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Welcome to MacPhail Center for Music’s resource site with free music activities, tips, podcasts, student and faculty stories and more!

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Spotlight on Shonte Carter, Project Amplify Teaching Artist
Date: Apr 17, 2025

This past year, MacPhail added teaching artist Shonte Carter to the roster of Project Amplify, a program to bring no-cost residencies outside of the classical canon to Minnesota schools. Carter …

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Spotlight on Sara Langmead, Coordinator of the Women’s History Month Performance Festival
Date: Mar 5, 2025

On March 8, students and families attending lessons and events at MacPhail Minneapolis will be treated to an array of music by women and non-binary composers, performed by faculty and …

Headshot of Andrea Leap
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A Symphony of Vitality featuring MacPhail Teaching Artist Andrea Leap
Date: Jan 2, 2025

“There are many cognitive benefits of studying and learning something new, especially when it comes to music…” Andrea Leap sat down with Sue Baldani of Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle magazine to …

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MacPhail Music for Life™ Manager Kristyn Rupp on Alzheimer’s Speaks
Date: Dec 10, 2024

Kristyn Rupp talks with Alzheimer’s Speaks about dementia chorus, Connecting Voices.

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Mysticism, Legends, and Traditions…Q&A with Miryana Moteva
Date: Nov 20, 2024

“…all they need to do is open their hearts and ears for an immersion in a multicultural, sonic experience.” Miryana Moteva, Curator & MacPhail piano faculty The 2024-25 MacPhail Presents! …

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A MacPhail Story: Julie Schneider
Date: Nov 18, 2024

Sometimes we must fight for what has been lost or taken from us. Hope comes when others join our battle. Restored joy is the result. As I sat in the …

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Finding Their Beat: Empowering Youth Through Music
Date: Oct 31, 2024

Terrell Woods, a dedicated and innovative music educator, brings beatboxing to youth who might otherwise miss out on music education.

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Bridging the Gap Between Classical and Electronic
Date: Oct 31, 2024

The EKWE app enables students to explore global musical traditions, develop composition skills, and collaborate on projects. MacPhail students receive one free year.

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Nurturing Tomorrow’s Suzuki Teachers
Date: Oct 31, 2024

The Suzuki Piano Teacher Training Program at MacPhail, launched in January 2023, addresses the critical shortage of qualified Suzuki piano teachers in the Twin Cities and beyond. This initiative nurtures …

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Music Therapy at MacPhail Center for Music- Austin
Date: Oct 30, 2024

“…But seeing him respond to that music was our way of knowing he was still right there with us.” Photos by Sophia Helen Photography Emma Evans-Peck admits that she never …

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Samarth Nagarkar and Michael Cain in Conversation
Date: Oct 10, 2024

Internationally Acclaimed Vocalist Samarth Nagarkar and World-Renowned Pianist Michael Cain joined MacPhail Social Media and Design Specialist Syne Barr over zoom for a Q&A Preceding their Upcoming Concert – Ragas …

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5 Ways to Incorporate Music for Wellness
Date: Oct 9, 2024

Practice deep breathing and stretching along to music Choose a song as your anthem to stay motivated during long days Take a 5-minute dance break! Play a piece of music …

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Minnesota Music Therapy Week Fun Facts!
Date: Oct 3, 2024

Check out these fun facts from MacPhail’s Director of Music Therapy and board-certified music therapist, Jessica Nagel as we celebrate Minnesota Music Therapy Week at MacPhail! What is music therapy? …

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Introducing… Paula Lammers, Director of the NEW Connecting Voices Chorus!!
Date: Sep 25, 2024

As director for Connecting Voices Chorus, I look forward to being a conduit to help individual participants connect to the music, their singing partner, to the community of singers, and …

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One is the Loneliest Number… but Less Lonely Now
Date: Sep 19, 2024

Harry Nilsson’s “One is the Loneliest Number” Arranged and Reimagined by Joe Kaiser (with help from his friends) Joe Kaiser, a passionate cellist, and beloved MacPhail cello teaching artist began …

older man coloring a rainbow with a toddler
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Intergenerational Connections
Date: Sep 17, 2024

A Harmonious Blend: Music, Friendship, and Learning A Fantastic Partnership between MacPhail Center for Music, The Pillars of Prospect Park Senior Living, and The Pillars Child Care Center Imagine a …

woman and younger girl playing piano together demonstrating suzuki music education
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The Beauty of the Suzuki Philosophy
Date: Aug 14, 2024

Suzuki Music Education with Annette Lee Annette Lee, a Suzuki piano teacher and Suzuki teacher trainer at MacPhail discusses the benefits of Suzuki Music Education and the principles of the …

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Teaching Music Creation: the Studio & Equipment
Date: Jun 28, 2024

This is a guide for music educators. It offers lots of tools and advice for setting up your studio and/or classroom. Created by MacPhail’s EMRA

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Teaching Music Creation: Approaches Tips & Tools
Date: Jun 28, 2024

This is a guide for music educators. It offers teaching tools and methods for students to create their own music. Created by MacPhail’s EMRA

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Summer Family Dance Party
Date: Jun 14, 2024

Here are some songs you can sing and dance to with your family from Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®! The Benefits of Dancing in Early Childhood – Toddler Benefits of …

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Pride Playlist by Rainbow Space
Date: Jun 13, 2024

What is Rainbow Space? Led and founded by Kallysta Morgan, MacPhail Student Services Representative, Rainbow Space embodies MacPhail Center for Music’s mission by offering the surrounding LGBTQIA+ community and allies …

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MacPhail Presents… Native Spirits Sing
Date: May 29, 2024

Q&A with curator, Pinar Başgöze The Native Spirits Sing will be in Antonello Hall at MacPhail Minneapolis on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. (pre-concert discussion at 6, performance …

