This past weekend, after an enriching, inspiring few days at the URL Biennial in Orlando, FL where I performed a concert and led a Shachrit Morning Yoga Family Service, I flew to St. Paul, MN to be an Artist-In-Residence at Mount Zion Temple. The weekend was incredible. I was treated with kid gloves – the hospitality I was shown was par none. …
My Journey To Find God
I have written quite a few songs about God. As a Jewish Early Childhood educator, touring music specialist and composer, I sing these songs at synagogues across the country. Some of these songs were written during the years between 1995 – 2005, when I led Tot Shabbat worship services for young children and families at what was then Temple Sinai (now called Temple Emanuel Sinai) in Worcester. …
Elul and New Growth
During the last few weeks, I’ve had lots of experiences that have led to the birth (more like explosion) of new growth. I am here, embracing, facing, turning, preparing myself for the Jewish new year. What will I do with this new growth? I will add it to my ever-growing compost pile called life. And I am so very grateful for the opportunity to continue …
How Many Black Rainsong Guitars Do You See?
3, 3, 3 Guitars In One When was the last time you went to a concert where 3 of the musicians were playing the exact same guitar? I think Rabbi Joe Black started it, the black Rainsong guitar trend.
Twists & Turns (I’m teaching kid’s yoga with a musical twist)
Life has its’ funny twists and turns, doesn’t it? Last summer, I had an opportunity to train with Haris Lender to do Kidding Around Yoga, and subsequently Yoga Yeladim. But before I even knew who she was, earlier that summer I taught music classes at a preschool camp in Worcester. You can click here or on the picture below to …
Belly Breaths of Gratitude
My cup is overflowing. I have had an astonishing run of performances and workshops over the last few weeks. The inside of my suitcase has barely seen the light of day. And while I’m sleep deprived and often have to stop and remember which airport I’m walking through, I have nothing but gratitude and a heart so full of music …
Kickstarter: I’ll Write A Song For You (yes, it’s true)
When the idea for launching my own Kickstarter campaign was suggested to me, I politely declined. It was for other people, not me. I think, truth be told, I was afraid nobody would want to become part of the project. Was I wrong or what? In ten days, the project has generated 82 backers contributing just shy of $3000. I’m …
Are You Ready To Learn To Play Guitar?
Sometimes, it’s the littlest things that can make all the difference. Yesterday, I presented a keynote address and breakout workshop for the Detroit Alliance for Jewish Education. At the conclusion of the keynote, a woman exuberantly approached me and shared that she’d always wanted to learn to play guitar and something I said just made it click for her. She planned …
Are You Listening, God?
Whenever I struggle with a concept, I pick up my guitar or sit down at the piano and write a song. It is one of the best ways for me to process anything that challenges me. As an Early Childhood Music Educator and performer, writing a song also helps me figure out how I can best teach those challenging concepts …