Posted by: Shannon Price in Music Instruction on
Mar 04, 2010
Help out the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, which provides much to their local neighborhoods, including free music lessons! Right now, they're looking for donations of sports equipment:
Spring is almost here and once again the Neighborhood Centers are getting geared up for the upcoming baseball/softball season. They are starting their annual baseball/softball equipment drive.
They are accepting donations of new and used baseball/softball equipment for boys and girls aged 5 to 13. Last year's drive was a great success, and they were able to fully equip over 25 kids enabling them to participate and succeed in the Iowa City Boys Baseball and Iowa City Girls Softball leagues.
Posted by: Shannon Price in Music Instruction on
Feb 11, 2010
Emily H. called me today and her question was this: “I’m 35, and isn’t that too old to start music lessons?” Silly question I thought, because in my mind, 35 isn’t anywhere near “old”. But I told her there is no such thing as too old to start ANYTHING, especially music lessons!
She told me she wanted to take piano lessons but was concerned that no one would teach a beginner of her age. Emily was delighted when I told her I had piano teachers available who only want to take adult students. Then, that old anxiety kicked in for Emily of being out of school for so long that she was afraid of starting something that required patience and study.
Posted by: Shannon Price in Music Instruction on
Jan 22, 2010
by Jackie Saunders, Making Music Magazine 1/2010
A little good, old-fashioned sweat and heart-pumping action is good for your overall health, especially if you’re a musician. Anne Roos, 52, of South Lake Tahoe, California, is a Celtic harp player who has been performing at weddings and private functions for the past 25 years. A few years into her performing schedule, Roos hit a point where she felt she needed to start a regular, physical routine.
"Exercise was not something I had been doing all the time,” says Roos, who began to exercise more consistently about 18 years ago. "There came a point I needed to lose some weight and get more physically active,” she says. "It’s hard to be heavier and performing; it doesn’t feel good.”
President Harry S. Truman claimed to have practiced his piano lessons for two hours every morning during his childhood. Likewise, President Warren Harding was said to be able to play every instrument except the trombone and the clarinet. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) played the organ. Of course, we all remember President Clinton and his saxophone, but did you know that President Nixon was an accomplished pianist?
The list goes on, but the real question is why do people with musical training tend to achieve more in life? There are a few differing theories about that, but studies have shown a direct correlation between music and the brain's ability to adapt to the world around it.
Are you curious about the legend and origin of the traditional song Auld Lang Syne? I found some information for you!
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. The song has also become common at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The song's title may be translated into English literally as "old long since", "long long ago" or "days gone by". The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" is also used in similar poems by as well as older folk songs predating Burns.
Ever wanted to record yourself? For $5 you can make a great recording for a holiday gift or just for yourself. Play and sing, just sing, just play, grab a friend and sing some holiday songs. Record it, make copies and give them as gifts to friends and family.
At West Music we are all about making music all year long – the holidays are a perfect time to take it to heart. Get the music playing, fill up your life with song and share it with others.
Posted by: Shannon Price in Music Instruction on
Nov 04, 2009
We will have a tent on Hawkeye Rally Alley Nov. 7th from 8:30AM-10:30AM. (Find us across from Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the grassy area that used to be Grant's Field, next to Duane Banks Baseball Stadium.)
- FREE Hand drumming circles
- FREE Group guitar lessons
Anyone can participate. NO EXPERIENCE on any instrument necessary. Learn to play immediately and have a blast!
Did you know that 82% of Americans who don't currently play an instrument wish they had learned to play one? (Gallup Poll)
West Music will be handing out $ 5 West Music Money to use in the store for any purchase or you can REGISTER FOR LESSONS FREE!
Come one, come all to The Mill in Iowa City for the Weekend Warrior concert THIS Sunday, October 18th at 7:00PM!!
Weekend Warrior concerts have grown so large over the last few years we can expect 100-200 in the audience. It has become a major event and is ridiculously fun! Come out and support live music and West Music! The food at The Mill is great, the bands have a great variety of music. Here’s a rundown of the groups you will see Sunday night:
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