Writing -- When I should be working....

I should be working...

But this is what worship music does to me...

Some days, I sneak up to the studio when no one is there and put in worship music -- and let it play and play.

Some days, I put the SAME SONG on repeat all.  day.  long.

Today was one of those days.

And, by the time the people start walking through the door, I'm good and distracted by worship, and lyrics, and prayers, and heart cries, and prophetic words, and being in step with God's Spirit.  Fortunately, my personal clientele already know they are free to ignore me. They are here to make music, and that's what we do.

Words I've heard 100,000 times today...

"Be thou my vision, be thou my joy, my providence and my reward...be thou the wisdom that I employ to trade my worth for Yours."

A few years ago, I got a call from a mother who wanted me to teach her daughter piano.  Sure that her daughters gifts and talents needed to be encouraged, she was pulling her from another well known (good) program in the Springs.  No pressure.

Whereas this young student's gifts were obvious, she had a learning disability that prevented her from telling whether or not a particular note was on a line or space.  This was so hard for her in fact that she had actually become fearful of being forced to read music.

Knowing this, I worked from virtually every angle I could think of.

I researched.

I prayed.

I would periodically go back to the mom for updates, to give a report, and to make the every so slight suggestion that just maybe voice lessons would be the way to go.

The mom was sweet, but firm.  "Shanna, I've prayed.  You are suppose to be her teacher."

Hmmmmmmmmm

"Be thou my refuge, be thou my strength 
should my confession err.  My heart shall whisper a sure Amen, and trust your every word."

I continued praying.  Continued trying different things...continued going back to the mom with various "other" suggestions.

I respected this mother, and she was always sure.  "Shanna, I've prayed.  You are suppose to be her teacher."

***

A couple of years ago, we just so happened to be in Austin, Texas around Thanksgiving.  We dropped in on friends which included our former worship leader, Ross Parsley.  After dinner we engaged in lively conversation about kids, ministry, life and music.

Ross, whose worship along with New Life Worship is known around the world, joking told the truth with the following, "All you really have to know to lead worship around the world is the I, IV, and V chord in every key."

Selah.

That little statement right there -- may not mean a lot to YOU.  But a light from Heaven shown down for me -- and a Heavenly chorus sang a little diddy.   It was an answer to my prayers.  The Spirit of God immediately broke into my thoughts with the little girls name, "She's a worship leader."

And, by golly, I knew the I, the IV and V chord -- in EVERY key -- and, well  you don't have to read music to play from chord charts.

"Be thou exhalted Jesus forever.  Be exhalted forever."

I sent the mom a quick note just to say I'd like to go in another direction and if she'd just give me a little "creative liberty" for a time, I did indeed have a plan.

A year later, this child knows the I, IV, and the V chord in every key.  In fact, there isn't a chord she doesn't know nor a chord chart she can't print and play within a matter of minutes.  She's learned to keep a steady rhythm, improvise a beginning and an ending, and play inverted chords.  She's learned to find the melody or the "singing note" while she's playing the harmony and has had quite a bit of performance experience.  And, she hasn't even made it to Jr High School yet.

This past week, she came to spend her usual time with me.  She says, "My church doesn't have a worship ministry for my age group.  They've asked me to start and lead one!"

I smile.

Because, well, I knew it all along.

"Hallelujah to the Name of All Names.  
Hallelujah to our God - Be all praise!  
Ever Holy, Worthy, Be thou exhalted always."

We then have rousing conversation about how to pick songs, how to order them, why you WOULDN'T pick certain songs (like El Shaddai), and on to how to pick out your own chord configurations when your writing your own music.

And, as the worship music blares around me right now, I really can't think of any other reason why I work.

You see Kindermusik students.  I see tomorrows worship leaders -- and world changers.

True, I don't know how to do everything.

But I do know how to pray.

I know how to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and try to cooperate with what He's saying.  Both at home and at work.

And here me now, parents (and ministers and business owners and students and well...the whole world)...

This is the one thing you HAVE to be able to do.

Billy will speak at yet another parenting conference next month and he will ultimately say what we believe to be some serious truth -- THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR YOU PRAYING, FOR YOU TRYING TO HEAR THE SPIRIT OF GOD AND FOR YOU TRYING TO COOPERATE WITH WHAT HE'S DOING.