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Concerto & Aria Winner Vladimir Tsiper performs with Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis
Date: May 28, 2024

Vladimir Tsiper, violin student of Lucinda Marvin, was chosen at MacPhail’s Concerto & Aria auditions to perform Violin Concerto No.2, in G minor, Op.63, I. Allegro moderato by S. Prokofiev with …

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EMRA Director Michael Cain collaborates with Boston Ballet
Date: May 13, 2024
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MacPhail Percussion Teacher Steve Roehm on Star Tribune’s Scene Makers
Date: May 9, 2024

MacPhail percussion teacher Steve Roehm was featured on Star Tribune’s Scene Makers Q+A to talk about his new album and group, The Neighborhood Quartet. Read the article here… Photo by …

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Play for Paws!
Date: Apr 18, 2024

Minneapolis Animal Shelter and MacPhail Center For Music announce Play for Paws Music students can play instruments for an animal audience March 19, 2024 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis Animal Care & Control …

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The Benefits of Music Integration to Emotion Regulation Development in Young Children
Date: Mar 22, 2024

This tip sheet, developed in conjunction with MacPhail Center for Music and the University of Minnesota, introduces how music in the classroom can be used to support emotion regulation and …

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Engaging in Musical Play with Young Children
Date: Mar 22, 2024

This Tip Sheet, developed in conjunction with MacPhail Center for Music and the University of Minnesota, gives ideas for using music in the classroom to help with emotional regulation and …

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MacPhail and Smart North – A Powerful Partnership
Date: Mar 6, 2024

On a weekday afternoon last month, Terrell “Carnage” Woods walked into a community tech hub for youth in downtown Minneapolis. A beatboxing instructor at MacPhail Center for Music, Terrell had …

Blake Z seated at piano
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Date: Feb 28, 2024

Meet Blake Zimmerli, an Austin High School senior bursting with musical talent, crafting symphonies despite COVID-19 challenges. Delve into Blake’s journey from piano lessons to composing, culminating in the performance of his masterpiece “Brouhaha” by The Austin Symphony Orchestra.

An abstract representation of the act of percussion.
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A Concert for Peace: Q&A with Michael Cain
Date: Feb 12, 2024

This season’s MacPhail Presents! includes a special performance, A Concert for Peace, featuring all original compositions. Michael Cain answers questions.

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Music is Good for You!
Date: Feb 4, 2024

A study conducted by researchers at Exeter University in the UK has shown that music helps older adults maintain memory and problem solving skills.

Paul Babcock and percussion students standing in front of marimbas
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The Outsized Benefits of Playing with Small Groups
Date: Feb 2, 2024

MacPhail Center for Music President/COO, Paul Babcock, writes about the benefits for individuals that come from playing in small groups.

Child playing with bells
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Next Steps for Ages 3 & Up in Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®
Date: Jan 23, 2024

What’s next? If you are wondering what steps to take next, here are a few class offerings to continue your child’s musical exploration.

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Former MacPhail Student Reiki Hall to perform at First Avenue
Date: Jan 11, 2024

MPR’s Carbon Sound Hosted by Macie Rasmussen features Reiki Hall, one of MacPhail’s former students, who will be playing in First Avenue’s Best New Bands show this Friday.

colorful title reading Music Transforms, notes from Paul Babcock
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The Importance of Accessibility in Music Education
Date: Jan 11, 2024

Discover the transformative power of inclusive music education through the inspiring journey of Brian and David Muhs as told by music educator and MacPhail President/COO, Paul Babcock.

Two small children play with a variety of toys, including a xylophone.
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Parenting Pickup with Dianna Babcock
Date: Jan 8, 2024

Dianna Babcock, Director of Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® and host Cara Johnson-Bader of New Horizon Academy talk about why music is essential in a child’s life.

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Sing Play Learn: Crossing the Midline
Date: Dec 7, 2023

Bailey Cook teaches a movement-based activity using The Syncopated Clock by Leroy Anderson. This activity is a wonderful movement activity to practice what we call “crossing the mid-line”.

two small children picking apples
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Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® Apple Picking Activity
Date: Nov 16, 2023

Join Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® teacher Cari Gregerson in this apple picking activity for you and your little one!

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A MNYO Halloween
Date: Nov 2, 2023

Check out this special clip from MacPhail’s Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO). Do you recognize the tune?

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Fostering Music Creating with Michael Cain
Date: Oct 19, 2023

MacPhail Electronic Music Recording Arts (EMRA) Director, Michael Cain discusses the wave of content creation, creativity, and improvisation among teacher and student.

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Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Date: Oct 16, 2023

Learning about contrasts helps prepare children to think about details, sort and classify objects, and promotes organizational skills!

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Spotlight Virtual Concert Series: A City, A Belonging featuring the poetry of Sasha Suarez
Date: Sep 25, 2023

MacPhail Center for Music presents a SPOTLIGHT VIRTUAL CONCERT SERIES performance A City, A Belonging. This piece is part of a musical film trilogy that evolved from the 2021- 2022 Spotlight Concert Series.

older hands playing a guitar
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The Joys of Being a Lifelong Learner
Date: Sep 22, 2023

MacPhail Music for Life™ faculty, Andrea Leap, spoke with MPR host Chris Farrell, U of M psychologist /MN state president of AARP, Dr. Kate Schaefers, about trying new things in the second half of life and the importance of music to help enrich our lives as we age.

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Spotlight Series Musical Journeys: Tell Chapel
Date: Sep 18, 2023

MacPhail Center for Music presents a SPOTLIGHT VIRTUAL CONCERT SERIES performance William Tell Chapel, a musical travelogue, featuring Richard Tostenson on piano.

photo of guitarist Jeff Lambert text reads: The complete solo guitar works of Giulio Regondi, Early Romantic Guitar
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Early Romantic Guitar: The Complete Solo Works of Giulio Regondi
Date: Sep 15, 2023

Listen to the Complete Solo Works of Giulio Regondi, Early Romantic Guitar, performed by Jeff Lambert, MacPhail guitar faculty.

