COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING MUSICIANS AND SINGERS

[musicwithmay]

[musicwithmay]

Are You a Dreamer?

You have dreams. You have goals. You have that aspiration of attaining those dreams and goals as quickly as you can.  If you are like me, you feel like you are at a stand still.  Your life is put on hold.  It could be because the circumstance in which you live in.  It could be family.  It could be money. It could be your job. Whatever it is, don’t let that stop you from dreaming.  Keep dreaming. BUT in the midst of dreaming, take time to invest time and money in your dream.  You may only be able to invest 30mins-1hr a day or a week, but put time into your dream.  

*If its a skill you want to develop, try to find time during breaks or wake up early, or carve out time before bed. 

*If it is an opportunity you want to accomplish - put yourself out there.  

*If it is that DREAM VACATION you want to go on, put money away each paycheck, and put a poster up of the place you want to go to. 

*If it is a change of vocation - do your research, save money to pay for training if its required, and go for it!

*If it is a hobby you would like to just learn for fun, step out on a limb, and try it out to see if you really like it.  

[musicwithmay]

Working Mommy Musician

I’m a mom.  Being a mommy is probably the hardest but most rewarding thing I ever chosen to do in life, but being an artist and teacher too? Its just pure craziness.  Also, I recently decided to be mommy chef at home who makes healthy food for the family and eat mostly organic, gluten free, whole foods. Yes, this mommy is insane.  Is it just me or do most mommies want to do the best, be the best, and provide the best? 

When I was a child, I would look at my mom, and wonder why she was so concerned about everything with my life, why she wouldn’t let me eat certain foods,  and why she made me practice piano all the time...etc.  Now, as a wife, mommy, and professional, I now understand all that goes through the emotions of a working mommy.  

I barely get anytime to practice as much as I did when I was in college.  I barely get a chance to have a social life with friends.  I barely get a chance to focus on my enhanced education.  I barely get a moment to sit and rest.

...but at the end of the day, at the end of the week, at the end of the month, at the end of the year, I feel fulfilled.  I feel like a rockstar.  I feel like like I just conquered the world.  I feel like I am super mommy.  Its worth it all when both of my son’s hold my face, look me in the eye and tell me “I love you mommy” and give me a big wet-snotty kiss.  

For being a busy mommy musician, there are several things I do to make my life just a little easier.  

1.  Shop online. I do all of my grocery shopping through Walmart pick up!  They have a wide variety of organic and gluten free food, and the service is free!  

I do gift and other essentials on amazon!  (Get Amazon Prime for the free shipping!)

2. Meal prep for the week. Plan on Friday, then grocery shop online.  Pick up food on Saturday.  Prep food Sunday.  Spend the rest of the week just taking the prep out the refrigerator and heating/cooking as needed!

3. Use a calendar/planner to organize everything! 

TO ALL OF THE WORKING MOMMY PROFESSIONALS OUT THERE - YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!  YOU ARE AMAZING.  YOU ARE THE CENTERPIECE TO THE LIVES OF YOUR FAMILY.  

[musicwithmay]

How to Calm Nerves before Singing

1. Meditation - Pray and think positive thoughts.

2. Deep Breathing - Breath slowly into your diaphragm and think about the release of tension as you take your breaths.

3. Relaxation Stretches - Stretch the areas that are shaky and release that tension.  (Example: Rag doll exercise and Facial Release)

[musicwithmay]

Take some time to sing!

[musicwithmay]

5 Fun Music Resources for your Kids

I find that as a music teacher, it gets tricky finding resources that are helpful and fun in teaching music to your class.  You can even implement many of these songs into regular elementary class teaching. These programs have various videos and several resources online.  I enjoy some of the fun songs and kinesthetic coordination movements that are taught.  

 The Learning Station  http://www.learningstationmusic.com

The Mother Goose Club http://www.mothergooseclub.com

Dr. Jean http://drjean.org/html/youTube.html

Jack Hartmann https://www.jackhartmann.com/

John Feierabend  https://www.feierabendmusic.org/resources