***

I sent a text to my college kid today.  The just of what I wanted to say was that "pressure" had to be kept in it's proper perspective or it just turns to fear.

God's yoke is LITE.

We don't all leave home to do extraordinary things.

And, I know the pressure my college kid feels -- to be and do extraordinary -- is real.  She is her mother and fathers child after all.

BUT, this I know.  An ordinary life -- one that involves working, teaching, figuring things out, writing blogs, and being ok with a few good sentences because you don't have time to pen any great ones.  A life that is going to the grocery store, paying the bills, making the bank deposit, going to school, loving your friends, working out, praying, being an active part of your community, parenting, loving your spouse -- an ordinary, steady life -- LIVED WELL -- well...that can be an extraordinary thing too.

Be encouraged today friends!  Pray.  Try to hear the Spirit of God.  Try to cooperate with what He says.

Turn on your worship music.

Now, seriously, I have to go to work.

"Be thou my passion.  Be thou my zeal.  That I may offer these.  
No great procession or vain appeal, 
just my sincerity."

Why I don't give out "Music Report Cards"

This Fall, I will have been teaching private music lessons for 18 straight years.

My mother-in-law graciously gave us her piano when I was pregnant with our oldest daughter.  When Elizabeth was about 3 months old, I told Billy I thought I could earn extra money by teaching.  I remember saying, "I'm going to need to advertise.  I've prayed about it, but I don't expect God to just drop students in my lap."  THE VERY NEXT DAY, my neighbor came over and knocked on our door.  Having been a piano teacher for 20 plus years herself, she said, "I have several students whom I can't fit into my schedule anymore.  Would you like to take them?"  Dropped.  In.  My.  Lap.

And so it began.

I charged $28 a month.

Last week I gently picked up a student's assignment notebook.  I said to this young man who we'll call John, "John, you started this piece 3 months ago.  It isn't a particularly difficult piece.  6 weeks ago we decided you should go ahead and try to put your hands together.  4 weeks ago, we said the same thing.  2 weeks ago, we said the same thing.  Today, we're saying the same thing AGAIN, but at home, you're still just practicing your right hand?????"  FORTUNATELY, this kid is a good sport and was laughing by the end of my "Mrs. Obvious" speech.

Did he go right home and practice well for his next lesson?  Nope.  For my sake, I changed the song the following week.  Don't judge.  12 weeks is a long time to listen to 8 notes in the right hand.

There is a place for teaching "perseverance".  But living in denial is a waste of time for everyone.  Sometimes, what you WANT to happen -- just isn't going to happen.  In this case, John and I both needed a fresh start.  He's done beautifully with the new piece.

Of course, all things, including music class, can offer a platform for "real life" lessons.  Perseverance, discipline, responsibility, hard work, and the list goes on.  But, that's not what parents pay me to do.

I once had a teacher tell me if her students forgot their books, they would work on flashcards for 30 straight minutes.  She said it as if it were a punishment for their forgetfulness.

Sure. That's one way.

I opt to keep copies of my students books in my studio.  Forget your books?  It's ok.  Adults forget things on occasion as well.  I have a copy here.  Practice your flash cards at home.  When you're with me, we make music.

There is nothing new about the importance of the studio/home connection.  The communication between teacher-student-parent is as important when trying to teach a child to play a musical instrument as it is in the traditional classroom.

Over the years, I've implemented the habit of writing assignments down in notebooks, so my expectations are clear.  Both student and parent have my notes available to refer too.  Reminder emails and the occasional phone call are helpful as well.  Certainly, regular performance opportunities and the occasional competition are good motivators to practice.

Ultimately, I believe that my primary responsibility as private music instructor and business operator is to help each family accomplish THEIR musical goals.  Not to insist that they live up to mine.

The TYPE A mom says, "Shanna, I've decided my children ARE going to learn to play the piano and the viola...because more college scholarships are available for viola players -- and piano teachers who play more than one instrument can charge more.  Therefore, they will be practicing 45 minutes a day per instrument and I'd like them to be placed on a competition track.  I never want a single note written in their books -- their brains need to be working all the time.  And, if they happen to cry in their lesson, just shrug it off and keep going.  We want them to feel pressure."  I do what I can to make that happen for them.

