Music Classes with Susan Fonger

Raise your left hand!

2012-01-03T19:05:00.001-05:00

I am surprised at how few parents teach the concepts of left hand versus right hand.As soon as a child begins to speak, parents please begin showing your child this all important concept. Your creativity can help your child grasp this at a very young age.

The obvious way to teach this concept is the following: hold up your left hand, then create an "L" with your thumb and pointer finger. Have your child do the same. They will be looking at the topside or outside of their hand, not the inside of the palm. Once they start sounding out words, and they can recognize a phonetic "L" sound, this should help them. My guess is that you can find a lot of other ways to teach this important concept. On the piano, our left hand plays low sounds - another "L" connection.When you talk about left versus right, use the word "correct" for affirmation, not the word "right." I imagine the reason for this is obvious!This concept is so important to success at the piano. Please post your own creative ideas so we can all learn from one another!http://palmbeachmusicclasses.com

10 ways to bring up an unsuccessful child

2011-10-04T21:02:00.003-04:00

This is an amazing article from www.familylife.com

If I offend anyone with this, I apologize in advance. I myself am guilty of some of these 10 when I raised my son, Curtis. Thank goodness my errors were not lasting! He's O.K. in fact, he's doing very well! I'm grateful for the grace of others.

Here is the article:

http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=3575621&ct=10878353¬oc=1

Curt Fonger is Moving On

2011-08-09T14:40:00.000-04:00

Curt Fonger, TV news anchor is moving on, embracing new challenges and opportunities.

Read more here: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/aug/09/veteran-channel-12-news-anchor-curt-fonger-leaving/

And visit his website: http://curtfonger.com

Vocal Development Leads to Decoding Symbols

2011-07-06T17:34:00.002-04:00

All children can learn to sing. The voice is our most important musical instrument, and the children bring it with them to every music class. The use of the child's own voice and body is the point of departure for his or her musical involvement and development. Vocal imitation of all kinds of sounds and the accompaniment of movement with vocal sounds lead to an exploration of the vast range of possibilities of the human voice. Combining vocal exploration with movement is the path to understanding basic concepts of sound and graphic notation.

Beyond Organic with Jordan Rubin is my way to better health

2011-05-15T11:31:00.001-04:00

I'm a member of Beyond Organic so I can have organic food delivered right to my door. If you know Jordan Rubin, and like his vitamins and supplements, you may be interested in his new passion, Beyond Organic. I loved his bestseller The Maker's Diet. Now he has 2500 head of cattle on 8,000 acres in southern Missouri, and spring water in Blue Ridge, Georgia. My friends are joining me now in this new organization for direct distribution of grass fed beef, raw cheese, organic chocolate, probiotics water, and much more. The first products will be available in July.
To find out more, register with me online for free...just click on this link:

http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=1904

From Susan, Independent Mission Marketer

Composition and Improvisation

2011-05-06T13:26:00.003-04:00

When children become fluent in the language of music, such as echoing tonal and rhythm patterns, they enjoy creating their own music, e.g. composing. Using our notation games and cards, they will compose both melodic and rhythmic pieces. Their creations, or compositions, will be performed in my class - sometimes as a solo, and sometimes as individual sections in a class rondo. The practice CD is a big help in this regard, and so is the habit of echoing the patterns after the teacher says or sings them. These patterns also become the building blocks for improvisation. Usually, improvisation occurs at first in the Singing Circle, and then later at the keyboard. (thank you, Musikgarten/Music Matters)

Musical notation games

2011-04-16T13:58:00.000-04:00

Notation means written communication. In music, a composer writes out his musical ideas using notes and a staff, so that others can read and play what that composer created, such as a piece of music, a song, or a symphony. I use notation games in my basic music classes with children as young as 3 years old. I do so after the children have experienced tonal (sound) and rhythm patterns with their voices and their bodies in many different ways.

My notation game cards (yellow, white, blue, red, green) give children objects they can touch and rearrange in many different ways. Tracing the pattern with the finger enhances the kinesthetic memory and leads the children directly to reading when they trace the notation and repeat the sound presented. (source: Music Matters/Musikgarten) These card games allow for repetition, which establishes comprehension of the concepts. And they are fun to play!

These pattern cards allow children to compose their own melodies, their own chants, and ultimately, their own music. And who doesn't like to play and read their own work? http://palmbeachmusicclasses.com and http://musikgarten.org

Why do we begin all our classes with a singing circle?

2011-03-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

In Musikgarten, we begin each class, regardless of level, with a singing circle. This enables us to develop beat, meter, tonality, and patterns.

These musical elements are key to success and are advanced through activities such as:
Tapping the beat while singing - to foster beat competence
Adding a simple body movement, such as rocking from side to side - to lay the foundation for understanding meter
Inviting the children to sing the resting tone at the conclusion of each song - to create an understanding of tonality (the key in which the piece was composed)
Listening to and echoing patterns - to provide the first steps to music literacy
For more information, you can visit http://singingsusan.com or http://musikgarten.org

Intervals and Why They Matter in Music

2011-03-03T11:01:00.002-05:00

Intervals

In music, an interval is the distance between two notes, or two pitches. For example, the distance from C to D is a second, since this involves two “whole” notes (or whole tones). The distance from C to E is a third (3 notes – C,D, and E, skipping over D), and the distance or interval from D to A is a fifth – it involves five whole notes. Traditionally, chords are spelled in intervals of thirds. Musicians are trained to recognize intervals quickly. Many musical directors contend that a knowledge of singing in solfege (or solfeggio) will lead a person to recognize intervals quickly in written music, thus making sight reading easy and fun. When we sing the Italian “Sol, Mi, Do” in Musikgarten, we are singing a third, and then another third. When we sing “Do, Sol,” we are singing a fifth, such as D to A. Reverse that to “Sol, Do,” and it is still a fifth.

