Creative Musical Musings

Beyond “Just Playing the Song”: The Magic of Flexible Fiddling Building Blocks

Most string orchestra arrangements follow a predictable path: the students open the music, learn their specific notes, and "play the song." While that builds reading skills, it often misses the most exciting part of being a musician—creativity. When I designed...

Bringing Creativity to the String Orchestra: Join Me at ASTA 2026!

Do you want happy, engaged students who can’t wait to get to orchestra rehearsal? We all know the challenge: in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation, how do we prepare our students to think on their feet? The answer lies in creativity. Encouraging creative...

Why Returning Pianists Feel Stuck (Hint: It’s Not Your Fault)

You decided to sit back down at the keys. You remembered the basics. You can still read the treble clef, and you might even remember that big "showpiece" you played for a recital when you were twelve. But then you hit a wall. You can "decode" the notes, but you can't...
🎵 Blog Post: The 100-Day Practice Challenge!

🎵 Blog Post: The 100-Day Practice Challenge!

Are you a pianist longing to play with freedom, without being tied to sheet music? Imagine Are you a pianist longing to play with freedom, without being tied to sheet music? Imagine sitting down at the piano and effortlessly playing a tune by ear, improvising, and...

What is a FOOSH?

What is a FOOSH?

It is a “Fall on outstretched hand.” And it hurts. I fell in front of my house when I tripped over a gap in the sidewalk. I tore the rotator cuff of my right arm. Right now I’m navigating our medical system. And I’m waiting for my doctor’s advice. My doctors said: No...

Jenny’s Articles Published in National Blog

Jenny’s Articles Published in National Blog

I submitted two articles to the National Association for Music Education (NaFME) blog. Read about ukulele in schools. And how fiddling increases engagement in the school orchestra. Both articles got published! 🙂 One article talks about trying out ukulele in schools....