In this conversation, Mojo Kemp interviews Mariah Mennie, a musician and composer, about her musical journey and experiences. Mariah shares her background growing up in a creative family and her early exposure to music. She discusses the importance of learning to read music and the challenges she faced in developing this skill. Mariah also talks about her first performance with an orchestra and the impact it had on her. She shares her thoughts on dealing with mistakes and imposter syndrome as a musician. Finally, Mariah discusses her decision to pursue music education and composition. In this conversation, Mariah Mennie, a composer and music teacher, discusses her journey in finding her creative strengths and pursuing a career in composition. She shares her experiences with imposter syndrome and the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated field of composition. Mariah also talks about the importance of music education and her passion for teaching. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need to overcome self-doubt and embrace the creative process.

Takeaways

• Learning to read music is an important skill for musicians as it allows them to access a wider range of musical knowledge and learn from different composers and styles.
• Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and should be embraced as opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Comparing oneself to others can be detrimental to one's musical journey and it is important to focus on developing one's own unique voice and expression.
• Music education and exposure to different music cultures can broaden one's understanding and appreciation of music.
• Imposter syndrome is common among musicians and artists, but it is important to recognize one's own accomplishments and value as a creative individual. Acknowledge and embrace your unique creative strengths.
• Persistence and determination are key to achieving your goals.
• Imposter syndrome affects even the most accomplished individuals, but it can be overcome.
• Promoting music education is essential for nurturing future musicians and composers.

If you want to check out Mariah's website, here's the link:
https://www.mariahmennie.ca/

In this electrifying episode of Everybody Speaks Music, Kris sits down with a true Renaissance soul, Jeremy McKay. A Canadian yo-yo champion, lifelong musician, and dedicated educator, Jeremy's story is as unique as it is inspiring. 

From the get-go, this episode delves into Jeremy's multi-faceted world. A master of multiple disciplines, Jeremy and Kris explore the essence of great teaching. What does it take to inspire and educate? Jeremy shares his insights, honed not only through his music but also his yo-yo mastery and decades of experience as a public educator.

Hear what Jeremy learned from studying under five different vocal teachers and how he was able to rehabilitate his voice.

Jeremy's story takes a remarkable turn as he opens up about his resilience in the face of career-ending injuries. How did he bounce back? What lessons did he learn along the way? 

For those balancing the worlds of athleticism and music, Jeremy's insights are a goldmine. Navigating the paths of both an athlete and a musician can be a challenging tightrope walk, but Jeremy offers relatable perspectives and strategies .

 Jeremy McKay's story is a testament to the boundless possibilities of human potential. Tune in, get inspired, and join us as we dive into an extraordinary mind.

Jeremy's Links:

Free learn to yoyo course
https://www.mryoyothrower.com/

Use "Musicismagic" for a 15% discount to buy one of my yoyos
https://raincityskills.com/

My books and Coloring books including my latest "Music is Magic"
https://www.jdmckay.com/

Harmonica Recommendation  - I suggest starting with a Honer Special 20 (get them anywhere online) or Kongshen Amazing 20 (Aliexpress and a few others) in the key of C. Then dive into youtube for beginner lessons

Tea Party "The Badger"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQHcD3ChVHU

ADHD Understandings - This professor is brilliant.I recommend him to every parent that brings a child with ADHD into my classroom.
https://youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023?si=0dk1nowXi-jFJQ0h

In this episode of Everybody Speaks Music, we sit down with an extraordinary guest, Jared Rose, whose inspiring journey from a new piano student to unlocking new levels of musical mastery within just two months will leave you astounded. Join us as we delve into Jared’s story of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of music.

Episode Highlights:

•A Journey of Highs and Lows: Jared takes us through his rollercoaster experience as a novice piano player. He candidly shares the moments of frustration, determination, and the breakthroughs that have kept him motivated throughout his journey.

•Frustration as a Positive Sign: Learn how Jared interpreted a break from playing the piano due to frustration as a positive signal. Discover how these moments of pause can fuel a deeper connection with your musical journey.

•Lessons from Tiger Woods: Jared draws parallels between his piano learning and the advice from the Tiger Woods documentary. Discover the wisdom in focusing on a limited number of “shots” in your practice and making each one count.

•Optimizing Practice Space: Explore Jared’s insights into optimizing his practice environment for maximum efficiency and enjoyment. Learn how a well-structured practice space can significantly enhance your musical progress.

•Structured Routines and Scales: Jared emphasizes the significance of structured routines, including scales and patterns, in his practice sessions. Uncover how these elements contribute to accelerated learning and growth.

•Music as a Healing Force: Jared opens up about how music became a powerful tool during his struggles with serious medical issues. He discusses the positive impact of music on his brain function and overall neurological well-being.

•Overcoming Challenges through Music: Discover the profound connection between music and overcoming life’s challenges, disabilities, and difficulties. Jared’s personal journey highlights the universal potential of music as a source of strength and resilience.

Join us for an insightful and uplifting conversation that showcases the deep link between music and personal transformation. Jared’s story is a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when dedication, passion, and the harmonies of music come together.