Some familiar tunes can help you learn several musical intervals: “Oh, When the Saints” begins with a major third. “Here Comes the Bride” begins with a perfect fourth. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” begins with a perfect fifth and “My Bonnie lies over the Ocean” begins with a major sixth.

When I refer to “do” pronounced dough, I refer to the moveable do on the piano. “Do” can be D, or C, or G, or F, etc. Consequently, all the other solfege syllables move along with “do.”

Note: © Photo of Keys from Wikimedia and Copyrighted by Truls

What is solfege or solfeggio?

2011-02-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

Solfege, solfeggio, or solfa, is a system of attaching short (easy-to-say) syllables to the pitches (notes) of a musical scale.

It is the “use of the sol-fa syllables to note the tones of the scale; solmization.” (www.YourDictionary.com) I first heard of solfege when I watched the movie The Sound of Music, in which Julie Andrews taught the children in her care the song, “Do, Re, Mi.” Later I learned of solfege from my son, Curtis, who had studied this in depth at the American Boychoir School in Princeton from 6^th through the 8^th grade. If you take a major D scale, and sing up 7 pitches, you would sing Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti and then Do again for the higher D. The note names would be D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D.

“The seven syllables commonly used for this practice in English-speaking countries are: do (pronounced dough),re, mi, fa, sol, la, and ti which may be heard in "Do-Re-Mi" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's score for The Sound of Music (Wikipedia)”

With the above, I’m referring to the traditional Western diatonic scale. If you want to study different kinds of scales, Wikipedia has a volume of information on the many different kinds of scales, probably more than you would want to know. The one we Americans are most familiar with is the diatonic scale that exists of whole notes and half notes (or whole tones and semitones).

Musikgarten uses the solfege syllables for its tonal patterns, such as “sol-mi-do.” Also, we use what is called a moveable “do,” not the fixed “do.” Our “do” will change, depending on the key in which we are singing or playing an instrument. This helps with sight-singing, and with understanding and learning intervals in music. My next blog will be about intervals (the distance from one pitch or note to another).

Show Your Child a Major Third

2011-02-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

Musikgarten is a joyful and fun place where toddlers, and preschoolers, and young children experience and learn music fundamentals together.

If you have a piano or keyboard, show your child where the D above middle C is. Most children's singing range is in the key of D. Then find F# (sharp).

Play D and F# together. Ask your child to sing and hold the D while you sing the F# at the same time. This will take some practice for most people. Try it every day for 5 days.

Why we use hoops and scarves in a music class with young children

2011-01-28T13:12:00.000-05:00

Exploration of the space defined by the hoop is helpful to the child in order to establish the boundaries within which s/he can move. Moving a hoop up, down, and around the body further identifies its space, contributing to the building of body image. Later on, around age 5, a child needs to learn the concept of high notes versus low notes. A hoop is perfect for learning this concept in a very concrete way.

With scarves, spatial concepts are clarified and directionality (up/down, side/side) is greatly enhanced. The light, flowing movement of the scarf also leads the child naturally to expressive movement, and children need to move in order to learn. Source: Musikgarten, Music Matters

Which comes first - writing music or reading music?

2011-01-20T17:55:00.000-05:00

Writing music comes first for children starting at age 4. If a children writes a symbol that represents a sound, the child can "read:" what he or she has written. Reading what someone else has written is far more difficult for the child, even though it is certainly possible for some children.
Around age 4, the hand of the child is physically ready to write, to leave a mark, to express his or her own thoughts. Writing is a simpler process than reading, because the sound to be written is known to the writer. Reading, however, is more complex since it involves the analysis of each graphic symbol into its unique sound. The act of decoding (reading) is a translation of someone else's thoughts, which represent an unknown, whereas writing language is self-expression - recognizable by the writer (or the child who wrote it). I like to have 4 year olds draw their own notes for the sounds we know so well. We begin with Sol, Mi, and Do, starting at the top of the page and descending to the middle, and then to the bottom. This prepares them for the act of decoding musical notation at the appropriate time! (source: Musikgarten/Music Matters)

Impulse Control

2011-01-09T17:56:00.000-05:00

Many activities and songs used in the Musikgarten curriculum help children learn impulse control. One song in particular that we enjoy is called 7 Jumps, and helps children wait with anticipation and joy. Another one is called "Walk and Stop." Many activities involve waiting for your turn, and the children learn this quickly and without complaining.

Intervals and Resonator Bars

2010-11-05T09:44:00.004-04:00

We can teach musical intervals using resonator bars, and it's fun!

Where is finger number 1 in music?

2010-10-24T19:32:00.000-04:00

It depends on whether you play the piano or whether you play the violin.
If you play the piano, your thumb is finger number one.
But if violin is your instrument, then your pointer finger is finger number one.
Talk about confusing if you play both!
Since I play the piano, I advocate the thumb as finger number one. Most adults hold up their pointer fingers when I ask them for their first finger. Interesting!

Is your child too old to learn to sing?

2010-08-18T22:15:00.000-04:00

We have a window of opportunity to help children develop their musical abilities. They can learn to sing on pitch, to move gracefully, and to keep a steady beat. This window is from birth to about age 9. This is the time when the brain is receptive to learning a new language, and music is a second language. The earlier you start, the better. Begin with ear training and listening skills, and add movement and motions to your teaching.

Susan Fonger and student

http://palmbeachmusicclasses.com

Singing range of a 3 year old

2010-08-17T17:33:00.000-04:00

What can we expect the singing range of a three-year-old to be? About 3 notes, such as C, D, and E. As they mature, they will be able to sing an octave in range, or about 8 pitches or notes. The more we model singing for them as parents, the more they will want to sing.

Why does do, re, mi solfege help me read music?

