What a wonderful night it was! Congrats to all the students who performed at Songinflight Studio’s first recital. 

We had a full house, including many brand new beginners – and the love in the room was palpable. I found myself in awe of the bravery and beauty of each student who played. We heard much expressive texture, well-coordinated beats and rhythms, lovely melodies, a first exploration of triad chords, and more. 

The night featured timeless classical themes, pop tunes, and (perhaps my favorite) original songs composed by these creative students. Graditude to the intermediate students for introducing our ears to Burgmuller, higher level music theory, baroque music, and even more creativity. 

For a couple of recital highlights (how to choose just a couple?) click here:
The Pond, by Jon Sutton – performed by Killian
Yankee Doodle, plus original song - performed by Maggie

It was also a treat for me to perform part of the Nocturne in F Minor by Chopin – here is the video I mentioned at the recital, of Horowitz performing that same piece.  Check out his composure, the romantic ebbs and flows of the tempo, and his extended trills!  

Huge appreciation to my parents for so generously hosting this big ol’ party, and to my boyfriend Charlie for unending support all the way through. Video & photo credits go to my dad and Charlie as well! Thank you to all of you, family and friends, who came out to support our demonstration of learning – we like how you shared your ears (and your applause)!  

What a way to come together as a community and launch our first year!

Congrats again to the following students who performed - Sasha, Victoria, Madeleine, Ava, Charlotte, Killian, Ruthie, Ellis, Brooke, Victoria, Thea A., Veronica, Lauren, Daniel, Charlie, Waverly, Natalie, Caroline, Maggie, Gemma, Cassie, and Sara!  Thanks also to those who were there performing in spirit - Seiver, Sarah, Steven, Hilary, Thea C., Fiona, Cate, and Ashley!  And welcome to our new students, who are invited to join us next time around!

Can't wait to see where the musical journey takes us next...

With love,

Ms. Dawe

p.s. – boys, next time I want you in the picture! :)

Bono riffed on a Bob Dylan song that “All I got is a red guitar, three chords and the truth.”  My best advice to beginning songwriters is to go even simpler than that.

Start with two chords, and that’s all.

Choose a two chord progression that you can play over and over again with ease.  As you continue to play it, let your mind and heart start to talk to you – they’ll tell you what you want to say with this song.  They may do it in words, or in the form of a melody that you start humming without realizing it, or as an image of a scene in your mind’s eye, or even as a movement that you suddenly find your body wanting to make. 

Go with it.  Have an audio recording device ready, and a pencil & paper too, if you’re old-fashioned like me. 

Play those two chords until the feeling is so clear that the words or a melody start to flow out.  Keep going.  The recording will free you up to not worry about how it sounds or if you remember it.  And it’s very helpful to listen back whenever your idea seem to reach a stopping point, because almost every time, this will give you an idea of where the song wants to go next.

Obviously, at some point you’ll want to move musically to a different chord progression – maybe adding a third or fourth chord as you find yourself stating your main point in the chorus.  And no need to limit yourself – but on the other hand, keep in mind that when emotional impact is your goal, simplicity is your friend.

Typical pop songs will throw in a bridge section after a couple of verse – chorus sections, before building to a final verse – chorus (or just a final chorus).

But the point is, rather than getting overwhelmed with “how” to write a whole song, just start with 2 chords, and the truth will follow. 

I should probably mention that the first song I ever wrote started out with just two chords.  D, G, D, G.  I played that pattern over and over while getting the feeling of what I wanted to say with this song.   It turned into a narrative called “Pioneer” that broke the rules of good songwriting by not including the word pioneer anywhere in the chorus, let alone anywhere in the song.  But I loved it, and still do, because it expressed a part of my twenty-something spirit that always longed for a home that seemed just beyond reach.  The poignant part for me is that, in listening back to it now, I hear that I was already home.

Wishing you many brave and freeing songwriting adventures.  And I’ll be happy to help you learn many tools and strategies for songwriting as part of your music lessons at Songinflight Studio.

It's pretty amazing what a group of 30 kids at a time can teach you about teaching!  As I embark on this new adventure as a private music teacher at Songinflight Studio, I will always be thankful for my many wonderful students from Park Hill School and the lessons they have taught me.  Here are a few:

• Meet students where they are, not where you expect them to be.  I have learned over the years to be ready for whatever ideas, moods, and "spirit moves us" moments walk through my door.  When I am open like this, I naturally tune into strategies that will help each student to move musically to where they want to be.

• Listen.  Students, like all of us, just want to be heard.  Music gives them a voice.  Honor it.

• Performances are fun, and they really DO motivate students!  We look forward to them, we work hard, and we like to celebrate.

• Diversity makes us stronger.  You can do more in community than you can ever do alone.  I think this picture here speaks volumes.

• When you find your edge, go past it.  Mistakes are essential to learning.  And sometimes I as a teacher would do well to remember this (and model it) a little more often!

• Are the students having FUN with their learning?  If not, ask them what would make it more fun.  They have some of the most creative solutions!

• Give thanks every day, and remember... there is always tomorrow.