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A Vital Angle in the Suzuki Triangle: Parents
Date: Sep 8, 2023

When Suzuki created his instruction method he envisioned three sides of a triangle. The student, teacher, and parent would each play a part.

photo of the top of a violin and a bow.
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A MacPhail Story: Vladimir Tsiper
Date: Aug 29, 2023

As the son of a gifted pianist, Vladimir Tsiper’s musical journey began at a young age. Learn about his journey.

babies sitting around a drum
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What do you do with babies?
Date: Aug 3, 2023

Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® Director Dianna Babcock explains how music is an amazing teaching tool for brain development.

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Rhythm & Soul – A Musical Time Machine Sneak Peek!
Date: Jun 29, 2023

Hear from Rhythm and Soul – A Musical Time Machine camp instructor Charmaine Douglas on what this camp is all about! Learn more about Charmaine Douglas Here. Register for Rhythm …

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Jean del Santo’s Teaching Philosophy
Date: Jun 28, 2023

“Singers are the only musicians that are simultaneously the player of a musical instrument and the instrument itself”.     -Professor Glenda Maurice, Mezzo Soprano, UM faculty mentor When Glenda first …

a picnic basket with cows
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Prelude: Singer-Actor Lab Alums Perform Into the Woods at the Guthrie Theater
Date: Jun 6, 2023

Former Prelude students began a two-month run of ‘Into the Woods’ at the Guthrie Theater on June 17, 2023. The cast and crew featured three of the program’s alums: Andy Kust (’06), Cat Brindisi (’07), and Anna Hashizume (’11).

Three older adults wearing red bow ties and singing
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Voices of Experience Spring Semester Playlist
Date: Jun 6, 2023

View the end of Spring Semester playlist for Voices of Experience HERE on YouTube.

Father and several young children playing instruments outside at a music festival
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Sing Play Learn: If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Date: May 3, 2023

Check out this short 5-minute video using “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to teach your little one emotional intelligence from Sing Play Learn with MacPhail© teaching artist Amanda …

Music Therapy
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MacPhail Music Therapy Recommended Book Resources 
Date: Apr 21, 2023

Curated by our very own board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) Melissa Wenszell, this list contains their recommended (and some of her favorite) resources! Learn More about Music Therapy at MacPhail

girl playing with egg rattlers - Sing Play Learn with MacPhail
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Sing, Play, Learn with MacPhail®: The Finger Family
Date: Apr 18, 2023

A well-known song in our SPL curriculum is Finger Family. This song is fun to do with children at many ages and stages of development. There are several areas of …

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The Space Where Words Fail: Asha Belk
Date: Apr 17, 2023

This season’s MacPhail’s Spotlight Series joins important visual artists with our accomplished musicians in special performances. Our culminating performance brings the narrative photographer Asha Belk to Antonello Hall on Saturday, …

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Teaching BIG Feelings to Little People Using Music and Literacy
Date: Mar 20, 2023

Learn why Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® teachers do what they do. There’s an end goal- getting our children ready for school.

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Engaging in Self-Care
Date: Mar 13, 2023

It seems that everyday, we are inundated with tragic or disturbing news. The intensity continues to grow. We carry so much stress and anxiety from our own lived experiences it …

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Four Songs for Relaxation
Date: Mar 9, 2023

composed by music therapist, Mark Burnett Music therapy… listen, relax, breathe, and connect to the art of calm Written and composed by MacPhail music therapist, Mark Burnett for transitions, stressful …

A teacher standing in front of a group of older adult students
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Giving Voice Founding Artistic Director Jeanie Brindley Barnett featured in Star of the North: “Sing for Life! Music for Life!”
Date: Feb 27, 2023

Congratulations to MacPhail Music for Life™ Co-Founder & Senior Teaching Artist, and Giving Voice Founding Artistic Director, Jeanie Brindley-Barnett for her feature in Star of the North. “…Everyone can sing …

Sing Play Learn with MacPhail
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Sing, Play, Learn with MacPhail®: My Auntie Anna Plays the Piano
Date: Feb 23, 2023

SPL Teaching Artist, Sarah Hruska Olson, is sharing a fun hand clap activity that promotes steady beat, tempo changes, and hand/eye coordination. Learn with her as she teaches a folk rhyme from Australia, My Auntie Anna Plays the Piano.

Child playing tambourine in a group setting
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Sing, Play, Learn: Why We Do What We Do
Date: Jan 30, 2023

Learn why Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® teachers do what they do. There’s an end goal- getting our children ready for school.

abstract visual with title "Three Greek Songs"
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Alexandra Sapan: Three Greek Songs
Date: Jan 24, 2023

Alexandra Sapan, MacPhail voice faculty, presents three original Greek songs in a project supported by Macphail Center for Music and McKnight Foundation. (Accompanied by Dr. Jonathan Tauscheck, MacPhail piano faculty)

Matt Kassanchuck watches Colby taking piano lesson from Diana Bearmon
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A MacPhail Story: Matt & Crosby
Date: Jan 19, 2023

Diana Bearmon, piano instructor at MacPhail, strives to make her lessons student-centered because she believes that their learning experience should be uniquely about them. With 30 plus years of teaching …

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A MacPhail Story: Claire Miller
Date: Jan 18, 2023

Twenty years ago, before Claire Miller was an accomplished violinist, pianist, orchestral performer, and chamber musician; before winning numerous competitions, and earning several academic degrees in music, she was a …

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A Composer’s Roundtable Discussion
Date: Dec 19, 2022

An insider’s look into the process of creating music for film and television. The panel discussion brings together three professional film/tv composers and a director to discuss their latest works and …

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The Power of Performance with Austin Wahl (guitar & mandolin)
Date: Dec 7, 2022

This third article of the performance series features Austin Wahl (guitar, mandolin) as he discusses his experience with the power of performance.