When FUN mom says, "Shanna, we want our daughter to take 3 months of lessons.  She just wants to learn a few chord charts to play while she sings."  I make that happen.

CREATIVE mom, "Shanna, do you know of a Composition Clinic in the Springs this summer?"  Why yes, I do.

When BUSY mom says, "Shanna, I want all 5 of my homeschooled children to take music lessons with you.  However, we are NEVER going to practice.  Are you ok with that?"  Yes. We "practice" during the "lesson".

I don't, however, hand out Music Report Cards at the end of the year.

I  know plenty of teachers that do.

I however have decided that I do not want MUSIC to be another place for kids to be judged and found wanting.  I don't want to say, "You get a C in Theory".  Knowing I'm being "generous" because said child NEVER does their theory assignment.  I'd rather just say, "Hey you, do your theory assignment!"  And if that doesn't work -- I'd rather try, "Hey mom, I noticed your child doesn't enjoy doing assignments in their theory book.  Maybe they'd like this website instead!".  And let the notes fall where they may.

I LOVE good technique.  But bottom line, I don't want to sacrifice joy to get it.

I want to be a light in my students week.  I want my teachers to be a light in their students week.  I want my children to LOVE music and enjoy the process of learning to read it's language (something only 20% of our population knows how to do).  I want kids who are relaxed enough during lessons to concentrate, learn to think musically, laugh, enjoy and make adjustments on the spot.

I'm not suggesting that everyone get a trophy.  Or that we make everyone feel like they are doing a good job -- even when they aren't.  But, teachers must understand that music has it's priority in people's lives -- and it most often isn't #1.  Our students are real people -- with many, many aspects to their full lives.  We want them to be happy to see us -- for they'll never become the accomplished musicians we know they can be if we suck the life right out of them.

A few days ago I saw a young student who had practiced hard on a piece she particularly enjoyed.  She played with great technique, showed mastery of the material and had a delightful smile on her face.  Right up until the last note.  She just couldn't quite get her small fingers to play the inverted chord correctly.  She teared up.

I could have spent our 30 minutes together working that chord shape into her tiny hand.  But something else was at stake here.  Joy.

She had just played 999 notes correctly.  Perfectly.  How could I let 1 chord rob her of her brilliance?

I asked, "Would it be just as fun for you to play this piece if we changed the last chord?"  She answered, "Yes, but then it would be wrong."  I said, "No, it wouldn't be wrong.  It would just be changed.  It's ok for us to think about the piece and change something we'd like to make different."  She smiles.  In 5 minutes, problem solved.  Tears averted.  On to the next piece -- which offered another chance to work on said inverted chord.

No need for a report card.  Although, at that particular moment, I would have given both of us an A.  :)

"Entertaining" is NOT My Thing

Admittedly, I'm not Martha Stewart (because everyone thinks she's boring). 

"Entertaining" is not my thing.

When I got married 18 years ago, I had no culinary skills.  Zero.  Zip.  Zilch.  My mom says I just never showed interest in such things.  Fair enough.  

We once invited a friend over for steaks.  Apparently, I didn't know that the Piggly Wiggly made marinades in little packages for .75.  So, I marinaded those steaks in Pancake Syrup.  Creative?  Maybe.  Tasty?  Impressive?  Nope.  Not even to poor, college students.

When you come over to share lunch with me, I know that you do not do so because my kitchen skills are so unbelievable (all though you might describe them as such).  I ASSUME you come because you value spending time with me -- just as my invite is my expression of how much I value you.  

I won't be serving Fennel-Crusted Lamb on Toast or Queso Fundido with Chorizo.  Actually, I quite regularly offer my friends Egg Salad Sandwiches.   Chicken Salad if I'm trying to be fancy.  And you know what?  My friends sit down with their simple fare on paper plates just as happy as if it were Crab Salad with Avocado and Tostones.  At least, I think they do!  And, on the right day, with the right person, and the right conversation -- an Egg Salad Sandwich can be quite extraordinary.  Encouragement.  Refreshment.  A life touched.

Christmas always brings out my celebratory side.  The decorations, the music, the food,  -- all communicate that something special is happening. I feel especially drawn to encouraging others this time of year.  Not just friends, but my family too.  