2010-08-09T21:52:00.001-04:00

In musical ear training, solfège is a technique for the teaching of sight-singing in which each note of the score is sung to a special syllable, called a solfège syllable. The seven syllables used for this practice in English-speaking countries are: do (or doh ), re, mi, fa, sol (so in tonic), la, and ti/si, which may be heard in "Do-Re-Mi" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's score for The Sound of Music.
Learning solfege in singing very naturally leads to recognizing musical intervals in music notation, in an easy and organic way. The beginning of “Here Comes the Bride” is a fourth, and is sung in solfege as do fa, fa, fa in your major 5-finger position on the piano. This method leads to lifelong musical literacy and learning when singing or playing a musical instrument. Thank you, Wikipedia, for the skeleton of this post.

Parent feedback about the Musikgarten Workshop

2010-02-22T14:21:00.000-05:00

"We really really enjoyed listening to you and learning more about this super program. We feel so grateful to have found you and grateful that our daughter is learning such great music, values, notes, rhythm etc.. I've played the piano since I was 3 years old and it's only by sight. I've always struggled because it's not by ear... so if she can learn to hear something and play it on her instrument- that would be amazing. We have been singing "tap hello to (name), tap hello to (name) tap hello" all weekend long,. It's in my brain!!! ahhh can't stop signing my words! love it!!! ;)"

Make your own shakers

2010-02-09T21:33:00.001-05:00

Make your own African shaker, a percussion instrument - here is the link for the how to

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-type/music-instruments/musical-instruments/shekere-665646/

History of Treble and Bass Clef

2010-02-02T20:20:00.001-05:00

Nice graphic representation of the evolution of the Treble Clef and the Bass Clef

http://www.cybermusicacademy.org/lesson5.htm

Teach musical finger numbers early

2010-01-30T20:13:00.003-05:00

Ask a friend to hold up his/her first finger. Many adults will hold up their "pointer," or their second finger. In music, your thumb is finger number one, pinky is number five and so on. Make up a game or a song in the car and have your child sing it with you as they wiggle each finger. Remember, one through five for each hand, not one through ten. That would be another error for future musical success. The left hand mirrors the right hand so put your right hand up to a mirror and talk about that with your child as well. When your child traces his or her hand on a piece of paper, help them number the fingers one through five on the right and five through one on the left.

Link to a great site for teaching methods

2010-01-22T22:09:00.000-05:00

Here is a fun site for parents and for music teachers. Learn a little more about solfege here and music and movement - go to
http://www.classicsforkids.com/teachers/training/handsigns.asp

Sweet Potato Ocarina is Fun to Play

2009-12-12T14:03:00.003-05:00

Looking for something fun for your elementary-age child to play? Try the ocarina, or the sweet potato. You'll find it on amazon. It may be easier to learn than the recorder. Here is the definition from wikipedia...

The ocarina (pronounced /ɒkəˈriːnə/) is an ancient flute-like wind instrument.[1] While several variations exist, an ocarina is typified by an oval-shaped enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouth tube projecting out from the body. It is often ceramic, but many other materials, such as plastic, wood, glass and metal may also be used. http://wikipedia.com

I got one from a music store, and the directions on the back appeared to make learning this easy (I hope). I sent it to a nephew for Christmas, so now I'm hunting for another one. I may just get this from amazon today!

Recipe for Swine Flu Protection

2009-10-22T18:08:00.003-04:00

Recipe to protect yourself from the swine flu - or to use if you get it to speed recovery!

2,000 units of vitamin D a day
12 caplets of probiotics such as "Garden of Life" Primal Defense - daily - (if you use another brand, you'll need to calculate the safe dosage)
2 to 4 TBSP pure coconut oil
12 drops of oil of oregano
Use as a mouthwash twice a day – 2 TBSP colloidal silver solution (do not swallow)

A friend of mine - his teenage daughter got the swine flu, and he says this recipe helped her to get over the flu fast. A couple of months ago, a report on www.cbn.com stated that there is scientific evidence that vitamin D and probiotics boost the immune system, helping to ward off any flu.

Circle dances and singing create a sense of community

2009-10-10T21:49:00.005-04:00

Even the very young begin to enjoy the pleasure of the circle, and listening and moving together. Rhythm, melody, and form are experienced directly in singing games. Because they are so joyous, the group will often want to repeat the games frequently. The repetitions of song combined with movement/dance are helpful in aiding auditory, muscular, and kinesthetic memory in a positive way. Forming a circle is an age-old way of playing together. Circle dances are tied to the tradition of folk dance, and both the songs and dances learned in that context are children's treasured memories. They are shared and passed on from generation to generation.

How to learn musical intervals

2009-10-02T15:12:00.003-04:00

Musical intervals are easy when you use these mnemonics (memory aides) - the beginning(s) of "Oh When the Saints" is a perfect third, "Here Comes the Bride" is a fourth, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is a fifth, and "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" is a sixth! - Thank you Allen Webber of Palm Beach Community College!

Halloween Safety Tips

2009-09-26T20:34:00.004-04:00

A great alternative to Trick or Treating is for parents to organize parties at home, in schools, at a mall, community center, or places of worship.

If you do make the rounds in a neighborhood, here are some safety tips:
# Have adult supervision.
# There is safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.
# Map out your plan. Plan out a route before your kids begin trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it.
# Take the long way around. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.
# Try tick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
# Stay outside. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.
# Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.
# Remember, shorter means safer. This goes without saying but just in case you forget, make sure your kids’ costumes aren’t so long that they can trip over them.
# Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.
# Check your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
# Say "no" to strangers.