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A Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt
Date: Nov 28, 2022

This winter scavenger hunt will encourage venturing outside and listening for musical concepts in the environment!

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The Power of Performance with Ellie Dehn
Date: Nov 22, 2022

This second article of the performance series features Ellie Dehn (voice, opera, musical theater) as she discusses her experience with the power of performance.

three young violin students
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Suzuki Talent Education: a “mother tongue” approach to teaching children music
Date: Nov 22, 2022

Download Full Article Here How does a child learn a native language? Nurturing adults speak to (and around) the child from the moment of birth, naturally repeating the words and …

photo of woman with hip hop tshirt
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Tune Tools Episode 3
Date: Nov 22, 2022

Tune Tools is a podcast hosted by Krysta ‘K. Raydio’ Rayford. Krysta interviews musicians, music educators, students, and shares her own experiences to help us learn about the tools of electronic music and recording arts. In each episode, you’ll hear real life examples about the tools of making music in the digital age.

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Teaching Music Improvisation with Michael Cain, Ep. 5
Date: Nov 17, 2022

This improvisation series with Michael Cain is designed for music educators working with middle-and-high school aged students. This is a five part video series.

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Teaching Music Improvisation with Michael Cain, Ep. 4
Date: Nov 17, 2022

This improvisation series with Michael Cain is designed for music educators working with middle-and-high school aged students. This is a five part video series.

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Teaching Music Improvisation with Michael Cain, Ep. 3
Date: Nov 17, 2022

This improvisation series with Michael Cain is designed for music educators working with middle-and-high school aged students. This is a five part video series.

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Teaching Music Improvisation with Michael Cain, Ep. 2
Date: Nov 16, 2022

This improvisation series with Michael Cain is designed for music educators working with middle-and-high school aged students. This is a five part video series.

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The Power of Performance with Shane Cox
Date: Nov 9, 2022

This first article of the performance series features Shane Cox (trumpet/cornet, trombone, tuba, jazz, theory) as he discusses his experience with the power of performance.

photo of woman with hip hop tshirt
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Tune Tools Episode 2
Date: Nov 8, 2022

Tune Tools is a podcast hosted by Krysta ‘K. Raydio’ Rayford. Krysta interviews musicians, music educators, students, and shares her own experiences to help us learn about the tools of electronic music and recording arts. In each episode, you’ll hear real life examples about the tools of making music in the digital age.

Michael's headshot
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Teaching Music Improvisation with Michael Cain, Ep. 1
Date: Oct 25, 2022

This improvisation series with Michael Cain is designed for music educators working with middle-and-high school aged students. This is a five part video series.

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The Art of the Playlist
Date: Oct 24, 2022

an educational perspective by Isaac Rohr Overview: This article is written for music educators within K12 (general music or academic music). College-level music educators interested in curriculum development and research. …

Sepia image of a person djing
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Scratch DJing for Beginners 
Date: Oct 24, 2022

This unit (1 of 3), Scratch DJing for Beginners, includes the history and evolution of DJing and DJing tools of the trade.

photo of woman with hip hop tshirt
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Tune Tools Episode 1
Date: Oct 19, 2022

Tune Tools is a podcast hosted by Krysta ‘K. Raydio’ Rayford. Krysta interviews musicians, music educators, students, and shares her own experiences to help us learn about the tools of electronic music and recording arts. In each episode, you’ll hear real life examples about the tools of making music in the digital age.

dreamy fantasy bridge in the clouds
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A Four-Class Music Curriculum (Ages 11-18)
Date: Oct 18, 2022

This after-school curriculum is designed for music educators to help their middle or high school students explore ways of creating music to visual images. Designed to be 5-6 classes. Uses DAW (digital audio workstation) and other tools.

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MacPhail Story: Austin Wahl
Date: Oct 14, 2022

Meet new MacPhail guitar faculty member, Austin Wahl, former MacPhail Suzuki guitar student. Welcome home Austin.

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Requiem for Frankie Silver
Date: Oct 14, 2022

Requiem for Frankie Silver is a NEW musical drama for singers, players, and storyteller to honor the life of Frances Stewart Silver (1815-1833) and to reveal her tragic story of injustice.

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Five Minutes of Music
Date: Oct 14, 2022

Cozy Relaxation for Children Grab a cozy pillow or blanket and join Teacher Stacy from SPL for Five Minutes of Music to practice some mindfulness techniques with your child. Taking a few …

A smiling child has hands in the air
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What is Suzuki Stars in Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®?
Date: Sep 27, 2022
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Musical Explorations in Spectral Colors: the 2022-23 MacPhail Spotlight Series
Date: Sep 15, 2022

To experience art—through a canvas, or a symphony, or a screen—is a transporting experience. It can open doors to beauty, to new understanding, to wonder. So, what happens when you …

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MacPhail Story: Dee Meisner
Date: Sep 15, 2022

Beginning her musical journey at the age of 3, Dee Meisner has now carried her love of playing and singing to the Giving Voice Chorus in MacPhail’s Music for Life …

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Early Childhood Vocal Exploration Activity
Date: Aug 4, 2022

Why is vocal exploration important? Vocal exploration helps children find their singing voices and learn how to better control them. It is a vital part of early childhood music-making. Try …