"Everybody Speaks Music - Episode 113 Summary:

In this episode, we'll be diving into three engaging segments:

Segment 1: Accountability in Music Practice
We'll explore the role of accountability in maintaining a regular music practice routine. This includes how external commitments like gigs and lessons can keep us on track, even during busy times.

Segment 2: Preparing for Campfire Performances
Discover the journey of preparing for a campfire performance. We'll discuss the added motivation and accountability that come from getting ready for a special musical moment with your friends and family.

Segment 3: Mentorship and Support
In this segment,  Kris delves  into the power of mentorship in the world of music. He shares how personal encounters and discuss how having guidance and a support system can be transformative in one's musical journey.

Throughout the episode, we'll touch on the significance of finding joy, embracing uncertainties, and achieving growth at your own pace. Join us as we explore these three dynamic aspects of the musical experience."

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the incredible passion of J.J Caithcart, an inspired and dedicated individual who aims to connect with seniors, specifically those who have experienced brain injuries or have dementia. Through his volunteer work, J.J. has found a profound interest in bringing the healing power of music and music therapy into their lives.

We explore J.J.'s transformational journey, starting as a volunteer and learning from exceptional music therapists. His desire to create a positive impact in the lives of seniors through music shines through every step of the way.

Another significant aspect of J.J.'s life is his entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 24, he opened "Scrape Records" in Vancouver, BC, an iconic record store that nurtured a vibrant community within the Vancouver hard rock and metal scene for nearly two decades.

https://scraperecords.com/

During the episode, we discuss the fascinating world of music therapy and the use of adaptive instruments like the Orba, Kalimbas, and GarageBand on iPads. Kris provides a training session, enabling our listeners to embrace these exciting tools and infuse harmony and joy into their own lives, as well as the lives of their families and loved ones.

We also delve into J.J.'s new podcast, where he continues to share his passion for music and its potential to transform lives. Don't miss the special mention of his upcoming August 7 BC day special - an event not to be missed!

https://differentstagesradio.com/

Join us on this heartfelt journey as we learn from J.J. Caithcart's experiences and get inspired to make a difference in our communities through the power of music and music therapy. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and connection!

Episode 111 Details:

  - Solo episode announcement, with a shout-out to co-host Mojo Kemp.

  - Mention of significant transformation at Horizon School of Music

  - Teaser for a future episode on school updates.

Visiting Bradford Elementary School:

  - Recap of recent visit to Bradford Elementary School in Burnaby, BC.

  - Jeremy McKay's summer school course on using GarageBand.

  - Emphasizing the universal language of music and "Everybody Speaks Music."

  - Sharing personal struggles to inspire the students.

  - Curiosity of the students about music from different countries.

Exploring the Frustration of Guitar:

  - Acknowledging common frustrations in learning the guitar.

  - Lack of musicality when striking open strings.

  - Introduction of open tuning and its benefits.

  - Explanation of tuning to "DADFAD" 
      (D-A-D-F#-A-D).

  - Strumming the open strings to unlock rich and inspiring sounds.

Unlocking the Melody:

  - Understanding the concept of melody and its connection to singing.

  - Describing a scale as organized sound.

  - Demonstrating the "do re mi fa so la ti do" scale on the thin, treble string.

  - Exploring melodic and harmonic possibilities in open D tuning.

  - Suggesting open D tuning as a helpful alternative for beginners or those with hand problems.

 Creating Melodies:

  - Encouraging the exploration of melodies through numeric patterns.

  - Using random numbers to create melodies in the class.

  - Highlighting the creative and enjoyable aspects of generating melodies.

Welcome to Episode 110 of Everybody Speaks Music! In today's captivating episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing the immensely talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist, Tim Parent. With a prominent presence in the West Coast music scene, Tim has graced the stage with renowned bands such as Five Alarm Funk and Ninja Spy, leaving audiences in awe.

During our interview, Tim delves into the core of his musical motivation, which revolves around self-exploration and following his creative muse. His insatiable curiosity leads him from one instrument to the next, constantly pushing the boundaries of his musical expression. Tim's passion for music runs deep, stemming from his upbringing in an incredibly musical family. As the youngest of three brothers and one sister, he shares the invaluable support and advantages that come with being immersed in music from a young age.

In many ways, Tim's journey mirrors that of other music luminaries such as Victor Wooten who emphasize the universality of music as a language. This theme aligns perfectly with our podcast's mission, and we are thrilled to bring you this inspiring interview.

Join us as Tim shares his remarkable stories, explores the power of music as a language, and reminds us all that the groove is ingrained within us. We are born with it; we don't have to overthink it. It's a feeling that resonates deep within our souls.
Groove to the heart, because everyone's got it—you just have to feel it.

Friends! Thank you so much for downloading, streaming and listening to the show, we truly appreciate all the time that you spend with us.

Just a quick note to let you know that Kris and I are moving to a lighter schedule for the summer and we will be bringing you a new show every two weeks until Sept.

Have a great summer/winter; depending which part of the world you live in; we'll be back next week with a full show!

Summertime, the livin' is easy.......