Remix: Shaky Colorful Fruit

by | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized

Last fall I posted a song I wrote specifically for my set of Nino Fruit Shakers, which I titled “Shaky Fruit” (you can read the post and listen to the original song here).  Well my students who I see in private practice just can’t seem to get enough of that song, so I decided to bring it to The Hope Institute this month.  We are focusing on healthy foods, so it fit in perfectly with our theme.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the Nino Fruit Shakers here at school, but you know me and my habit of adapting songs to fit any situation. All I did was change up the lyrics to match the instruments we have on hand (the Basic Beat chiquitas pictured above).  I added an extra verse to accommodate all five colors, and this is how the song turned out:

Doot-doot-do-doot, shaky fruit,
Blueberry, grape, apple, pear, banana
Doot-doot-do-doot, shaky fruit,
From Mississippi to Indiana.

Shaky blueberry, shaky blueberry,
Blue and crunchy too.
Shaky blueberry, shaky blueberry,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.

Shaky grape, shaky grape,
Purple and juicy too.
Shaky grape, shaky grape,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.

Shaky apple, shaky apple,
Red and crunchy too.
Shaky apple, shaky apple,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.

Shaky pear, shaky pear,
Green and delicious too.
Shaky pear, shaky pear,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.

Shaky banana, shaky banana,
Yellow and tasty too.
Shaky banana, shaky banana,
Doot-doot-do-doot-doo.

“Shaky Colorful Fruit” debuted this morning, on this first Monday back after Spring Break.  I had to practice it a few times through first so that I could get the new lyrics down…so far, so good :)  My students are also shakin’ to the beat of “Eat Like a Rainbow” by Jay Mankita, along with a few other originals devoted to mealtime.   

Sunday Singalong: I Have a Dream

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When the “Mamma Mia!” musical first came out, I listened to the Broadway soundtrack nonstop. I still turn it on from time to time, because the songs are so upbeat (for the most part) and put me in such a great mood. “I Have a Dream” is one of my favorite songs to teach beginning voice and guitar students, and like I said in the video, I like to use it in music therapy sessions with my middle school students. They’ve always enjoyed the song and the discussions it sparks, but it’s even more popular now that the movie is out.

I watched “Mamma Mia!” (the movie version) for the first time yesterday, and now I’m craving a sunny beach vacation in Greece. That’s not in my future anytime soon, but I will be heading to exotic St. Louis tomorrow for a week in the recording studio.  I’m enjoying one more lazy day before the fun begins, and it just happens to be my puppy, Sadie’s 1st birthday!  Just take a look at this little sweetie:

I’m off to play with the birthday girl (who is currently covered in mud and rain thanks to the lovely weather), so I hope you all enjoy your Sunday.  If you haven’t yet, please go enter my DVD giveaway, and stay tuned this week for updates from the recording studio!

Sunday Singalong: Rusty’s Turn!

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Every Tuesday evening, Rusty and I spend 30 minutes playing, writing, recording, and expressing ourselves through music. He is very interested in technology, so recently we’ve been using Garageband, iTunes, and iMovie to bring his musical creations to life. He continues to impress me with his good nature, musical talent, and creativity!

I love the fact that so many of my students want to incorporate technology into our work together, whether it’s music therapy or voice/piano/guitar lessons. Just today, I used the Flip Ultra HD Camcorder to record a student singing a new song, and we critiqued the video afterwards in order to improve her stage presence and facial expressions.  I use the “voice memos” app on my iPhone to record vocal exercises, piano accompaniment, and even entire lessons, which I can email to my students (or their parents) right then and there.

If you want to see more of Rusty, check out this YouTube video, which was filmed by and for our local newspaper, The State Journal-Register.  He is very proud of his status as a YouTube star!

Happy Face, Happy Voice

by | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized

Whining. We all do it from time to time, whether you’re a child, mature adult, or my dog at 4 in the morning.  For kids, whining comes naturally in unfavorable situations, or even just when they’re tired and cranky.  How many times have the words “stop whining!” come out of your mouth?  Probably quite a few if you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone else who spends time with children on a regular basis.

But that phrase may fall upon deaf ears after awhile, so how about a new way to help nip this bad habit in the bud?  That was the strategy for one of my consult clients, who requested a custom-written song about using a “happy face and happy voice” instead of whining.

When you are unhappy and feeling blue,
There are just a few things that you need to do.
Just listen up, and you’ll be fine,
As long as you don’t whine.

First you need to find your happy face,
Then you need to find your happy voice.
When you talk without a whine,
And smile, you shine.
You’re making the right choice!

Simple and to the point. It’s amazing how such basic songs can be so effective, as long as the message is clear. What other bad habits might be addressed through a song like this?

Sunday Singalong: That Yellow Bus

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“That Yellow Bus” was a February staple in my music therapy classes, and quickly became a student and staff favorite.  (I think the main reason is because it shares a title with a certain Justin Roberts song I did last year – that one still gets requested all the time!) Like I mention in the video, it was written specifically for a little guy with bus transitioning issues, but since many of my students do ride the bus, they were able to benefit from it, too.

That is the beauty of what I do: there is so much crossover from one part of my job to another, and so many different situations in which to apply the same therapeutic interventions, activities and songs. For example, many of the tunes I’ve written and shared on this very blog are also included in this semester’s Church Mice class, which is actually where I’d headed in just a little bit. 

Which leads me to wonder…is it already Sunday afternoon?  This weekend has certainly flown right by, as they usually do.  After Church Mice, my husband and I are heading to my parents’ for a cookout with my brother (who is in town for spring break) and his fiancee, and then I’m looking forward to vegging out on the couch and watching the Academy Awards.  What are you up to tonight?

Wave Goodbye to Winter

by | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized


Warning: I might be contagious, so don’t come near me unless you want to catch…spring fever! Here are a few of my symptoms:

  • jumping for joy at the appearance of sunlight
  • impatiently counting down the days left of winter
  • the urge to hug the weatherman for predicting warmer temps
  • spontaneously breaking into songs about spring

I’ve come down with a very serious case, and it’s only getting worse with each passing day.  But I take comfort in knowing I’m not alone in my suffering; it seems that spring fever is running rampant.  Have you fallen victim?

The good news is that my spring fever inspired me to write a new song, and every time I sing it, I can’t help but feel giddy at the prospect of birds singing in the trees, warm sunshine on my face, green grass, and blooming flowers. 

Wave goodbye to winter,
Say hello to spring.
Clap your hands,
Oh, clap your hands,
Oh, clap your hands and sing!

Sing because spring is almost here.
Sing because the sky will be blue and clear.
Sing with the birds, up in the tree,
Sing and (clap your hands) with me!

Wave goodbye to snow,
Say hello to spring.
Sway side to side,
Oh, side to side,
Sway side to side and sing!

CHORUS

Wave goodbye to cold air,
Say hello to spring.
Wave your arms,
Oh, wave your arms,
Oh, wave your arms and sing!

CHORUS

Wave goodbye to gray days,
Say hello to spring.
Tap your toes,
Oh, tap your toes,
Oh, tap your toes and sing!

In 17 days, we can officially wave goodbye to winter and celebrate the official start of spring.  But for now, I’ll settle for a week of sunshine, 40-degree (and climbing) temperatures, and best of all, little to no precipitation.  It’s the small victories, you know?  After this brutal winter, I’ll take whatever I can get!