On Location: MacPhail School Partnerships
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On Location: MacPhail School Partnerships
Date: Jul 13, 2022
On Location: Songwriting Workshop
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On Location: Songwriting Workshop
Date: Jul 13, 2022
Madeline Island Chamber Music
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On Location: Madeline Island Chamber Music
Date: Jul 13, 2022
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“Connections and Transformations – the MacPhail music special” wins a Silver Telly Award
Date: Jun 14, 2022

KSMQ Public Television partnered with MacPhail Center for Music to produce “Connections and Transformations.” This special was developed by Mischa Santora, the MacPhail Center for Music’s Spotlight Series Artistic Director. …

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Songwriting Activity at Home with Adam Marshall
Date: Jun 2, 2022

Does your child make up songs at home? Join us in taking your child’s songwriting skills to another level. Students will create lyrics from familiar tunes, compose new music, venture …

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Behind the Beats in 209 with EMRA Director Michael Cain
Date: Jun 2, 2022

Join Electronic Music Recording Arts (EMRA) Director Michael Cain for an exclusive tour of Studio 209 at MacPhail Center for Music!

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FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONCERTS
SUMMER 2022
Date: May 27, 2022

Keep the music alive in your family by attending some FREE family-friendly concerts this summer. This year, MacPhail featured some outstanding groups at our Free Family Concerts; The Bazillions, The …

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McKnight Musician Fellowship Grants Four Top Musicians with $25,000
Date: May 20, 2022

MacPhail Center for Music is pleased to announce the  recipients of the 2022-23 McKnight Fellowship for Musicians: Jaye Sinkfield aka DIVAJ, Rebecca Merblum, Paula Gudmundson, Lewis McCaleb akaLewiee Blaze.     …

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Duo Harmonia: Storytelling through Music & Narration
Date: May 17, 2022

Harmonious: together, in agreement, in tune. A perfect word to describe the aptly named Duo Harmonia. Two artists from different parts of the world, who after discovering each other, now …

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Suzuki Chamber Cello
Date: May 6, 2022

Performs Gabriel de Souza Alencar’s Quarteto de Cellos #4 The Chamber Cello Group from the MacPhail Center for Music Suzuki Program performs Gabriel de Souza Alencar’s Quarteto de Cellos #4.

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Friends of MacPhail Performance
Date: Apr 27, 2022

The Michael Steinberg & Jorja Fleezanis Fund will present the world premiere of its third commission by composer Jessica Meyer at 4 pm on Saturday, May 14 at Westminster Hall …

photo of a handwritten music composition in notebook
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MacPhail Faculty Performs Sarah Miller’s Composition “Aquatic Animals” for Piano, Woodwinds & Brass
Date: Apr 27, 2022

Aquatic Animals Program Note – Sarah Miller The creative seed for this composition came from a remark by Mark Sullivan, one of my major professors at Michigan State University.  He …

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When Marian Sang, a book that sings!
Date: Apr 19, 2022

Presented by Opera Oriented Projects of Minnesota, Mikalia Bradberry reads aloud and performs excerpts from “When Marian Sang,” written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick, and published by …

Black and white photo of person
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Musical Minute: Margaret Bonds
Date: Apr 5, 2022

with Andrea Leap Join MacPhail Music for Life™ and voice instructor Andrea Leap for a glimpse into the life and music of composer, civil rights activist, and concert pianist, Margaret …

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Musical Minute: Èlisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre
Date: Mar 2, 2022

with Andrea Leap Join MacPhail Music for Life™ and voice instructor Andrea Leap for a glimpse into the life and music of French Harpsichord player, singer, and composer, Èlisabeth Jacquet …

Close view of a person playing guitar
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MacPhail Tips & Tricks: 2 Octave, G Major Scale Exercise
Date: Feb 25, 2022

With Richard Kriehn

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The Wonder of Stevie
Date: Feb 16, 2022

by Mikalia Bradberry “Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.” Stevie Wonder One of the most prolific and widely known musicians in the world, Stevie …

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Lunar New Year Celebration at MNYO
Date: Feb 7, 2022

with Chi-Chi Bestmann Conductor & violist, Chi-Chi Bestmann brought her Erhu (The Chinese violin, which she learned while growing up in Taiwan) to share with her orchestra members. They read …

Person playing a ukulele
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Celebrate Ukulele Day
Date: Feb 2, 2022

with Patsy O’Brien It’s World Play Your Ukulele Day. We asked MacPhail Music for Life ™ (MMFL) teaching artist, Patrick “Patsy” O’Brien, why he loves the ukulele. He has only …

Person playing a violin. They are standing next to a violin by floor to ceiling windows.
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MacPhail Story: Rylan Hefner
Date: Feb 1, 2022

Reflecting on his 17 years as a MacPhail student, Rylan Hefner had this to say, “(MacPhail has)… always been a driving force behind my musical teaching and learning and everything I’ve done related …

Youth orchestra students sitting in a half circle
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Teens Find Confidence with Music
Date: Jan 28, 2022

MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra The laughter’s free, the smiles, and so is participation in the MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra (MNYO). For 5 years now, the orchestra has graced venue stages …

Person holding a yellow egg shaker in each hand with arms out
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Hooray for Birds
Date: Jan 27, 2022

with Cari Gregerson Join Sing Play Learn faculty member Cari Gregerson for an interactive reading about birds that will get your children singing and dancing! 0:00 Intro and Hello Song …

Two people playing cellos outside
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MacPhail Story: Holly & John
Date: Jan 25, 2022

From chorus, to clarinet, cello and beyond, Holly MacDonald and John Orbison are no strangers to trying new things with 5 instruments between them including voice. While their recent endeavor …

Person wearing a green shirt and holding a small guitar
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You Are A Gift
Date: Jan 18, 2022

with Stacy Canino Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® teacher, Stacy Canino performing, discussing, and providing ideas for how to use the song You Are a Gift, which Stacy herself wrote. …

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Musical Minute: William Grant Still
Date: Jan 4, 2022

with Andrea Leap Join MacPhail Music for Life™ and voice instructor Andrea Leap for a glimpse into the life and music of American composer William Grant Still. More Musical Minutes

Person holding a children's book
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Singable Books!
Date: Dec 14, 2021

Combining music and reading creates an incredible experience that uses every part of the brain! Learn how with this video from Sing Play Learn teacher Ivory Doublette.