What to expect from a 2 year old in music class

2009-09-17T13:04:00.003-04:00

For the first couple of weeks, children in this age group (18 months to 2 ½ yrs) tend to listen and absorb, and to watch and see if the parent is participating and enjoying the class. It's usually the 3rd week that we will see the child participating and responding, even singing. The more the parent sings and enjoys the simple instruments, the more the child will. And no one has to sing on pitch. Some parents "talk" the lyrics if they don't want to sing - that's OK. If you are listening to the CD on a regular basis, like in the car, you may hear your child singing along, or responding well to the tonal and rhythm patterns. We often observe a "delayed" response from them a couple of hours after class is over, such as the rhythm pattern, du-de-du-de. Music is a second language, and all children begin to learn a new language by simply listening.

Why "Call and Respond Songs" Build a Child's Self Esteem

2009-09-04T16:50:00.000-04:00

Call-and-respond songs are especially valuable because they draw everyone into participation quickly. They usually have a melody that is repeated in the response, or a short repetitive answer. They are enjoyed by adults and children alike.
I use these songs to give children oppotunities to respond individually. After the children are secure in their musical environment, it is vital to encourage them to respond individually. Each child has the opportunity to hear his or her own voice, and gradually learn to adjust it if they so choose. Examples are: Good Day, Hambone, and My Little Rooster

Why Gentle Bouncing is Beneficial in Music Classes for Children

2009-08-27T16:25:00.003-04:00

With bouncing activities the adult can give the child a full-body experience of steady beat. This is especially important in our time, when adults and children alike spend a lot of time in a seated position (car, couch, etc). The rhythmic up-and-down movement on the parents' legs is very stimulating to the whole body of the child. The movement also enhances the vestibular function of the ear, which is to register body position, movement, balance, and speed.

The toddler feels confident holding the parents' hands and is free to enjoy a kinesthetic response to movement. Located in the muscles, joints, and tendons of the body, the kinesthetic system gives information on how the movement feels while it is happening. While in air momentarily, the child experiences a feeling of weightlessness that stimulates the brain's energy. The sound of the voice itself is pleasurable and energizing and heightens the delight of the rhythmic bouncing.

Movie about music and science - a must-see

2009-08-22T16:27:00.002-04:00

Music teachers and music lovers, see this movie: Science and Song, The Music Instinct. We rented it from netflix. See reviews on amazon - http://www.amazon.ca/Music-Instinct-Science-Song/dp/product-description/B0028X6KYW

Why we use Name Songs in Musikgarten

2009-08-20T21:12:00.002-04:00

A child's name is his/her identity. To greet a child by calling him/her by name is not only an especially pleasing personal greeting, but it is also an affirmation of the child's personhood. Singing a name identifies and calls attention to a particular child, acknowledging his/her presence in the beauty of the musical setting.

Not only do the children wait with rapt attention to hear their own name, they also want to hear the welcome extended to each other, many of whom are known as "my friend."
These "name" songs give the children an opportunity to respond individually. After the child is secure in his/her musical environment, the opportunity to respond individually is critical for vocal development.

All babies can sing

2009-08-05T21:56:00.000-04:00

All babies are born with the ability to match pitch - scientists and neurologists say this is a proven fact. If this is not developed by age 5 or 6, this ability usually fades away, resulting in adults with poor self-musical-image. After all, music is a 2nd language, learned first through the ear.

Encourage creativity in your child with music

2009-07-27T17:23:00.003-04:00

When you notice your baby cooing vocal slides, imitate them. When your toddler or preschooler sings a song or a rhythm, reply in the same musical way. Any tune will do. Make instruments from things you find in the kitchen (I bet you already have). There are some great ideas for homemade instruments on www.familyfun.com
Provide simple instruments of good quality sound such as jingle bells, shakers, and rhythm sticks. You can keep these in your car and take them out one at a time when you and your child are listening to a CD. Explore just one instrument at a time. Explain that these are not toys, and they need to be treated with respect. (Thanks to Jan Boner and ECMMA www.ecmma.org for the above ideas from "Perspectives," Winter 2007)

Blueberry Cheese Pie

2009-07-25T13:15:00.002-04:00

The best!
Crumb crust
1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
2 TBPS sugar
pinch salt
1/2 (1 stick) melted butter, unsalted

Combine crumbs, sugar and salt in bowl and toss together with fork. Add butter and stir well til blended. With your fingers, press and pat the mixt. over the bottom and sides of a 9 in. pie pan. Bakd crist in a preheated 325 (165 C) oven for 8 min., then cool before filling.

Cheese custard filling
8 oz cream cheese, at room temp.
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract, the real thing
2 egss

For the berries:
2 cups blueberries, washed
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 TBSP cornstarch mixed with 2 TBSP water (do this almost last)

Preheat oven to 325.
Make the cheese filling: In bowl, combine the cheese, sugar, and vanilla and beat well til mixed and smooth. Beat 2 eggs in small bowl and then stir gently into cheese mixture - use a whisk to blend together. Pour this into cooled, baked shell and bake until just set, 25 to 30 min. Remove from oven and let it cool.
While custard is cooking, combine berries, water and sugar in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 4 or 5 min., stirring once. Remove from heat and add the cornstarch and water mixture. Bring back to boil and cook for about 1 min., if necessary (mine does not need this part for some reason). Remove from heat and let cool til tepid. Spoon the berries over the custard. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Makes one 9 inch single crust pie.

Your child can sing

2009-07-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

All children are innate singers! In fact, the cooing of a child is very light, high, and musical. By keeping the child in a singing-rich environment your child will retain his/her singing voice and gain control of it in an ever-expanding range. And singing songs, playing instruments, dancing, and rocking with you elevates these experiences so they live on in the mind of the child forever.

