Student Motivations:



Music Currency



Toy Currency



Social Currency



Concert Currency





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Hello Music Friends,



Every week, I enjoy listening to The Elementary Music Teacher Podcast with host Jessica Peresta. In a couple of weeks, she is conducting an online music curriculum seminar, which I am looking forward to!



As a result, I’m spending time doing the tedious task of researching state and national standards for music education.… Read More...
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Hello Music Friends!



It’s been too long! I hope you all are doing well. I thought it was about time I give an update on my music endeavors. This school year, in addition to teaching foreign language at my children’s school, I also took on the role as one of the choir directors, as well as the strings director.… Read More...
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This past weekend has been especially wonderful for me because I had the chance to travel back to my hometown in Kansas to be with my family. All four of my sisters, their husbands, and children came back to stay at my parents’ house so that we could celebrate Thanksgiving together.… Read More...
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Hello Music Friends,



I apologize that it has been a few weeks, but I’m excited to announce the release of my first Christmas album! This has been one of my dreams ever since I was a little girl, and it’s finally coming to fruition! If you get the chance, I hope you check it out for a little holiday cheer.… Read More...
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Meet Mary A. Felkins






I’m an inspirational romance author, blogger, and contributor to writer’s blogs and online publications. My swoony debut novel, Call to Love, delivers a good bit of hilarity, passion, and truth.



A Lone Star girl at heart, I moved with my husband Bruce in 1997 from Houston to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.… Read More...
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Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I honestly don’t know life without it. My great-great grandfather played fiddle in a country band. My grandmother was a pianist/organist/composer. My mother is a violinist and vocalist. My mother-in-law is a pianist. All four of my sisters and I are violinists.… Read More...
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In today’s episode, I interview special guest Kent Sanders, who helped write The Faith of Elvis with Elvis’s stepbrother Billy Stanley. Find out more about the behind-the-scenes life of the King of Rock n’ Roll!













Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother, shares the untold story of the iconic singer’s Christian faith–its deep influence on his music, films, relationships, commitment to his family and fans, and his love for the Gospel.… Read More...
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With school just around the corner and music lessons are starting back up, I know I need a pep talk as a teacher and music mom to get my students and children back in musical shape. And who better to ask for advice than my own mom, violinist and vocalist, veteran violin teacher, and mother of five professional violinists!… Read More...
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Professional musician, native of Wichita, Kansas, and inspirational fiction author who shares my same maiden name, Amanda Wen is an author I personally couldn’t wait to interview! Listen to the end for a special performance by Amanda and me as we “hymnprovise” on Amazing Grace!







Although surprisingly we aren’t related, she’s a kindred spirit whose books ring true and strike a chord that resonates with me, and countless other readers as well.… Read More...
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I hope you enjoy this interview with my aunt and former violin teacher, Valerie Sullivan. She helped me prepare for competitions and college auditions, with great success I might add! Check out her tips of the trade!







Even if you’re not a music teacher, you might enjoy learning a little about what it takes to be a professional violinist.… Read More...
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Thanks sooooo much for all of your support in my musical journey. I’m excited to let you know that my 3 singles: Amazing Grace/Sublime Gracia/La Grace du Ciel are now live! I’d be honored to have you listen in whichever language you prefer (or all 3)!









If you haven’t yet, sign-up to Music Updates for access:



Subscribe for weekly music updates!… Read More...
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Composed by Philip Parker



Performed by Ashley Rescot on Violin and Valerie Sullivan on piano












Making Music a Career, with Contemporary Classical Composer and Music Educator: Philip and Kim Parker


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A couple of weeks ago, my mother Allison and I taught a summer music camp for beginning violinists, and we were thrilled to invite Kim and Phil as guest musicians to teach our string players about other instruments in the orchestra. The students couldn’t believe how many household items could be turned into percussion instruments!… Read More...
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Today, in honor of the French holiday Bastille Day, July 14, 1789, I wanted to share music by a couple of the lesser-known French composers, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Joseph Bologne (1745-1799). Thank you again to all my French listeners! After living in France, your country will forever hold a special place in my heart.… Read More...
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The Music of Fireworks


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Ashley Rescot at the Arc de Triomphe



I wanted to say a quick thank you to my podcast listeners! Like you, I’m an audiophile myself. I don’t know what I’d do without my favorite podcast creators and music playlists!



I especially wanted to say “merci” to all my fabulous French listeners!… Read More...
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Jammin’ With a Rock Star


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I hope you all have a happy Father’s Day! I’m always blown away by my Dad’s quite wisdom. I really enjoyed spending the holiday with him a couple of years ago when I filmed this. I can’t wait to see him again in a couple of weeks!








A Dad’s Take on Parenting Musicians








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I’m on vacation with my family, but I thought this interview was worth revisiting!








Tapping into the Techie Side of Music with Tour Manager Shawn Sullivan


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