Of course, my family, like most is MORE busy than usual this time of year.  Billy coaches basketball MOST nights of the week/weekend...right through Christmas.  Schools schedule parties and concerts.  My business is growing and my highschoolers are studying for finals and making college visits.  Church, shopping, wrapping, mailing, etc, etc, etc.  So...I never get to all that I'd like to do.  INFACT, I find myself simplifying more and more each year.  Presence of mind and a peaceful heart are great gifts to give myself, my husband and my children, yes?

This year in particular, time and financial restraints have forced me to settle on 2 events.  My brainstorming list looked something like this...

Hosanna's 16th Birthday Party

Gingerbread House Party

Dinner Party for Friends

Cookie Decorating Party with Eli's friends

Movie Party for Teens

Christmas Caroling Party for my music students and their families

Pinterest Party

Free Trade Party

So, here's my FREE tip for the day.  Consider it your Christmas gift from me.  Really, it's one of my best.  Here it goes. DURING THIS BUSY SEASON, WHEN YOU HAVE EVENTS TO HOST, PLAN THEM BACK TO BACK.  I know.  I know.  At first read, you think I'm crazy.  

We have planned Hosanna's Birthday Party for Friday night, The Christmas Caroling Party for my students for Saturday night.  Here is the BIGGEST PRO:

I WILL ONLY CLEAN, COOK AND DECORATE THE HOUSE ONCE.

Ah ha moment.  Now, you see my wisdom?  

I will keep it simple.  Hosanna's party, at her request, is Open House style with light "christmasy" snacks for 2 hours.  Then, her best friends will stay later for a relaxed movie night.  This allows our extended family, our beloved youth pastors and their kids, Hosanna's friends with jobs AND their families to come and go as it's best for them.  It's insures I'll have plenty of space to accommodate people as they all won't be here at the same time (ideally).  And, it gives her some extra, quite time for Hosanna with her bestest friends.  Perfectly perfect.

My Caroling Party for our music students and their families will involve A LOT of people.  Frankly, standing room only in the upper level of my house.  I've announced that the price of admission is a plate of goodies.  I've asked EVERYONE to help.  When a mom recently said, "What about paper goods?  Can I bring those?"  My answer is "Yes".  When another mom texted and said "I know I'm late with my RSVP, can I still come?  I'll bring 2 plates of goodies!"  My answer is "Yes".  Even my neighbors, "Can we offer the carolers Hot Cocoa and Candy Canes"?  Yes.  Yes.  And Yes.  I will re-wash the table cloth, set out my Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that I will prepare the day before, straighten the pile of Christmas Carol Songbooks I made a few years ago, plan our route through my neighborhood (while it snows btw) and that will be that.  The natural way of things will take it's course.  People will visit.  Catch up.  Make new friends.  Our vocal students will lead us in a "warm up" -- we'll savor some Christmas goodies -- and then donned in winter coats, hats and scarves we'll make our way out my front door in the snow and up the street to sing carols for the neighbors.  We will end at the home of our neighborhoods newest members.  They lost their previous home, everything including Christmas decorations, in the fires that ravaged parts of Colorado this summer.  We will belt out a rousing rendition of "Frosty the Snowman", and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".  We will enjoy the moment as we sing "Silent Night" under the stars and end with a heart felt "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".  As we make our way back to our cars, I will know that we, I,  have not done anything impressive.  Our group will not have been THAT "entertaining".  But, others will have felt joy, encouraged, refreshed, valued.  A life touched.

Now, as YOUR Christmas gift to moi, how's about you leave a comment with YOUR best "entertaining" tip!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

7 things to consider when looking for a music teacher...

Researchers have confirmed what piano teachers and moms have known all along, that music lessons really do make kids smarter!

Dr. Frances Rauscher from the University of California at Irvine is recognized for work correlating music - specifically piano instruction - and intelligence. His study, which is focused on the importance of music in the early developmental stages of childhood, has been widely recognized as ground breaking, attracting much media attention. His findings have stated that music lessons are far superior to computer instruction in developing the abstract reasoning skills needed for math and science.

Children who received piano/keyboard instruction performed 34% higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability than others.

But when looking for a music teacher, what things should you consider?

Here are 7 qualifications to add to your list that you may not have thought of.

1. Does the teacher have an infectious love of music that can be transferred to the heart of your child?

We all know that becoming an accomplished musician requires time, commitment and practice. But, why commit to something over a long period of time that you do not enjoy?