Add a blog to your rss reader so you know about updates

2009-07-23T12:43:00.001-04:00

You can add my blog to your rss feed reader on your favorite website. I just added mine to My Yahoo reader http://my.yahoo.com/p/2.html

Musikgarten music classes for children and parents

2009-07-22T21:25:00.001-04:00

Musikgarten is an international early childhood music program for babies,

toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their caregivers. Founder Lorna

Heyge pioneered this research-based, developmentally-appropriate early

childhood music curriculum that includes adult involvement.

All children can learn to sing on pitch and keep a beat. By providing real

music experiences in addition to teaching concepts about music, Musikgarten

immerses children in the joy of making music.

Musikgarten's programs awaken and develop your child's inborn joy and talent

for making music. Early childhood is the optimal time to start this musical

journey. Starting with the first course at 6 months and continuing through

Music Makers at the Keyboard at age 6 years, your child steps across that

important bridge from general music learning to instrumental skills. Share

the lifetime gift of music with your child.

Hotwire failed me

2009-07-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

Until now, I have had a good experience using hotwire to book a great hotel room. I found out the hard way that if you choose a 2 1/2 star "hotel" you can end up in an awful "motel." This happened to me last week when I wanted to stay in Tifton, GA overnight on my way to Ellijay. I ended up in a Holiday Inn motel, which was pretty awful, scary, and with a creature crawling up the wall the moment I stepped into the room. Earlier in the day, I had called both hotwire and the Holiday Inn trying to change, to upgrade, to cancel, whatever, but once you book it, you are stuck, unless there's a funeral in the family, or a written doctor's rx. No exceptions, I don't think. Of course I survived the night, but it was mostly sleepless since anyone could have broken into my room. Therefore, with hotwire, I'll stick to 3 1/2 stars and up in the future. That just might insure a Hotel. Comments welcome, I'm all ears. - Susan

My blog on Yahoo News Reader

2009-07-21T21:26:00.000-04:00

I just added my blog url to My Yahoo News Reader. You can too, and you will receive an alert whenever a new blog is published. http://susansmusik.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

How to improve your singing voice

2009-07-21T18:30:00.000-04:00

Are you afraid to sing? Try apple cider vinegar and honey and warm water in the morning - it will improve your vocal chords, truly! 2 TBSP vinegar, 2 TBSP honey, and 1/2 cup of warm water - tastes good and works like a charm! - Susan www.singingsusan.com

How to start a blog

2009-07-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

Do you want to start a blog, but you are not sure where to begin? And do you want to be able to monetize your blog? Go to iTunes and search Tom Antion. Download his one hour audio guide for $4.95. He is fantastic. I'm sure his website is filled with free hints and tips, along with some ads, of course. Here is his webpage from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Antion/e/B001HD33V2/ref=ep_sprkl_at_B001HD33V2?pf_rd_p=479564851&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=Tom%20Antion&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=05KNJDA157QVG5697RNF

Keep your children happy in the car with music

2009-07-09T22:18:00.000-04:00

Going on a road trip this summer with your children? Don't forget to take your favorite music with you. Before you starti hearing "Are we there yet?" just put in your cd or i-pod and play some broadway tunes, your Musikgarten CD, or whatever music you and your family enjoy together. If you are singing along with the CD, you will soon discover that your children will sing along too. Find a song that you ALL like, then turn off the CD and see if everyone can sing the song without the CD help. Have a contest to see who can sing all the words from memory! With music, you'll arrive at your destination happy, with a lot fewer sibling arguments.

Paris Creperie to go far for

2009-07-07T22:01:00.000-04:00

A fabulous find of a restaurant in Paris, thanks to our budget tourbook - the Breizh Creperie - in the 3eme arrondissement, in the neighborhood called Le Marais - every dish was exquisite and very reasonable - finally, something that didn't hurt our wallets too much, and every bite was delicieux. Once I find the metro stop and address, I'll let you know.

Want a Better Marriage?

2009-07-06T23:05:00.000-04:00

Does it feel like your marriage is on the rocks? Check out this website - Chris Siggins has it together - http://www.rockmyfamily.com/

Pack your suitcase easily

2009-07-04T16:42:00.000-04:00

Use a packing list and check off your items as you pack.
I've been using one for years and it's cut my packing time in half, maybe more. With this method, I can even pack over several days when I find 15 min. here, 10 min. there.
There are so many websites with packing lists - I have created one that works for me over the past 15 years. Here is one website: http://www.independenttraveler.com/packing/

Recipe for Duck Breasts from Williams Sonoma

2009-07-03T15:43:00.000-04:00

I had such fabulous duck in Paris and in Chartres - now I want to learn how to prepare this myself...check out this duck recipe from Williams Sonoma http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/recipedetail.cfm?objectid=6CDF2E07-48ED-47FA-B5AF14BA3CC57AD1

Cheap Plane Tickets

2009-07-02T17:46:00.000-04:00

99 percent of the time, I find the best airline fares at www.sidestep.com especially after I have refined the search

Can Loud Music Hurt Your Ears?

2009-07-01T21:27:00.000-04:00

Find out if loud music can hurt your ears
http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/rock_music.html

One Week in Paris, France - Part One

2009-06-30T12:29:00.000-04:00

A week in Paris, Part one

Money – if we paid 10 euros for a meal, that meant about $14 US – per person of course. 10 euros for a "plat du jour" would be a really good find – appetizer, entrée, drink, and dessert. Most places were from 16 to 19 euros for a "plat du jour" or "prix fixe."

You will need euros the minute you land in France, so have about:

40 – shuttle from airport to hotel or to the Etoile for two people

12 – lunch (for one)

12 – dinner (for one)

10 – tips

5 – internet café unless your hotel guarantees you internet access

5 – metro tickets

Total for first day: 84 or 85 Euros – so just make it an even 100 euros (buy these before you leave) (85 euros translates to about $118 US) Here in the U.S., it can take about 3 business days for your bank to obtain your paper euros, so plan ahead.

