This year I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Midwest Clinic. This is the second time I have been able to attend and it is such a wonderful experience! I was able to attend sessions on new music and small schools. I learned a lot from educators around the United States about how to run my program better and how to provide opportunities to my students to enrich their musical education and experiences. I was also able to reconnect with some wonderful people and meet some new composers and educators. Getting to see my composer collective friends and help them sell some music and make connections was definitely one of the highlights of this trip. Shoutout to all my CodaChrome Collective friends and the help they give me in becoming a better composer. 

One thing I really enjoyed about this trip was how I got to and from the conference. I got to ride a train. Something that I have dreamed about for a long time is taking a cross country trip by train. This may seem silly since the time it takes to travel is so much longer than flying, but I have to say it was quite enjoyable! The stress of packing and getting on the train was so minimal. The ability to sit back and enjoy the countryside and see sights I might never have seen in any other way was so relaxing. Being able to sit back in my seat and let the engineers and conductors direct our train to our destination was so peaceful. When I got to the conference, I was not nearly as stressed as I have been when I get off a plane that is stuffed full, emerging into an airport that is also jam packed and then trying to make it to my hotel. Instead I got off the train, grabbed my bags and walked into the grand vista that is the Chicago Union Station. It was all decorated for Christmas and Hanukkah. The tree that filled the center of the station was decorated with all the different railways that have, or currently, run through that station. I was able to walk through the station and catch an Uber. Despite there being some heavy construction going on in and outside the station, it was relatively painless.

Once I got to my hotel, it was only a matter of walking to the conference center at McCormick Place. One thing I love about this conference is that even though it is a large international conference there are three hotels directly connected to the convention center by sky bridges. If you have ever been to Chicago in December, you know it can be cold and snowy! You almost never have to go outside, which is super nice. I could enjoy the vistas of Chicago without having to endure the cold too much.  

One of the benefits of this conference is the networking I get to do. I was able to meet many new people and see some familiar friends. It really helps me feel connected in a world where I am isolated from a lot of my colleagues. Even in the digital age it is nice to get together and discuss things in person, grab a bite to eat together, and talk about our personal lives in addition to the usual business. It helps me solidify those friendships and rejuvenate in a time of year when music education can get a little difficult.

Speaking of rejuvenation, I have had a hard time being creative lately, especially in the realm of composition. I finished two pieces this year, but it was a stretch for me. I haven't felt like myself and have struggled with depression that has been worse than I've ever experienced before. The bouts of depression have continued to worsen these last few years and I've finally garnered up the courage to do something about it. I had been worried that I wouldn't ever be able to compose like I used to, and making these changes and attending Midwest has helped me turn over a new leaf. I was able to get a good start on a new piece that I'm really excited about. I can't recall the last time I felt excited to be writing something, but when I was on the train and traveling back through Illinois and Iowa, the ideas just started flowing and I came up with three movements worth of musical ideas and concepts in a matter of minutes. It was exhilarating! I haven't felt such clarity of thought and passion for my music in so long I had forgotten what it felt like. The rejuvenating effects of hanging out with colleagues and learning together are so valuable. If you ever get a chance to attend a conference, I highly recommend you go!

As things return to normal home life, I'm looking forward to the new year and teaching my students, as well as writing new music. I hope the holidays have treated you wonderfully and that you find happiness, joy, and peace this season! Here's to new music and new adventures!

   Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to go on a girl's trip with all but one of my four sisters, my mom, and a friend. We headed down to St. George to find some sun, hike, and do whatever fit our fancy for the weekend.
   I put off getting packed to go until almost the last minute. I wasn't sure about taking the time from home. I had things I needed to do and I felt guilty leaving everything to Mike for the weekend just to have fun. Mike kept encouraging me and reassuring me that he had everything under control, so I agreed and threw the things I needed into a bag.
   Our first hike was along a beautiful trail filled with red rocks and tall canyon walls. I joked and chatted with the ladies and enjoyed the gorgeous views. I found more relief in not being needed than I thought I would. No one needed me to undo their seatbelt or toss snacks into the back seat on the way there. I didn't have to tie several pairs of shoes before we set off on the hike. No one asked me to help them scramble up a rock or back down from a ledge. I missed my little guys, but felt a bit rested. The biggest thing I noticed was the silence. There isn't much room for silence in my current season of life. There are so many questions that need answered and requests that need filled, my ears are met with different sounds almost every minute. I relished the quiet crunch of my sneakers on the sand. I let my mind soften into that silence.

   That night we enjoyed a bright orange sunset on the way to the AirBnb and I read my book, studied my scriptures, and crawled into a cute little bunk with two of my sisters giggling nearby.
   The next morning I woke early and found myself in silence again. My mind was rested and ready to get up. I had some thoughts about a song I could write to describe our hike the day before. I snuck downstairs and rummaged in my bag to find the manuscript paper I had tossed in just in case there was time to work on some arrangements. I am an arranger. I've been arranging simple pieces for my piano students for years. I love giving them access to their favorite songs at their level of playing. In our house, Mike is the composer. I've never had the desire to write my own music. I don't hear the world the way he does, but this morning it felt different. I had musical ideas bouncing around in my head and I needed to get them down on paper. In the quiet of the morning I wrote my first song.
   We had the opportunity to spend some time in the St. George Temple and on the grounds later that morning. More beautiful silence was added to my weekend there. We then packed up a lunch and headed for Snow Canyon. The views in Snow Canyon are amazing. We made our way to the top of a bluff and some of the ladies wanted to climb up higher on the rocks. I was content to rest where we were and enjoy the view. I have to be careful to not push my body too hard while it's still healing from the past year. I settled down with my mom and sister. I took some pictures and pulled out the manuscript paper. In the silence on the bluff I could hear the beat of a hawk's wings that flew overhead. That's how quiet it was. It was blissful and more musical ideas made their way onto the paper.

​   Later, I took a short hike by myself while waiting for some of the ladies to make their way back to the van. More silent thought and musical ideas. This whole experience was completely new to me and I was loving it. No wonder Mike loves composing, it is so freeing.

   We made our way back to the AirBnb after grabbing some smoothies and laughed while we each worked on some creative projects. I pulled my manuscript paper out again to get started on some of the ideas that were vying for space on the paper. I went to bed early, enjoying the quiet time to read and write some thoughts down.
   The next day we ended our trip by visiting a cute park up on the hill in St. George. After that we were ready to get back home. I was missing those little arms around my neck and I was excited to share what I had accomplished with Mike. It was a beautiful weekend. Full of love, laughter, and quiet.

Marching band season is in full swing, fall sports have filled up our student's schedules, and the favorite sugar-inducing-coma holiday is just around the corner. Are you feeling the craziness of the fall season? We know we are! Here is a list of our favorite go-to stress relievers for the season:

• ​Take a break. I know, I know, there's no time for that! Hear me out, let your ears take a break. Turn the radio off on your drive home, get up before the rest of the house and enjoy a bit of silence, don't turn Spotify on right away when you get home. Sometimes, our ears need a palette cleanser. As musicians we use them all day long! I don't know about you, but I even tend to listen to whatever noises the house and kids are making while I'm making dinner. They need a break, a bit of silence to give them a rest. Set aside a few moments throughout the day to give them what they need.
• Collaborate with colleagues. Sometimes our weary soul just needs to talk a little shop with someone else in the trenches. Find a fellow music instructor and grab a quick drink together. If you're in a rural area, sometimes this is hard to come by. We love getting involved in our state organization for this very reason. You make life-long connections with people who know what you're going through. Shoot out a text to that buddy you met at the last conference. Sometimes just sharing a couple gifs that show how you feel can lighten the load a little and remind you you're not alone. We're all in this together!
• Take time for self-care. It's a buzzword right now that we really don't have time for, right?! One thing we have found in our own busy lives with multiple jobs and a house full of boys is that if you don't take time for self-care, your body will make you take the time later in poor health. We love what we do and we want to be able to do it well, so we need to take care of our bodies and minds. Pick back up the hobby you've been putting off, take a long hot shower, light that pumpkin spice candle your favorite student dropped off last fall. It can be just a couple minutes, but you need to take a break and do something you just plain enjoy occasionally. Mike and I typically knit and crochet in the evenings. It's some quiet time after the kids are in bed and it keeps our hands busy while we watch a quick episode of our latest favorite series, "Artful."
• Get out and move your body. We're at the last of the nice weather here in Idaho, so fall is the last chance to get in a sunny walk outside. I know our friends in the South are just getting weather that lets them go out without melting. Wherever you are, get a little Vitamin D and some movement in. It doesn't have to be a hike in the woods or an hour at the gym. We knew a secretary during our undergrad that would bring her walking shoes to work, put them on with her skirt during lunch, and go walk a couple laps around the track. Make a lap around campus during your prep hour or a quick walk around the block after dinner. Whatever you choose to do, let it clear your mind and reset your body.
• Slip in a quick meditation. Last fall I took a course on meditation as part of my recertification. The benefits a short, daily meditation provide our bodies are incredible. I'm now a firm believer in daily meditation. I also believe we should include it in our classroom when possible, but that's a thought for another day. All it takes is a few minutes. I added mine to my morning routine. It helps me clear my mind and focus my energy for the day. Some people enjoy adding it to their evening routine to help their mind calm down and prepare to sleep. If you're interested in a little more info on the specific benefits meditation provides and a quick explanation on how to meditate, here is a short article by UC Davis.

This fall, don't let the busy schedules and endless prep for the upcoming holidays keep you from being an effective educator. Setting aside a little time for yourself can really help your mind and body reset and be ready to go again.

The back-to-school energy boost is waning, the fall calendar is as full as ever, and our tank is starting feel pretty empty. Does this describe how you or your students are feeling as Halloween approaches? Us, too, you are not alone! Here are a few tips I've compiled through the years to keep our students motivated.

This time of year, when we see their eyes start to glaze over and their minds start to wander to what they want to be for Halloween, it can help refocus their energy if we switch things up a little. Feel free to adjust any of these suggestions to fit your needs in lessons and the classroom. Keep up the good work! Fostering the musicians of tomorrow is a beautiful work!

Welcome to our new adventure!
We are excited to be embarking together!

A little history about how this website came about:
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Michael has enjoyed composing music since his time at BYU-Idaho, years ago. He has worked at collecting recordings and honing his craft for years. He has been marketing his music and had his own successful website running for the past 10 years.

Earlier this year I started marketing the arrangements I create during my time as a private piano teacher. As I listed them and the sales began to come in, I realized if I wanted to be able to reach as many early performers as possible, I would need a website. Michael and I were discussing this in the kitchen one day and decided that if we combined forces we could be a one-stop shop for educators and performers alike!

We are dedicated to covering your music needs:
     -Search the arrangements tab to find arrangements of various popular songs on a variety of instruments. This list will continue to grow each week. My goal is to be a quick resource to help your students stay excited and motivated!
     -Check out the Compositions tab for original pieces written by Michael in a variety of ensembles and skill levels. New pieces will be added regularly as he creates fresh resources for your ensemble.
      -Not finding what you need? No problem, click on the Commissions tab and send us a quick explanation of what you're looking for. We'll be in touch quickly and create something new just for you!
     -Wondering about a question in your content area? With experience in a wide variety of music areas, we will be sharing experiences and knowledge from ourselves and colleagues through the Blog page regularly.
     -If you would like some more information about Michael and I, including our experience and short bios, visit the About page.

We can't wait to see where this new journey leads. We are here to help support you and share a love of music to whoever we can. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We're excited to hear from you!