom Music for Little Mozarts for children 4, 5 & 6 years of age & parent. I plan to start offering these classes in October 2009 at One Spirit United Methodist Church in KC, MO. For more information and updates check out the Elliott Music Classes Website.

United Methodist Church Lay Musician Certification. I am still making progress on my final class for to fulfill my United Methodist Studies requirement for musician certification. Once that is complete, I have an application process that includes recommendation letters, an essay, and an application followed by interviews. I must be done by the end of March. I am confident that next June, during United Methodist Church Annual Conference, I will be receiving my certificate.

Raytown/Kansas City Community Taizé Worship

Join me for a unique ecumenical, community worship experience in the spirit of Taizé. We meet the fourth Sunday of every month at 6:00 pm during ordinary time and weekly during the advent and Lenten seasons at One Spirit United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. If you play an instrument and would like to share your talents with us in a small ensemble, please contact me for details. See the official Taizé website for more information about the Taizé community or search for Taizé in this blog. http://www.taize.fr

Stay tuned for performance updates and studio happenings by subscribing to this blog. I hope this year is just as fruitful for you!

Imago Dei: Friends of Christianity and the Arts and the Transfiguration Vocal Ensemble

The Transfiguration Vocal Ensemble of Imago Dei: Friends of Christianity and the Arts is a professional vocal ensemble with members from the Kansas City area. The group's mission is to model and teach music in churches and the community. Membership in the ensemble requires a strong commitment to Christianity, the arts and your colleagues in the group. The core of the performance season runs from September through May, with several performances throughout the year including worship services, concerts, dinner entertainment, retreats and workshops.

I am happy to announce that I have taken the position of director of this ensemble. We have been working together for the past couple months and I look forward to many great performances. Our first concert will be in December and information is at the end of this post. We are looking for additional venues to share our music. If you or anyone you know might be interested we would love to hear from you. Email us at vocal@imagodeiarts.org.

Songs of the Christmas Season
First Annual Holiday Concert
Friday, December 5^th, 2008
7:00 pm
One Spirit United Methodist Church
79^th & Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64138

Join us as we create a new Kansas City holiday tradition. Celebrate the Advent and Christmas season with the Transfiguration Vocal Ensemble as we share some of our favorite holiday songs and carols.

Tickets
$12.50 general admission
Tickets are available at the Imago Dei Arts Center.
Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available.
Call 913.233.0266 for reservations
Tickets also available at the door.

For scheduling or booking information for the Transfiguration Vocal Ensemble please email us at vocal@imagodeiarts.org.