Cubs Charities’ Post

Let's talk about something we all love—MUSIC! 🎶 Did you know that the right beats can skyrocket your productivity? Whether you're grinding through a tough project or brainstorming your next big idea, the perfect playlist can make all the difference. Here are some tips to tune your workday: Instrumentals for Focus: Lyrics can be distracting. Try instrumental tracks or classical music for deep concentration. I have personally been obsessed with this instrumental: https://lnkd.in/gSGDu74w !!!!!🎻 Upbeat Tunes for Energy: Need a pick-me-up? Upbeat, fast-paced music can boost your energy and keep you motivated. Think pop, rock, or dance tracks. 🕺 Nature Sounds for Relaxation: Feeling stressed? Nature sounds or ambient music can create a calm environment and help you relax. 🌿 Personal Favorites for a Mood Lift: Sometimes, all you need is your favorite song to lift your spirits and get you back on track. 🎤 I'd love to know—what's your go-to work music? Share your favorite tracks or playlists in the comments below!🎧👇 #Productivity #MusicAtWork #WorkSmart #MotivationMonday #LinkedInFam

New at BalladofAmerica.org - "Unaccompanied singing is characteristic of remote communities. Because it does not require instruments, which are often expensive, fragile, and difficult to construct, it can be practiced by those of extremely limited means. Three unaccompanied singing traditions of Southern Appalachia have attracted considerable interest over the past century: ballad singing, lined-out hymnody, and shape-note singing." Unaccompanied Singing Traditions of Southern Appalachia - Ballad of America https://lnkd.in/e_-recy6

"Slaying the Procrastination Dragon" is a comprehensive student guide created by Bay Area Harp and Music Academy that addresses one of the most common challenges facing music students: procrastination in practice and preparation. Written by Kristal Schwartz, this thoughtfully structured guide helps students understand and overcome the barriers that prevent consistent, effective practice. The guide systematically breaks down: • The Nature of Procrastination - Clear definitions and explanations of what constitutes procrastination - How it specifically affects musical development and performance - Why it's particularly relevant to harp students • Core Causes and Triggers - Task aversion and its relationship to practice - Perfectionism in musical performance - Time management challenges - Self-discipline factors - Fear of failure in musical contexts - Feelings of overwhelm with complex pieces • Real Musical Consequences - Practice neglect and its impact on skill development - Performance anxiety amplification - Skill stagnation effects - Missed opportunities in musical advancement • Recognition Patterns - Identifying procrastination behaviors specific to music practice - Understanding emotional indicators - Recognizing avoidance patterns in practice routines This guide serves as both an educational resource and a practical toolkit, helping harp students recognize, understand, and overcome procrastination habits that may be hindering their musical development. It's particularly valuable for serious students looking to maximize their practice effectiveness and achieve their full potential as musicians. Click Here to read: https://lnkd.in/gvQ352s7

A simple message, but I find this quote from England’s new wicket-keeper inspiring. We often hold up ambition as a virtue, and for sure there is lots to celebrate about pushing yourself, always striving for improvement. You would be unlikely to represent your country in elite sport without a fair dose of ambition. But how often do we settle for celebrating the achievement, and allow only for a process that is filled with pressure or anxiety? It’s something I regularly preach to my students, but could honestly do better myself. So, in the spirit of new school year resolutions (when we get there!) here is one. Let the ambition have its focus shifted just a touch - the key performance moments of the year in our music school should be fun above all else. I want our students to learn that it is possible to play at the highest of levels, and for that process to be enjoyable. You don’t have to stress yourself out/drive yourself into the ground in order to realise your ambitions. Playing music is, and should be, fun.

From Audience Member to Performer: Translating Live Music Inspiration into Artistic Creation Last week, I had the privilege of attending a Love and Rockets concert, an experience that immediately sparked my creativity. Today, I'm excited to share the result: my cover of their iconic track, 'An American Dream.' This project exemplifies the dynamic relationship between live music experiences and artistic interpretation: Immediate Inspiration: The energy of the live performance provided new insights into the song's emotion and delivery. Historical Appreciation: Seeing music legends perform their decades-old hits live reinforced the timeless nature of well-crafted songs. Artistic Interpretation: The challenge of capturing both the recorded version's nuances and the live performance's energy in my cover. Industry Reflection: Observing how established artists adapt their music for modern audiences while maintaining their core identity. This experience underscores the vital role of live performances in the music industry, not just for audience enjoyment but as a source of ongoing inspiration for fellow musicians. I invite my network to discuss: How do live music experiences influence your work, regardless of your industry? How can we translate inspirational moments into tangible outputs? #MusicianLife #LiveMusicInspiration #AlternativeRock #ProfessionalMusician #MusicBusiness #ArtisticProcess #CoverSong #CreativeInspiration"

What an enormous privilege to present at the Awards Ceremony of my former high school as the Keynote Speaker. It was exhilarating to see the academic and musical talent of the young people. What would I say to my 17-year-old self if I could travel back 30 years? Here are seven points I felt Scottish high school students might want to consider: 1. When you leave high school, you have a clean slate 2. It’s okay to change your mind 3. You will experience failures. It’s okay to fail 4. Don’t compare yourself to others 5. Embrace imposter syndrome 6. Find a mentor: “When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready, the teacher will disappear.” 7. Be authentic. #ForresterHighSchool

How exciting to see this.

Ever want to learn New Orleans piano? Check out this new tutorial on Professor Longhair's version of "Everyday I Have The Blues"! https://lnkd.in/eEbi3fDB

Piano teachers, how do you talk to your students about the way they move at the piano? In this basic Alexander Technique class, we'll use exercises and cultivate language that clearly communicates with our students about their physicality at the piano. You'll learn basic ideas that you can incorporate into your teaching right away, and then I'll point you in the right direction to continue your practice if that's something you want to do. Link to sign up is in the comments! #pianoteachers #alexandertechniqueforpianists

The word GREATNESS is a choice. Once, a talented young musician named Ava struggled to find success in the competitive music industry. Despite her exceptional voice and skill, she felt stuck and frustrated. One day, Ava met a wise mentor who asked her, "What if greatness is not something you are born with, but something you choose every day?" Ava was intrigued. Her mentor encouraged her to focus on the process, not just the outcome. Ava began to choose greatness daily, committing to rigorous practice, learning from criticism, and persevering through setbacks. With time, Ava's hard work and dedication paid off. She started to gain recognition, and her music inspired countless fans. But more importantly, she realized that greatness was not just about achieving success, but about the choices she made every day to excel, to learn, and to make a positive impact. Ava's story spread, inspiring others to understand that greatness is not solely dependent on talent or luck, but on the choices we make. We can all choose to be great every day, in our own unique way, by committing to excellence, learning, and making a difference in the world. start practicing, develop that skillset daily and reap the benefits of greatness.