by Rachel | Uncategorized
Every January, I find it so funny that my students are so interested in hearing about what I got for Christmas. This year has been no exception, and I’ve been playing a lot of show-and-tell with my new ukulele.
Of course, just seeing it isn’t enough — my students want to hear it, too! Their newly discovered interest in the ukulele inspired me to write a song all about it. The song turned out to be almost as fun to sing as my ukulele is to play.
I’ve been letting my students try out the ukulele, and they love it because it’s just their size. They think it’s hilarious when I tell them that’s why I like it, too ;) I’ll always love my guitar, but what’s not to love about an instrument that is easy to carry, hold, and play? Not to mention that sweet, sweet, sound!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Would you believe that even though we’re entering the second week of January, I’ve only seen one honest-to-goodness snowfall? And the snow didn’t even stick on the ground! Personally, I am not a fan of winter weather at all…but my students are, which is why I’m crossing my fingers that they’ll have a chance to make this song come true very soon.
I have Listen & Learn Plus! member Nell H. to thank for this week’s song topic. It’s such a fun idea — what child doesn’t enjoy catching snowflakes on his or her tongue?
I don’t think we’re going to see much snow in the next few days, considering the forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s. We’ll just have to keep waiting, I guess — and enjoying the warmer weather in the meantime!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
My purpose for starting Listen & Learn (all the way back in 2008!) was to share my educational songs for children. Since then, I’ve posted over 150 of them — but only about 20 or so in 2011. Turns out I was so busy blogging every day that I didn’t have the time to write and record as much as I would have liked.
2012 is the year I return to my original mission: to provide musical resources on a regular basis. Every Monday, you’ll find a brand new song, which will be available for purchase along with the instrumental track and lyrics/chords.
It should come as no surprise that I’m kicking off the year with a song about the year itself, just as I did in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. I’m excited about all the possibilities that 2012 holds, which I think is reflected in this fun, upbeat tune:
I’m looking forward to writing, recording, and sharing at least 51 more songs with you in 2012! If you have any topic requests, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. Here’s to a musical new year!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Today sure is one of them…at least, where I live. But contrary to the lyrics of the Carpenters’ song bearing that same title, they don’t always get me down. In fact, sometimes they motivate me to buckle down and get to work. The sound of the rain, mixed in with my typing, makes for a pretty good soundtrack!
Another song on that soundtrack is my go-to “Rainy Day” tune, which I use with my students when we sing about the weather. I’ve been humming it ever since venturing out into the rain this morning, and thought I’d pass it along to you :)
(If you haven’t already, you can join the Listen & Learn newsletter and get the entire Weather album for free.)
After a weekend away, I have plenty to do to keep me busy on this rainy Monday. Aside from laundry and housecleaning, I have emails to return, videos to make, and presentations to prepare. Better get back to work!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Halloween is still a week away, which gives you plenty of time to share a few spooky (and not-so-spooky) tunes with your students or even your own children.
I’ve gotten plenty of use out of my Halloween song collection throughout the month of October, and wanted to make it readily available to you — which is why it’s now on sale for $5. Take a listen to the songs below:
To take advantage of the Halloween Week discount, just click “Buy” and pay securely using PayPal or a credit card. You can bet I’ll be singing these songs like crazy over the next seven days, before it’s tune to bust out the turkey tunes!
