These flashcards help pre-reading or newly reading students hear, play and create many more harmonic sounds, easily and earlier. These keyboard representations of all major, minor, diminished and augmented triads (root position) give students valuable experience with focusing on the musical sound before symbolizing the sound. The cards enhance the transition to notation-reading, and add a valuable means of reinforcing chord recognition. Adult beginners eager to play chords right out of the gate can do just that with these cards. Helps beginners, young and old, expand their tonal exploration to include sounds of augmented and diminished harmonies, and to quickly put together improvisation over various chord progressions such as I-IV-V-I.

Creating the Special World is a collection of lectures that epitomize the teachings of Weston Noble, one of the most influential leaders in choral musicof the past 55 years. His enthusiasm for his life's work emanates from the pages, providing insight into his artistry. A palpable energy positively leapsfrom each page. The ten insightful lectures are divided into four main sections: "The Special World of Choral Music," "Choral Pedagogy," "Stylistic Awareness," and "Choral Music: A Retrospective." Noble discusses the first time he realized the power of music, the effect it has had on his students, and how it has inspired him and others to reach for further levels of mastery.Noble also covers the technical aspects of diction, rhythm, and historical stylistic practices. These lectures present what could be confusing material in a clear and concise fashion. Choral conductors at all levels, those with a great love of music, and anyone who has experienced Weston Noble's brilliance and humanity, will benefit from this book, written by a legendary musical force. A must read!

Ever since an enthusiastic student from the State of Washington posted the now famous Double Dream Hands video on You Tube, millions of people around the world have embraced it, and John Jacobson's life has never been the same....or has it? John Jacobson (aka "Double Dream Hands guy") has spent a lifetime inspiring students of all ages, including adults, to dream and work fora world that lives and breaths in harmony. In this book, John now shares his thoughts of how that dream world might become more of a reality if we all embrace a lifestyle of honesty, courage, compassion, integrity, healthy habits and a joyful spirit. Double Dreams is a warm, fun and fuzzy read that just might move the whole world one step closer to making this double dream come true!

Drawing on his previous writings for music educators, Tim Lautzenheiser has developed a work intended for use toward excellence in teaching by ALL educators and administrators. Presented in four main sections - The Art of Teaching, Developing an Attitude for Success, Teacher Leadership Skills, and Selection and Encouragement of Student Leaders - this volume assesses the qualities, characteristics and practices of master teachers. With Tim Lautzenheiser's usual insight, wisdom and humor emphasis is placed on self-assessment and taking practical action so that we may all become master teachers. Intoduce the gift and inspiration that is Tim Lautzenheiser to yourteaching colleagues and administrators - oh, and don't forget to pick up a copy for yourself!!

Whether you've just started middle school or are at the end of your high school years, figuring out who you are and how you fit in this world is not easy. After spending decades with young musicians in schools, churches and communities, John Jacobson is offering unique insights into what it means to be growing up in a 'choir of citizens' that are all singing a different tune. We each have our own special song inside of is. It is what makes each of us unique. Discover your own song as you listen to this audio presentation and turn the journey into one of joy, hope and finally, harmony.

Tim Lautzenheiser's latest book doesn't disappoint! A collection of some of his best published writings and lectures, his newest release speaks to music advocacy, student leadership, and "off the podium" teacher responsibilities with his usual insight, detail, and, of course, humor. ** A must for all band directors and music education majors! **

As children, we knew the joy of singing, dancing, painting, laughing; all to the top of our lungs and outside of the lines. Along the way, however, our joyand creativity were muted by those around us, including family, friends, and teachers. For those of us involved in choral music, 95% of our work is spent away from the conductor's podium. In fact, the most important aspect of our teaching and of our lives is wrapped up in the person that we are or our own authenticity. What we share with students depends on our own individual journey and what we are willing and able to communicate with them through our music. This DVD and downloadable workbook will remind you of those days of youth and free spirit as well as help you to rediscover the "creativity volumeknob" and turn it back to forte, where it belongs!

