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SMD Gives To The Community

On Sunday September 18th we performed at a benefit for a local recovery program called Help Not Handcuffs NJ Celebrates Recovery in Middletown. It was wonderful to be asked to donate our time and talent to a really worthy cause and a chance to have some fun performing our original music. There were interesting speakers, artists, Colton and I played a long set and Ross, one of our music and drama instructors did a terrific set of Magic! A great time was had by all and awareness and funds were raised. If you are involved in a cause or charity and could use our talents at an event please ask. 

 

celebrate recovery jim josselyn colton kayser

Benefits of Playing Piano

the benefits OF PLAYING PIANO

THE PHYSICAL AND mental benefits of playing music have long been recognized. The piano, in particular, has been an unparalleled outlet for those seeking escape, creative expression, and simply fun and joy. Recent years have only seen more evidence of the benefits of piano come to light, linking music making to a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a healthy life.

IMPROVE THE BODY

Even though you’re sitting down, playing the piano is a workout all its own, and offers different physical and physiological advantages to players of all ages. For instance, regular piano playing sharpens fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination in the young and developing. Additional research has shown that group keyboard lessons for adults and seniors have a significant effect on increased levels of Human Growth Hormone — which slows the adverse effects of aging. Bringing music into your life is also proven to reduce anxiety, heart and respiratory rates, cardiac complications, and to lower blood pressure and increase immune response.

SHARPEN THE INTELLECT

Piano practice also boosts cognitive and intellectual abilities, which is to say it makes you smarter and activates similar parts of the brain used in spatial reasoning and math. Studying piano has also been shown to amazingly improve memory — particularly verbal memory — and build good habits like focus and perseverance, diligence and creativity. Children who had a few years of piano study under their belts could remember twenty percent more vocabulary words than their peers. And childhood musicians are better equipped later in life to retain information from speeches and lectures. Playing piano has been shown to increase spatial-temporal ability, which figures heavily in math, science and engineering. Regular music practice at an early age can even make structural changes to the brain that stay with you for the rest of your life, making your brain more efficient both while playing and in extra-musical endeavors.

Children who had a few years of piano study under their belts could remember twenty percent more vocabulary words than their peers.

CALM THE MIND

Studies show that time spent at the keyboard improves mental health: people who make music experience less anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Playing piano has also been shown to be a great source of stress relief, and provides ample opportunities to bolster self-esteem. It is also a widely used form of therapy for Attention Deficit Disorder.

LIFELONG HEALTH, HEALTHY LIFE

Playing the piano offers a plethora of health benefits that will supplement every part of your life. And that doesn’t even begin to consider the deep cultural network and historical tradition that you join as a piano player and owner. For two hundred years, the piano has been a staple of the home, bringing together families and friends and strengthening communities with the power of music: if you want open up this whole new world of expression to your child call us today and find out how we can help.

            

Grace

Another year, another outstanding recital

School of Music and Drama 2016 Spring Music Recital

What an amazing performance we had this year at a wonderful new location for us, the Middletown Public Library. It just felt like one of those days where everything was lining up just right, from the beautiful room and terrifric baby grand piano in the library performance wing, to the wonderfully sunny day. As usual our three sessions featured students of all ages on all instruments, from five year old beginner pianists to accomplished singer songwriters, violinists, drummers, guitarists and more performing patriotic tunes, broadway show tunes, jazz, classical, rock and roll, movie scores and a number of great original pieces as well. Our students practice, improve compose and perform in a warm, friendly, no pressure environment at our school and in performance in a number of sessions throughout the recital day to ensure an enjoyable experience for the students as well as the audience. Click the link below to see a brief video of our students performing and we'll look forward to seeing you at our next student recital this December!

 

   rsz f recital   rsz 2n recital   rsz c recital

 

Click Here To See And Hear Highlights From The 2016 Spring Music Recital

Earning Money As A Musician

There’s no getting around the fact that this has been a hard year for independent musicians. The vast majority of musicians make their money from live performances, and the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to that industry. Now, it’s become imperative to get creative with different revenue streams. Fortunately, there are still ways to make money in music. And the hard work you put in now, as well as the strategies you learn along the way, are sure to benefit you long after this pandemic is over. 

Become a freelancer.

 As with so many other industries, you can thrive as a freelance musician. By creating a profile on an online job platform, you can begin building your name and attracting clients with your unique skills. Songwriting, composition, and music production services are some of the most popular niches for freelance musicians, but you can also get hired for engineering, playing events, and so much more. 

Teach lessons. 

There has never been a better time to teach virtual lessons. Even with restrictions loosening, people are spending more time at home, and many of them are looking for new skills to learn. And some are specifically trying to find a creative outlet. Lessons usually run for about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can use a video chat app like Zoom or Skype.

Embrace live streams.

Live streams are the closest thing you will get to a live show right now. And technically, a live stream still is a live show — it’s just virtual. Many artists have embraced this art form and figured out how to make it creative and effective. As long as you have the equipment and know-how to produce high-quality audio and video, you can get your performance across with lots of people tuning in. Also, you can sell tickets for the event (or incorporate a digital tip jar) just like you would for a live show in the old days!

Use your website.

Even with the popularity of social media, your website is the virtual face of your product. Make sure it’s up-to-date, engaging, and has all the information and content that you want the world to see and hear. There are many ways to use your website to supplement your income. Selling music and merch directly to your fans is perhaps the most straightforward strategy. However, you can also drive traffic to your site by posting blogs, videos, and other content, which can ultimately lead to a stronger fan base and more sales of your products. 

Get on all streaming platforms. 

Album sales are nothing like they used to be. Nonetheless, streaming revenue can still provide you with a legitimate source of income. Make sure you are uploading your music to all of the major streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.

Monetize your videos. 

Musicians make money on YouTube and social media all the time. Usually, this happens when their music is used on someone else’s channel or on their own. Anytime your songs are heard on platforms like these, you can get a cut of the ad revenue. Try to create as much quality content as you can, and shop it around to YouTube stars and social media influencers.  

Do you want your child to learn an instrument? Your child will achieve great results and love studying music at School of Music and Drama. Call 732-219-1850 to learn more.

Special thanks to Charles Carpenter

We Are Partnering With Applaud Our Kids!

...and we are absolutely thrilled. AOK is a foundation that provides arts education - music, drama, art, dance and more - to students in New Jersey who other wise would not be able to afford them. In addition, Applaud Our Kids does virtual open mic nights, recitals and provides students the opportunity to perform and share what they are learning.

AOK Logo Over the years our School has given back in the form of need base scholarships and by joining AOK we know we can help so many more families. If you know a family who is in need and has a child who is interested in the program please contact us or Applaud Our Kids for more information today.

 

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