Actually, add 20 euros if there are two of you who would like to eat (and who doesn’t?).

The ATM machines in airports often charge a hefty transaction fee for the exchange.

If you arrive on a Sunday, as we did, be prepared to find very few places open, sigh.

Bank of America is a good choice, because they are a partner of BNP ParisBas. As far as I know, when you withdraw euros from one of their ATM machines (and they are all over the place), they charge you a 1% transaction fee - but I'll confirm that and update with a future blog. We were allowed to withdraw 400 euros daily from the ATM. Yes, there is a limit as to how much you can take out. Maybe your limit will be higher than ours. The one we used the most was the BNP on the Champs Elysee near the George V Metro stop.

There were many places that took Mastercard and VISA but not American Express cards. Watch out – you will probably be paying extra fees for using your credit card to pay for purchases, meals, or hotels, and the cashier is not about to disclose any of that to you as a general rule.

Bon Voyage!

Go to Fodors for free travel answers

2009-06-16T23:19:00.000-04:00

If you want some great, up-to-date travel advice, sign up for the forum on www.fodors.com

It's free - just post your question and you'll probably get some good answers within hours.

Going overseas? Buy an international calling card - cheap!

How to Choose Movie Rentals Kids can Watch too

2009-06-15T18:23:00.000-04:00

Do you want to know exactly what's in the movie, in other words, the language, the violence, and other negative elements?
Before you add something to your queue or go to Blockbuster, visit this site:

www.kids-in-mind.com

Movie ratings that actually work. I must admit, I have a hard time reading the "violent scenes" they include but this site will tell you EXACTLY what you can expect in each movie! I like to know what profanity I will encounter, and this site always tells me what I need to know.

Other good sites to check are:

www.dove.org
and
www.crosswalk.com (click on movies)

Another site would be that of Michael Medved for some good reviews - I think!:

www.michaelmedved.townhall.com

Go Green for Life with Green Smoothies

2009-06-14T16:20:00.000-04:00

I have just finished reading Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko www.rawfamily.com
It has totally changed my attitude toward diet and nutrition.
I now have a Vitamix blender, and consume green smoothies daily. I can already see the difference in my hair and nails after just one week. My sugar cravings has lessened and I have more energy. I never thought I would eat kale or dandelion greens, but here I am loving it!

Use honey and fruit with your green smoothies, and your children will love them too. So much calcium, potassium, and all the good stuff your body needs! Yum.

Flying overseas this summer?

2009-06-13T18:42:00.000-04:00

If you go to Europe this summer, be aware that vendors will now add on a 3% charge to your bill when you use your credit cards like VISA www.fodors.com

Also, if you plan to wear a mask on the plane, make sure it is at least N95 particulate to be effective. Check with the cdc website before you pack...

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/

A great game to play with children on a plane is Monopoly (or so many others) on your laptop -

http://www.boardgamecentral.com/games/monopoly.html

Advice on choosing your seats on a plane

2009-06-08T13:46:00.000-04:00

Experience may not be the best teacher, but it's a surefire way to learn. I just learned about seats on a huge transatlantic plane and how to choose yours. Before you make your selection, go to http://www.seatguru.com

Have the name of the airplane handy, such as Airbus A333
Then you can see which seats are better, which have less leg room, which to try for, and which ones to avoid.
I wish I had known this before my husband and I chose our seats for our Paris trip. We have seats with almost no leg room, and seats that are a bit more narrow than the rest of them! I'm hoping to be able to change them somehow, but yesterday that was not possible.
Yes, I know this has nothing to do with music but it might help with parenting if you are taking your children with you on a long trip.

The Magic of Musikgarten - just one example

2009-05-27T15:28:00.000-04:00

Tom, age 18 months, joined my youngest class just 4 weeks ago. I'm told he does not talk much at all yet, only some isolated words. I was also told he is extremely shy. On his first visit, he stayed outside in the hall and pretty much cried for 30 minutes. His second class, he did not cry, but he stood by the door, facing the door the whole time. His third class he came with his grandma June and sat next to her, but did not participate, he observed - no crying this time. Today, his fourth class, as we sang "Baa baa black sheep," he began to clap. For 3 songs after that one, he continued to clap in time with the rhythm. At one point, he went over to 1 yr old Heather and handed her an egg shaker. After using our scarves for "Peek a boo," he came and neatly put his scarf in my scarf bag. When we sang "Coming 'round the mountain," he distinctly sang "Toot, toot" when we did, as well as some other words that we adults did not fully understand. June's eyes filled up with tears of joy, as did mine. What a moment! This is just one example of why I LOVE Musikgarten. When we sing and dance to the right kind of music, we are speaking their language and magic moments really do happen. - Susan

One Finger Touch

2009-05-24T16:04:00.000-04:00

When our son was 2, naturally he wanted to touch everything in sight. His dad, Curt, did not want to stifle his curiosity, but he also wanted to protect Curtis and delicate items from a dangerous consequence. He told Curtis he could touch ANYTHING with just one finger, lightly, but that he would need special permission to touch anything with more than just one finger. When Curtis would get close to a breakable item, reaching out his little hand to grab it, Dad would remind him in his deep voice, "one finger touch, Curtis." After about 8 times of this exercise, Curtis got it. In stores, in the houses of friends, in our house, everywhere, Curtis would touch something (not fire) with one finger, and no harm came to the object, nor to our 2 year old. Of course use your common sense here - we did not let him get near a fan, fire, danger, etc. But the one finger touch solved a multitude of challenges!

Make Some Fun Musical Instruments

2009-05-07T18:25:00.000-04:00

CHIMES

ruler or stick
washers
nail polish
string
metal mixing spoon
fishing line filament

Hang the washers from the ruler or stick with pieces of string by wrapping the string around the ruler or stick and securing. Strike the washers with the mixing spoon to play. And if possible, hang the stick using two hooks and some fishing line.

