This is a companion piece to the blog entry, “The Benefits of Music Education.” These sources were compiled by Christopher Richardson as part of a school paper, and he generously agreed to share them with our blog readers. Not all the sources are open to the public online, but those that are, are linked accordingly. Barnes, Tom. "The Scientific Reasons We Should Teach Music to Kids in School." … [Read more...]

I’ve had one of those days in which I just want to contemplate stuff, and music naturally entered  my thoughts. What is music, other than a series of sound waves produced by vibrations in strings or in the air? What meaning does a piece of music have that appeals to us, that can evoke such powerful emotions? According to existentialists, life has no meaning until an individual makes it for him- … [Read more...]

Aspiring pianists strive to perform with power, flair, and with a type of sound that is distinctive. Reaching this level of musicality naturally requires immense effort and dedication. It also requires a vivid imagination, in order to be able to tell a story with one’s playing. But how does one develop a musical imagination? My answer is rather simple: play some Bach. Developing a Musical … [Read more...]