All small children love music. Look for a teacher who can cultivate and grow this love over the long haul. There will be seasons of commitment and hard work, but that should be balanced by seasons of passion and joy.

2. Look for a teacher who encourages music to be a family affair.

Few of us like to be isolated and sent off alone, especially young children! Any teacher who says a young child should be sent to the piano alone for 30 minutes a day, doesn't have enough early childhood training to warrant your time and money.

Music lessons can be enjoyed by and benefit the entire family! Look for a teacher who understands the needs of younger children. Discuss with them ways to make practice more like play than punishment.

Music does require discipline, but small amounts over a consistent period of time = fulfilling progress without tear!

3. Open Door Policy - If music is to be a family affair, it goes without saying that parents should have access to their child and teacher - during the lesson. You MAY not know a lot about music, but you can tell if teaching and learning are happening.

4. Does your child like the teacher?

I believe children innately like to be around adults who love well. Make sure your child "clicks" with his or her teacher. They should enjoy one another. Your child should feel encouraged and challenged, not condemned or afraid.

5. Patience is a virtue.

All teachers need patience and piano teachers are no exception. Find someone with the patience to give your child a good foundation. Rushing isn't good. In music, the muscle memory alone required to master a level requires much repetition.

6. Process not performance...

Music lessons are naturally "performance" oriented - sit this way, hold your hands that way, read the music like this, etc.

Young children grow weary of this. Find someone who can take these performance concepts and disguise them within the process and joy of learning something new. Everything doesn't have to be perfect all the time. We learn music because we love music!

7. A music teacher is ultimately there to assist YOU, the parent, in drawing out the gifts, talents, and interest that reside within your child. A good teacher will be attentive to the goals of your family and will attempt to tailor a program that meets the needs of your child and your family!

Musically,

Shanna Ramsdell

Small Beginnings

Years ago now..16 to be exact...B was preparing to come on staff at his home church in Valrico, Florida.  He would spend his days working on everything from leading worship...to small groups...to outreach.  The position was a big deal for 2 very young, newly married, Bible School Students and this church in particular was a place we really wanted to be...under a Pastor we had a great deal of admiration for.


Elizabeth Joy had recently rocked entered our world and although I was passionate (and busy) with both motherhood and ministry, I still felt led to pray for my own niche - which I hoped would fall outside the realm of baby diapers and church.


Having been a Performance Music Major, my mother-in-law gave me the family piano and I tossed around the idea of teaching.  My across-the-street neighbor was a sweet, kindly music teacher with more than 20 years experience and on occassion we'd find ourselves chatting about the subject.


I remember clearly the day I decided that I would begin teaching piano lessons.  I said to B, "Well, if I'm going to do this, I need to advertise.  God's not just going to drop students in my lap."  About an hour later, my neighbor knocked on our back door (those are still in use in the South) and said, "Here is the name and number of a mom who would like piano lessons.  I can't take anymore students in my schedule so, I thought of you.  Infact, why don't I recommend you to people who call me from now on."  I guess God can do whatever He wants to do.

Thus began a little cottage industry where I would teach music while Elizabeth Joy played on a baby blanket on the floor and B was out saving the world (so to speak).

Over the years, I continued to teach private music lessons while expanding my abilities -- teaching classroom music in schools of all types and becoming a liscensed Kindermusik Educator.


16 years in and I'm ready to take on the expanded role of mentor and encourager to  young teachers, just like me, looking to make the world a better place and instill a love of music in young students in Colorado Springs.

This coming year, my studio, Creative Music Concepts will be expanding to offer private lessons in more than one location in our city.  We will once again be offering Kindermusik classes to children and their parents/caregivers ages 3 months - 5 years old.  We've hired teachers, wonderful musicians in their own right, and the kind of young people you really want your kids to be around.

Now, will you help us by spreading the word?  You and your friends can "like" us on Facebook by searching Creative Music Concepts.  Also, feel free to pass along our information should you come across anyone needing private piano lessons or might be interested in Kindermusik classes.


We are grateful for the rich place God has brought us too, in our family, in ministry and in business.  We look forward to the next 16 years and living life well with many of you.


Blessings,
Shanna and Billy Ramsdell 719-290-2449