I apologize for not having had the time to fix and update the Music Composer Research Database for people using the Internet Explorer browser.  It has always worked in Firefox, but a very annoying little bug kept it from working in Internet Explorer for several months.  In the end it turns out the simplest of mistakes was causing an extreme problem. 

In any case, the problem is now fixed!  Internet Explorer users can now use this valuable and easy to use database to research any of dozens of musical composers from various eras.  More will be added as time allows and if there is interest in the application.  Please try it out and feel free to leave comments on the  landing page if you have any suggestions!

Tales From The Podium

Once in a while it's fun just to relax and surf the Internet.  Once in a while I find a Stumble across a video that bears watching a little closer.  This time I found a video of a young aspiring drummer.  Take a look to see the improvement this kid made from age two to age nine.  He's very good, but somehow I bet that he can't read a note of written music...

Tales From The Podium

For a limited time this year you need not live in New York City to be able to watch live performances of the world's greatest operas being performed by one of the world's greatest opera companies.  Live performances of Macbeth and other operas are being beamed into participating theaters all over the country.  The opportunity for music educators that this presents is intriguing to say  the least.

Tales From The Podium

There was a time when band and choir teachers focused their rehearsals solely on the music for the next concert.  At the end of the day, the group might be able to play better, but chances were good that they really did not learn anything of any substance about music.   Today teachers have moved on to include real curricular content in their classroom.  In the process the large group band rehearsal has changed a bit, allowing for activities that build understanding and comprehension rather than just rote memorization of notes on a page.  Games are one of many great ways to encourage and strengthen retention of key concepts.  Other classrooms use games all of the time so why doesn't the band or choir?

Tales From The Podium