I'm a Houghton grad also. They have a good linguistics program. I remember visiting a class when a guest speaker came to talk about tone languages. I was a music ed major and enjoyed my years there.

I think I may know you irl. I sent you a pm. I have kids enrolled in a Suzuki school in TN... cello and violin.

The house we are renting has eggshell white flat paint. Once the side zipper of athletic pants left a mark when I bumped into the wall! It's a pain! And of course we have finger prints.

I'm not new here... I've been reading the boards for a few years, but rarely post. After homeschooling for a few years, all three of my children went to school last year (the youngest for 1/2 day). It was the second year of school for my ds11. Last summer we moved to another state- middle TN and decided to homeschool again. dd6- K, dd8- 3rd, ds11- 5th Although I'm not new to homeschooling, I'm considering this my first year. I've yet to really get into a groove. This year has been difficult in so many ways. Anyway, I'm on these boards a lot more lately. They are so helpful, and I admit, entertaining! Here's some random stuff about me: Christian (PCA) coffee drinking I'm pretty sure I have adult ADD! I like to vacuum. Other housecleaning... not so much. My house is usually sanitary, but cluttered. My user name: Yes, I play the flute. I have a background in music ed. Ann is my middle name. So, um... Hello!

I think it would be good to take lessons from the music minister's wife or take a class if you can. You'll improve with constructive criticism and practice. I used to practice in front of a mirror a lot, and still would if I had a group to direct.

My family most likely will be uprooting and moving to the Nashville area. I'm an emotional wreck about leaving my life here, but also excited. Any info would be helpful... homeschool groups, commute time (dh will be working near Vanderbilt), churches, neighborhoods...

I saw this post the other day, but didn't have time to respond. I have a degree in music education. I taught elementary band and vocal/general music before three kids came along. Now I teach private lessons, but never more than ten students. I currently have nine students, counting my girlie. I had a few students when my kids were very little and had a babysitter when I could arrange one. I've been blessed with very understanding families. Some are friends from church and even help out with the kids. I play at church and in a wind ensemble. I feel soooo blessed to be able to play in a wind ensemble(band) that plays challenging music! There is so much I would love to do related to music education... There's been a tugging on my heart to start a children's choir at our church (there hasn't been one in years). I'd also like to start a homeschool band, but I'm not sure there's much interest here. I had intentions of getting a masters, but that won't be happening unless I move next door to a university with a great program, money falls from the sky, and I find extra hours in my day! I'd love to persue a masters in flute or woodwind pedagogy, or elmentary music curriculum specializing in Orff or Kodaly. It's been fun reading all of your posts!

I saw this post the other day, but didn't have time to respond. I have a degree in music education. I taught elementary band and vocal/general music before three kids came along. Now I teach private lessons, but never more than ten students. I currently have nine students, counting my girlie. I had a few students when my kids were very little and had a babysitter when I could arrange one. I've been blessed with very understanding families. Some are friends from church and even help out with the kids. I play at church and in a wind ensemble. I feel soooo blessed to be able to play in a wind ensemble(band) that plays challenging music! There is so much I would love to do related to music education... There's been a tugging on my heart to start a children's choir at our church (there hasn't been one in years). I'd also like to start a homeschool band, but I'm not sure there's much interest here. I had intentions of getting a masters, but that won't be happening unless I move next door to a university with a great program, money falls from the sky, and I find extra hours in my day! I'd love to persue a masters in flute or woodwind pedagogy, or elmentary music curriculum specializing in Orff or Kodaly. It's been fun reading all of your posts!

I need to know what page that quote is on! So funny!

I have enjoyed reading these posts also. I experienced so much guilt last year for "giving up" homeschooling my son and enrolling him in a christian school for 3rd grade. The first couple weeks were difficult for him, but he did transition and had a wonderful year! I was concerned about homework being an issue because I had a very hard time getting him to complete work at home. Much to my surprise, he was very disiplined about getting it done after his afternoon snack. He loved the structure of school. (I had a difficult time with keeping school structured while caring for little ones, keeping up with house work, and dealing with migraines and battling depression.) His class size was small and the instruction was excellent. The morning rush isn't fun, but I consider it one of the trade offs. We will be sending all three of our children to school next year. I still feel guilt sometimes, but I feel it is the best for them at this time. I will still be involved in their education and will volunteer at school. I am enjoying the summer reading and learning with them.

Sound production can be difficult for some at first, just like the flute. I had one student who was able to get a sound by the end of the first lesson and by the next lesson she forgot! She's playing the flute now and doing great. My four year old can make a sound, most likely because she's been around me playing and teaching!

I start very young students on the yamaha fife. Sound is produced in the same way as the flute and the hand position is the same, yet suitable for smaller hands. After students play the fife for 6 months or so (time varies) I have them transfer to a flute with a curved headjoint. The transition is smooth because they can already produce a sound and play a few songs. In addition, they are usually very exited to be playing a real silver flute! It's important to have a good teacher who has experience with young students. Suzuki is a good method for very young children also (I'm not a Suzuki teacher). That said...it's still OK to wait a couple years for flute if you feel that's best. Piano provides a good foundation for learning any instrument.

Exercise is good, but calories count! I worked out hard all of 2009 and can now run up to 5 miles, but I gained 8 more pounds. That means I now have at least 30 pounds to lose. I started tracking calories on sparkpeople, but had too many days I just didn't want to know! I've started tracking my food again.

Intersting links, musicmommy! I wasn't expecting to see a post on harmonics on a homeschool site.

Hilton Head is great. Sometimes you can get a good rate in the off season.