Author: Dianne Hammerand

Songwriting Camp

Ready to take a five-day journey to write a song? Of course you are! It’s a great way to start working with music and lyrics in a new way. It’ll also give you an appreciation for all the music you hear over your favorite streaming service. (Who listens to the radio anymore? AM, FM, XM – oh my!)

MTMS will introduce you to noteflight (where we do our compositions) as well as learning all the basics of songwriting. Words become lyrics and it is a lot like poetry to tell a story. Also there’s bits of songs that are important to understand, not just a verse and a chorus. There are specific places and times for the chorus, the verses, and all the other bits- intro, outro, bridge, and hook as well as what kind of tempo and notes are used. For example, if you use a key like E minor, you’re probably going to sound like you’ve got a blues song. But in a key like C major, you’re going to have a more upbeat sound.

One more cool thing about songwriting camp is that you get to work with others on your music and also on theirs. You get to experience the new songs and even collaborate with your fellow campers.

Someone sign me up, please! These kids are obviously in sync with it already.

Playing Music in a Group

Upcoming Rock Band Camp – a great time to try out all of these benefits – sign up for the week of July 15th from 12 to 4pm.

More social interaction: Being part of a musical group brings people together. This can help against isolation and depression. It encourages the members to overcome shyness. Also, bringing together a group of musicians increases cooperation between them.

Working with a teacher or a conductor brings new learning styles and techniques for the group rather than a single player. Listening abilities and communication skills are enhanced in the group setting. This is a great way to get exposed to new genres and new styles of playing.

Playing in a group can accelerate learning of techniques. It improves timing, rhythm, and focus.

If you’ve never tried playing in a group, start now. It’s a great way to begin a new musical journey.

June Theme: Mash-Ups

This month’s theme is hard to envision – mash-ups of music? But there are all kinds of music, and we love to find new ways to put it together.

Try this playlist if you’re ready to keep up with the kids: (256) MTMS June 2024 Listening Playlist – Mashups – YouTube If you’re not ready to keep up with the kids, remember that we’re all on our own music pages and also that exposure to new music can give your brain a good workout.

Enjoy these mash-ups, and see what it brings to your appreciation of the music you already know and love.