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Musical Minute: Tomas de Torrejon y Velasco
Date: Dec 3, 2021

with Andrea Leap Join MacPhail Music for Life™ and voice instructor Andrea Leap for a glimpse into the life and music of Spanish composer, musician, and organist Tomas de Torrejon …

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Early Risers Podcast from Little Moments Count and Minnesota Public Radio
Date: Dec 2, 2021

Early Risers Podcast George Floyd’s death was a tragedy and a wakeup call — expanding a global conversation about race and racism. And young children have been watching it all. …

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Class Notes Concerts Preview: The Paper Clips
Date: Nov 30, 2021

Each year, YourClassical MPR reaches tens of thousands of students across Minnesota through the Class Notes Concerts program. Designed to engage and inspire elementary students through live musical performance, these …

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Reflections: Julius String Quartet on their MacPhail Fall Residency
Date: Nov 24, 2021

A short interview with the Julius String Quartet and Beth Nault-Warner, MacPhail Director of Marketing   As part of the 2021 Madeline Island Chamber Music Emerging Artist Quartet-in-Residence, this year’s program award recipients, the Julius …

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Barbara Cohen, Intro to Scoring for Film and Visual Media
Date: Nov 23, 2021

Imagine the opening credits of a movie. The musical score begins with plucky strings, light drums, and a bouncy glockenspiel. What genre of film are you about to see? Judging …

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Time To Practice: Good Practice Makes Good Habits
Date: Nov 16, 2021

with Tamara Gonzalez Practice makes perfect. Practice makes permanent. The more I practice, the luckier I get. You’ve heard the cliches. But what do they say about practicing? Not much. …

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Prelude: Singer-Actor Performance Lab
Date: Nov 11, 2021

“Never pass up an opportunity to tell the story.” For voice and acting teacher Manon Gimlett, these are words to live by. As the program director of MacPhail’s Prelude: Singer-Actor …

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Musical Minute: Louise Farrenc
Date: Nov 4, 2021

with Andrea Leap Join MacPhail Music for Life™ and voice instructor Andrea Leap for a fun glimpse into the life and music of Louise Farrenc, composer, pianist, teacher, and feminist. …

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The Mandolin Mantle | Richard Kriehn
Date: Nov 3, 2021

“It’s not just about a right or wrong note,” Richard Kriehn explains. He believes music is about expressing yourself – expanding your vocabulary and giving the world a glimpse of …

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MacPhail Story: Vicky Mountain, MacPhail Music for Life™ Teaching Artist
Date: Oct 29, 2021

Vicky Mountain is celebrating her 70th Birthday and her 35-year Anniversary teaching at MacPhail this month. In celebration her incredible work and career, we invite you to watch Vicky’s story …

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Garrett McQueen
Date: Oct 29, 2021

Bassoonist | Composer | Radio Host | Producer Twitter Garrett McQueen is an active advocate for diversity in classical music. A proud native of Memphis, TN, Garrett McQueen has performed in venues …

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GMI Artist In Residence: Greg Byers
Date: Oct 28, 2021

A Chance to Play Modern Music  As a longtime video gamer, cello teaching artist Greg Byers wanted to explore modern styles of their music for his Artist-in-Residence project, a video game music orchestra.  “We talked …

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An Electronic Approach to Music Making…with MacPhail’s EMRA Director Michael Cain
Date: Oct 26, 2021

How many ways can you make music? At MacPhail Center for Music, we believe there’s no limit. Playing an orchestral instrument is one method. Programming digital technology is another. We’re …

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MacPhail Story: Brian and David Muhs
Date: Oct 15, 2021

Heidi and Merrill Muhs knew they wanted their sons to get into band in high school. Thinking ahead, they brought their son Brian to MacPhail when he was in 5th …

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How to Make a Monolin at Home
Date: Oct 14, 2021

 How to make a Monolin (single-stringed instrument) at home. Items needed:    Large Milk or Juice Carton (one with a screw top works best and can act as a sound hole)  Fishing …

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Bluegrass Rhapsody with Poet Anthony Ceballos
Date: Oct 12, 2021

As music genres go, bluegrass is all its own. Its melodies and messages spring from a particular soil: the hardscrabble land of rural Appalachia. The poet Anthony Ceballos hails from …

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The Story of a Young Boy and His Ukulele
Date: Oct 6, 2021

During the pandemic, as was the case with so many children, one of our young students (we will call him O) missed starting pre-kindergarten. O spent weekdays with his grandparents …

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Let Music Fill the Air
Date: Oct 4, 2021

Let Music Fill the Air is a collection of works by MacPhail piano teacher, Ginger Reynolds. Performing Artists on the album include Ruth Palmer, Clara Osowski, mezzo, Bob Adney, Marc …

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When Little Things Lead to BIG Possibilities | Sophia Kickhofel
Date: Sep 30, 2021

The little things. That’s what Sophia Kickhofel enjoys most about life. If she could trace all the little things back to childhood, she would realize they brought her to where …

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Blooming in the Desert
Date: Sep 28, 2021

By Sue Ruby As educators and performers, many of us lack exposure to and knowledge of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) composers. Even before the pandemic and death of George …

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MacPhail Center for Music’s “Light in the Well”
Date: Sep 23, 2021

Five years ago, Ferol Grode showed up to her first day of music therapy in a “Life is good” T-shirt. Her mother, Patty, had one on, too. To a stranger, …

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Alternatives to Problematic Children’s Songs
Date: Sep 22, 2021

The Sing Play Learn department at MacPhail Center for Music has been busy revamping parts of our curricula for the last couple of years. Our goal was to research the origins of the songs …

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Sing Play Learn Podcast – Alternatives to Problematic Children’s Songs
Date: Sep 13, 2021

Learn about the new songs that have been added to the Sing Play Learn classes in this podcast with Cari Gregerson, Amanda Breininger, and Erika Bennett.