Note: You can make this craft colorful by painting the washers first with different color nail polishes, such as blue,red, gold, etc. Parents please supervise this part of the activity.

Matracas

Use two wooden blocks of the same size. Attach sandpaper to one side of each block with glue or tacks. Children can rub the blocks together in time with the music.

Early Music Training Can Mean Higher Income

2009-03-30T09:43:00.000-04:00

Recently, a broad poll found that 88% of all post-graduate students in college and 83% of all people earning $150,000 or more had extensive music training. The most ideal age for effective musical instruction is from 6 months to 6 years old. Learning music is similar to second language acquisition, therefore it makes sense that the younger the age, the easier this is to accomplish.

Inspire Your Child to Compose and Create

2009-03-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

We can inspire our children to compose and to create through music, whether it's on a piano, with a set of pots and pans, a recorder, or any simple instrument! Songs have a beginning, a middle, and an end. So do stories, so do term papers, business presentations, good speeches, the list goes on and on. Sing your favorite songs together, then ask your child to compose the drum accompaniment to go with the song - even if all you have are pots and pans.

Stay with your Musikgarten or music and movement class and progress through the sequential curriculum for as long as you can. A recent extensive poll found that 88% of all post-graduate students in college and 83% of all people earning $150,000 or more had in-depth music training. Their leadership skills began very early with the first music classes. These inspired in them the love of composing, new ideas, the ability to write about them, and to inspire others to perform those ideas.

Make Your Own Drum

2009-02-28T20:50:00.000-05:00

This easy-to-make instrument provides even the youngest musicians with a wonderfully rich and resonant sound.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Large, cylindrical oatmeal container
Craft knife
Tyvek (what no-rip envelopes are made of; available at your local post office or at office supply stores)
Markers
Duct Tape
Heavy-duty wrapping paper or one of your child's drawings

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Remove the lid from a large, cylindrical oatmeal container. Cut out the bottom with a craft knife.

2. Cut a piece of Tyvek (what no-rip envelopes are made of; available at your local post office or at office supply stores) into a circle that's 4 inches wider than the mouth of the oatmeal carton. (For instance, if your container measures 5 inches across, the Tyvek should be 9 inches.) Don't worry about making the circle perfectly round; we traced the carton onto our envelope, then cut around it, keeping our scissors roughly 2 inches from that line.

3. If you like, have your child decorate the Tyvek with markers while you cut eight 2-inch lengths of packing or duct tape. Now tape the Tyvek over the mouth of the container. To get it as taut as possible, adhere 2 pieces of tape directly opposite each other after pulling the Tyvek tight between them. Continue in the same way around the container, until all 8 strips are applied in pairs (you'll need to gather the material slightly as you go). Finally, cut one last, longer piece of tape and wrap it all the way around the edge of the Tyvek.

4. Jazz up the drum by decorating it with heavy-duty wrapping paper or one of your child's drawings, held in place with packing tape or colorful duct tape.

To add to the fun: Make a few more in different sizes so your child can have a complete drum set.

Thanks to FamilyFun.com

Rhythmic potential

2009-02-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

Children need a lot of movement activity to fulfill their rhythmic potential. Movement and dance promote and nurture the following:

* Beat competency - the ability to keep a steady beat to music that is generated from an outside source
* Discrimination between music that moves in duple and triple meters (2/4 and 3/4)
* Instrumental readiness - it is often helpful, though not necessary, to have children walk, skip, or hop before attempting to make related sounds on a drum or rhythm sticks
* The ability to recognize a specific rhythm pattern - children often need to clap or tap a rhythm such as "du-de du," before they can recognize that pattern aurally

Source: National Musikgarten

Rain Sticks from Mailing Tubes

2009-02-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

Your and your child can enjoy the sound of a gentle rainfall with this sound-alike “rain” instrument. You can create a noisy, kid-safe maze for falling grain with just a mailing tube and aluminum foil, and this gives toddlers plenty of crafting opportunities to "do it myself."
CRAFT MATERIALS:
16-1/2- by 6-inch piece of clear Con-Tact paper (optional)
Small pieces of colored tissue paper (torn or cut) (optional)
15- by 1-1.2-inch mailing tube (available for $1.50 at Staples)
2-1/2-foot length of aluminum foil
Broom
1/3 cup of rice
2 tablespoons of un-popped corn
Hot glue

Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours (but oh, it’s worth it)

1. To decorate -peel the backing off the Con-Tact paper. Let your child decorate the sticky side with tissue paper. (Alternatively, have her paint the tube, then cover it with the Con-Tact paper.) Wrap the paper around the tube and tuck the extra length inside the ends (for ease, cut small slits around the overhang before folding it in).

2. Crush the foil lengthwise into a long cylinder, then wrap it around the handle of a broom to form a coil. (it will look like a long lock of curled hair, sort of) Slide the coil off the handle, stretch it until it's slightly longer than the tube, then push it into the tube. Use hot glue or masking tape to secure the ends of the foil inside the tube, about 1/4 inch from each opening.

3. Hot-glue a cap to one end of the tube, then help your child pour the rice and corn into the other end (a funnel or small pitcher works well). Hot-glue the other cap in place. Now turn upside down to hear the rainfall. And turn upside down again, and again!

Thanks to FamilyFun.com for this!

Portable Behavior Kit for Parents

2009-02-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

Time out is a good method to modify and shape your toddler's behavior. Once a child can walk and stand, having a time out as a consequence for willful disobedience is an effective way to help your child learn self control, and to recognize you as their God-given authority. A child psychologist suggested to me that I use a kitchen towel for this. At age 18 months, my son had to stand on the towel for 1.5 minutes during the time out. At age 2, 2 min. Age 3, 3 min., and so on. The last time he stood on a towel as a consequence was when he was 6 years old.