Beyond the precise techniques of music making lies the uncertain and often untapped world of artistic self-expression and soulful spirituality. James Jordan's The Musician's Soul starts all musicians on a journey to that higher plane. Filled with inspiring, thought-provoking quotations, life experiences, and ideas, this book will encourage you to explore your inner self by creatingopenness and vulnerability, finding your center, and discovering the importance of solitude as well as community. The result will be a new, heartfelt honesty and beauty in your music.

In The Musician's Soul James Jordan sets off on a quest toward spiritual musicmaking. In The Musician's Spirit, he continues the search by engaging the power of personal stories to enhance musicianship. And now, in The Musician's Walk, the final publication in the trilogy, Jordan confronts the ethical questions musicians face in the course of their work. The ethical "walk" musicians take is like a journey through a labyrinth - as we walk toward the center, turns and challenges confront us. When we are open to changes in our course, we can move closer to the center of the labyrinth, closer to that coremusical experience. In Section One: On the Threshold, Jordan discusses moving into light and wakefulness, taking the walk one step at a time, the lonelinessof musicians, and the importance of a compassionate awareness. In Section Two:Journeying In, he reveals why artists sometimes have contentious relationshipsand sets out the ethical roles of musicians. Section Three: The Resting Place provides a source of contemplation of our "one body, two selves." The concluding Section Four: Journeying Out presents guidelines for maintaining and improving self-awareness and exercises for the contemplative soul. Jordan writes, "To become an aware musician is the final part of the musician's journey. To be fully aware (not focused) is to be totally aware of oneself andthe world in which one exists. When awareness is brought to music making aftersome important internal spiritual exploration and life storying, the human energy imparted unlocks the true nature of the art we love and adore."

In this groundbreaking book, prize-winning pianist and noted educator William Westney helps readers discover their own path to the natural, transcendent fulfillment of making music. Drawing on experience, psychological insight, and wisdom ancient and modern, Westney shows how to trust yourself and set your own musicality free. He offers healthy alternatives for lifelong learning and suggests significant change in the way music is taught. For example, playing a wrong note can be constructive, useful, even enlightening. The creator of the acclaimed Un-Master Class workshop also explores the special potential of group work, outlining the basics of his revelatory workshop that has transformed the music experience for participants the world over. Practicing, in Westney's view, is a lively, hone

John Jacobson's best seller is now available on CD! Not just for music teachers, this collection of heart-warming essays and inspirational stories isfull of life lessons for everyone. "Every music educator, choir director, choral singer or lover of music will be inspired and encouraged by the messageof John's book." (Craig Jessop, director, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir) "A Place in the Choir offers an inspirational new paradigm for arts education which calls our art to develop whole people and affirm the unique voice of EACH young person we have the privilege to teach." (Anton Armstrong, Conductor, The St. Olaf Choir)

Written by one of today's most prolific author/educators, Boonshaft's new bookis sure to top the charts following the international success of his first twobest sellers. Filled with motivational anecdotes, quotations, and ideas on howto improve your teaching, this is a must-read treasure trove for students, music educators, and administrators.

Performing artists and teachers often speak of the huge impact "Center" has upon their profession and craft. In this book, conductor and educator James Jordan details how the power of Center grounds performance, teaching, and learning, bringing the reader full circle to the ideas first introduced in his best-selling book The Musician's Soul. Nova Thomas, an acclaimed singer and master teacher, relates how she employs Centering in her work preparing actors and vocalists for their life on the stage. The insights of these two renowned teachers reveal the importance of Centering in the day-to-day life for all performers, artists, and teachers - illustrating the "how's" and "why's" of Centering, and how Centering can transform one's performance and teaching. The authors also cover the groundbreaking contribution of M.C. Richards, whose efforts to define Center profoundly shaped the creative life of all musical and dramatic arts in the United States.