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Executive Functioning and the Role of Music
Date: Sep 8, 2021

Executive Functioning is a term that describes a set of mental skills which includes:  Working memory.  Flexibility in thinking.  Self-control, or impulse control.   As children develop so do their executive functioning skills, however, sometimes …

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Next Steps
Date: Aug 31, 2021

As the summer Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® classes have come to a close, you might be wondering what next?  If you are, you are not alone; we have created this guide to aid you in your next …

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‘Music never really stops’ – Austin Daily Herald
Date: Aug 2, 2021

MacPhail Austin student, Blake Zimmerli, has been using the extra time during COVID-19 to work on his symphonies. He’s currently working on his eight symphony and describes the hobby as, …

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Understanding Electronic and Electroacoustic Music as Foundational in K-12 Music Education
Date: Jul 28, 2021

EMRA Program Director and Teaching Artist, Michael Cain discusses Electronic and Electroacoustic Music in this third of three Professional Development Sessions. Other EMRA Professional Development Sessions:

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Nature Walk with Music
Date: Jul 15, 2021

Join Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® teachers Cari and Jane at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and have fun singing about bee, birds, butterflies, bugs, and more!

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Cultural Competency in Music Education
Date: Jul 12, 2021

EMRA Teaching Artist, Krysta Rayford discusses Cultural Competency in this second of three Professional Development Sessions. Other EMRA Professional Development Sessions:

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Using iMovie for Music and Teaching
Date: Jul 1, 2021

EMRA Studio Coordinator and Teaching Artist, Isaac Rohr discusses how to use iMovie for music and teaching in this first of three Professional Development Sessions. Other EMRA Professional Development Sessions:

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Community Pride Award from Lavender Magazine
Date: Jun 29, 2021

Timothy De Prey, Director of Individual Instruction, is the recipient of a Community Pride Award from Lavender Magazine. Timothy believes that “through music, one can create change, justice, tolerance and …

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Sing Play Learn Podcast – Sleep Hygiene
Date: Jun 29, 2021

Sleep Hygiene is a set of habits that will help establish healthy sleep. Learn more in this podcast with Jane Tate and Cari Gregerson.

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Preparing for Sleep and the Role of Music
Date: Jun 23, 2021

Sleep is one of the most talked about topics for young children. We live in a society that tends to be sleep deprived. Around 25% of young children have sleep problems. …

Two people performing. One is singing and the other is playing piano
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Recognizing Juneteenth at MacPhail
Date: Jun 15, 2021

with JD & Fred Steele Each year on Juneteenth, MacPhail will pause to reflect how the monstrous chapter of American slavery has deeply harmed so many over hundreds of years and celebrate …

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The Importance of Group Class to Suzuki Learning
Date: Jun 2, 2021

Compiled by Ruth Bergman Some points are borrowed from Helping Parents Practice: Ideas for Making it Easier, by Edmund Sprunger Group class is one of the central components of Suzuki …

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Sing Play Learn Podcast – Children’s Books About Inclusivity
Date: Jun 1, 2021

Podcast by Jane Tate and Cari Gregerson featuring Adam Marshall, Ivory Doublette, Stacy Canino

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Springtime Fun with Music
Date: May 26, 2021

Now that the weather is warming up, the outdoors are coming alive with music.  There is music all around you!  What do you hear when you go outside?  Listen for birds singing their …

George Floyd Tributes Outside Cup Foods in Minneapolis
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A More Excellent Way
Date: May 25, 2021

Remembering George Floyd, Today we remember an all too familiar pain, but we keep moving forward. We fight to create a better nation than our mothers and fathers, their mothers …

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Adding Fuel to your Practice Parent Engine
Date: May 19, 2021

By Kamini LaRusso Transcript from 2019 Suzuki Association of the Americas: “Parents as Partners Videos” Hello! My name is Kamini LaRusso. I live in Minneapolis, MN. I am a Suzuki …

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Hello Song in Mandarin
Date: May 19, 2021

Let’s sing a “Hello Song” in Mandarin with Music Therapist, Yuffie Hu!

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Sing Play Learn Podcast – School Readiness
Date: May 17, 2021
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Children and Separation Anxiety
Date: May 3, 2021

Children and Separation Anxiety   Separation anxiety is something that most, if not all, children experience at some point in their lives. There are a wide range of symptoms may manifest at different stages of development. Mostly, …

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How to Make Maracas at Home
Date: Apr 21, 2021

It is believed that the Maracas originated from the Tainos, Native Indians of Puerto Rico. Learn how to make your own Maracas with the help of Sing Play Learn! with …

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How did music education adapt to the pandemic?
Date: Apr 8, 2021

MPR News with Angela Davis – How did music education adapt to the pandemic? MacPhail teaching artist Ivory Doublette was a guest on Angela Davis’ show on MPR on April …

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How to Strengthen the Adult Voice
Date: Apr 1, 2021

When vocal teaching artist Jerry Rubino works with older singers in MacPhail’s Voices of Experience choir, he’s noticed that many times singers new to the group don’t know what part …

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Play and Creativity Using Music: Musical Games/Creativity Play
Date: Mar 30, 2021

How can music activities at home encourage play and creativity in children?   Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood.  When a child is engaging in play they are building their brains …

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Play and Creativity Using Music: What Can Become an Instrument
Date: Mar 30, 2021

How can music activities at home encourage play and creativity in children?   Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood.  When a child is engaging in play they are building their brains …

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Play and Creativity Using Music: Explore New Music
Date: Mar 30, 2021

How can music activities at home encourage play and creativity in children?   Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood.  When a child is engaging in play they are building their brains …

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Play and Creativity Using Music: Sing
Date: Mar 30, 2021

How can music activities at home encourage play and creativity in children?   Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood.  When a child is engaging in play they are building their brains …

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Utility Songs
Date: Mar 30, 2021

Help make your child’s day go more smoothly with these Utility Songs taught by Jane Tate.