I kept a towel with me at all times. It worked in the grocery store, the parking lot at church, even at Epcot center. He was a strong-willed child, and by age 3, my husband and I had pretty much won the battle of the wills, thanks to this technique and to the towel! We did not discipline in anger, only in love, firmly, and often with tears in our eyes. Today, at age 23, my son is one of the happiest, most organized and motivated guys I've ever known. Self disciplined, generous, and joyful. Hey, we made lots of mistakes as parents, and I mean a lot. But with God's help, we did some things right.

Create your own "bottled" musical scale

2009-02-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were a child and you had fun blowing across the top of a half empty coke bottle to hear the rich sound it would make? As for what tone it was, you probably didn't know, at least I didn't. Well, no longer. Now, experts have determined just how much water you need in eight 20-ounce pop bottles to create a major scale. Tape numbers to each bottle, 1 through 8 (or use different-colored stickers), and compose. Try "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"?

THE MAJOR SCALE
Do -- 7 ounces
Re -- 9 1/2 ounces
Mi -- 12 1/2 ounces
Fa -- 14 ounces
Sol -- 16 1/2 ounces
La -- 17 1/2 ounces
Ti -- 18 1/2 ounces
Do -- 19 ounces

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT
11123
32345
888555333111
54321

TIP: Try using a piece of flexible plastic tubing. Rather than try to move your mouth from bottle to bottle, hold one end of the tube in your mouth and move the other end from bottle to bottle. (Source: DisneyFamily.com)

Teaching a child to wait

2009-02-12T16:47:00.000-05:00

In many songs and activities, there are moments when a child will wait naturally, especially in the Musikgarten program. One example is the song, "Well you walk and you walk and you walk and you....STOP!" This same delayed pause pattern shows up in many of the songs as well, like "My Little Rooster."
Here are some simple daily activities you can add to stretch those moments of anticipation. With infants it might include playing little movement and touch 'games' like lifting them way up and then back down into your arms, or circling your finger around and then landing gently on their nose. Do things that bring joy, not tears. Later, they might be more willing to put on their shoes if it means they will get to take a ride or a walk. They will love it if you bake cookies. You may hear your child say, "It's so HARD to wait for cookies to get done!" If you hear that, rejoice. You are giving your toddler a priceless opportunity to practice waiting. - Miss Susan

New Class in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

2009-01-31T17:06:00.000-05:00

New Musikgarten class at A Latte Fun in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Corner of Alt A1A and Lighthouse Drive in the Promenade Plaza
Thursdays
11 to 11:30 a.m.
Ages 2 to 4 with caregivers
Affordable
Limit - 7 spaces in the class
email susanfonger@gmail.com

To register visit www.SingingSusan.com

Learn music fundamentals, have fun, and stay afterwards for Stay n Play!

New Class at A Latte Fun

2009-01-17T10:11:00.000-05:00

I have a new Musikgarten class for children ages 2 to 4 1/2 yrs. and their parent(s) starting Jan. 22 at A Latte Fun in Palm Beach Gardens, 10:15 a.m. for 35 min. There are just a couple of spaces left in the class. Visit www.alattefun.com and www.SingingSusan.com for more information. You can stay and play afterwards at A Latte Fun for no extra charge! - Susan

Next Free Preview Class

2009-01-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

Sign up for my free preview class Wed. Jan. 14 at A Latte Fun in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
9:15 to 9:45 a.m.

www.alattefun.com

You need to email me to reserve a space, only a few left!

susanfonger@gmail.com

ages 2 to 5

:)

New Classes

2009-01-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

Susan's Musikgarten begins a new semester January 13. If you have not already done so and you want to be part of this program, be sure to enroll soon. Upcoming preview classes are listed on this website www.SingingSusan.com

Music brings joy to children and their families. Music lifts your spirit and puts that spring in your step.

Susan Fonger

Teaching Rhythm

2009-01-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Babies love to bounce and rock, that's probably no surprise.
Pick some of your favorite, upbeat songs, sit on your couch, and put your baby or toddler on your knees. Play the song and then bounce your knees up and down to the beat of the music, holding your child securely around his or her waist so they feel secure. Sometimes, lift them a bit higher than your knees for fun. Sing along with the song, and your child will imitate you eventually. Baby can face you or not, depending on the child. It's fun to see their happy expression as you both experience this activity.
:)
Susan

Simple Instruments

2008-12-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

Keep some simple instruments in your car, like rhythm sticks, so that when your child is listening to his or her favorite song, they can keep time to the beat with their sticks, or a jingle bell, or a rattle. They love to participate in the music, and this is just one way they can do so. They will feel like they are helping you "drive," and that makes them happy too!

Let your child help you fold pillowcases

2008-11-30T22:56:00.000-05:00

This may not sound like it relates to music, but it does.
When you are folding laundry, and your child wants to help you, please let him or her.
Show them to fold a washcloth or pillocase top to bottom, and then left to right. This lays a foundation for tracking, how they are going to read, either words on a page, or notes on sheet music. We do this exercise with scarves in class in conjuction with our peek-a-boo song. It's lots of fun. You can make up your own song about top to bottow and left to right.
It's fun, and it helps with reading readiness and with musical dynamics at the same time!
Singing,
Susan

Teaching your child the major third

2008-11-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

Susan's Musikgarten is a joyful and fun place where babies, toddlers, and preschoolers experience and learn music fundamentals together. If you have a piano or keyboard, show your child where the D above middle C is. Most children's singing range is in the key of D. Then find F# (sharp).

Play D and F# together. Ask your child to sing and hold the D while you sing the F# at the same time. This will take some practice for most people. Try it every day for 5 days.

Happy Day after Thanksgiving! Music fills the soul with good things!