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Three Easy Ways to Beat Cabin Fever with Music
Date: Mar 30, 2021

Simple musical activities to use at home with your kids. Music is fun, engaging and can motivate even the most stir-crazy kids.  You don’t have to have any musical training …

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Music And Toddler Development
Date: Mar 8, 2021

Join our guests from MacPhail Center for Music, Early Childhood Music Educators, Jane Tate, and Cari Gregerson as we discuss the developmental pathway of toddlers and how music can help …

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Sing Play Learn with MacPhail Playlist
Date: Mar 5, 2021

Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® Teaching Artist Lisa Wasilowski shares a playlist for fun family time.

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MacPhail—Austin Documentary
Date: Mar 2, 2021

In September 2020, MacPhail Center for Music in partnership with Austin Public Schools and with support from the Hormel Foundation, opened their new state-of-the-art music education center.

Learn more about the process and the beautiful result via this documentary by Patrick Gavin.

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Why You Should Enroll Your Kids in Piano Lessons, According to Science
Date: Mar 2, 2021

Director of Individual Instruction, Timothy DePrey’s favorite article about enrolling your child in piano lessons. 

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Madeline Island Chamber Music on PBS Wisconsin
Date: Mar 2, 2021

Welcome to Madeline Island Chamber Music! MacPhail is pleased to join with Madeline Island Chamber Music, a program and destination devoted to educating and nurturing the next generation of musicians …

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Garden of the Righteous Documentary
Date: Mar 2, 2021

MacPhail Center for Music, in partnership with the East Side Freedom Library and Heyde Center for the Arts and Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater in conjunction with Unitarian Society of Menomonie, …

Cut out photo of a student playing a drum and a teacher playing a piano
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Small Moments, Big Accomplishments
Date: Feb 25, 2021

Beth, age 12 , Music Therapy Student Stories: Beth When Diene’s twelve-year-old daughter Beth continually expressed a passion for music, constantly asking it to be played throughout the house, Diene …

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Black History Playlist
Date: Feb 23, 2021

with Mikalia Bradberry Hello my name is Mikalia Bradberry and Happy Black History Month! I’m so glad to be able to share some works with you that are near and …

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LISTEN! PLEASE! A Documentary by J.D. Steele
Date: Feb 23, 2021

Please note: This film contains brief instances of adult language. In a year when the pain and injustice of systemic racism has once again placed our city and our nation …

Black and white photo of Robin Eubanks playing trumpet
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Interview with Robin Eubanks
Date: Feb 23, 2021

Robin Eubanks is the premier jazz trombonist of his generation. Whether performing with his groups, Mental Images or EB3 or with The SF Jazz Collective, Dave Holland Quintet / Big Band, …

Teacher and young student looking at each other
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The Music and Learning Connection
Date: Feb 19, 2021

Listen as podcast guests Dianna Babcock and Jane Tate of MacPhail Center for Music discuss the evidence that music does have a positive impact on a young child’s executive functioning …

Two people playing cello outside with Minneapolis skyline and Mississippi river behind them
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A Beautiful Introduction to the McKnight Musician Fellowships
Date: Feb 18, 2021

MacPhail Center for Music is proud to be the administrator of the McKnight Fellowships for Musicians for over two decades. The McKnight Fellowships for Musicians are intended to recognize and …

a group of babies and parents gathered around a drum
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Sing Play Learn Podcast – Babies
Date: Feb 18, 2021
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Talking About Race
Date: Feb 10, 2021

What we believe and how we talk about race is of the utmost importance. The National Museum of African American History & Culture asks How do we teach such challenging subject …

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Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children’s Books
Date: Feb 10, 2021

Representation matters – it’s important and affirming for kids to see characters who look like them and the people in their families in the books they read. It’s equally important …

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Benefits of Music on Children’s Development
Date: Feb 10, 2021

Listen as Priscilla Weigel and her guest Dianna Babcock of MacPhail Center for Music chat about the way music can enhance learning.  They discuss the benefits music has on a …

baby playing a small xylophone
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Music and Infant Development
Date: Feb 10, 2021

Join our guests from MacPhail Center for Music, Early Childhood Music Educators, Jane Tate and Cari Gregerson as we discuss the developmental pathway of infants and how music can help …

Adult and child playing a guitar together
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Playing with Music at Home
Date: Feb 10, 2021

Music making doesn’t need to be formal at all times – it’s easy to incorporate music into the daily routines with your child, in fact, you may find you already …

Child playing a xylophone
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Support Math Readiness Through Music
Date: Feb 10, 2021

The teachers in our Sing, Play, Learn! with MacPhail® department know that music class isn’t just fun and play. Music learning can build a child’s math skills. Check out this …

Cari holding up a rainstick
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Let’s Make a Rainstick
Date: Feb 10, 2021

Rain…rain…go away! Or, make it stay and make a rainstick with materials you have at home. Teacher Cari is here to show you how.

Cari holding egg shakers
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Let’s Make Egg Shakers
Date: Feb 10, 2021

Egg shakers are popular in our Sing, Play, Learn! with MacPhail® classes. Teacher Cari shows you how to make your own!

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