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3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Begin a Musical Instrument

“You are allowed to fail, and you will become better because of your failures.” There are no red pen marks for missed notes in music the way there are on tests — there is nothing to feel bad about when you play something “wrong” in music. To become skilled at a musical instrument — and to become great at anything — one needs to struggle a little. In your child’s case, they need to sound bad before they sound good; they need to…

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

11 Biggest Challenges That Beginner Guitarists Face and How to Deal With Them

Guitar players face tough challenges everyday. Sometimes they seem insurmountable and can effect our overall progression. That's why Ben Ash has compiled a list of things to think about to get you back on your feet and shredding in no time!

The Top 17 Ways Learning a Musical Instrument Gives You The Edge

Why are those who are good playing an instrument also good at other things? What are the benefits of playing a musical instrument that give them the edge?

Stop Forcing Your Kids to Learn a Musical Instrument

Our daughter Rebekah, who is in second grade, takes three after-school classes every week. On Monday there is violin; on Wednesday, Hebrew; and on Thursday, ballet. One of these classes connects her to a religious tradition going back three thousand years. Two of them are pretty well pointless.I don’t mean that as a bad thing. Pointlessness rules, as far as I am concerned. Lots of great activities...

5 Reasons to Learn a Musical Instrument

Benefits of music education and reasons why you should learn to play a musical instrument.

This Is How Music Can Change Your Brain

Actively learning to play an instrument can help a child's academic achievement

I'll See You When I See You, by Gilbert Neal

Are You In A Jane Austen Novel?

How to tell if you're currently in a Jane Austen novel.

Renovating Your Vacation Rental Condo or Home by Neal Johnson

As the owner of a vacation rental condo, ROI (return on investment) is the name of the gameI mean, it's the whole reason you bought the property in the first place, right? Okay, okay, we know having a place to stay when you're on vacation is a pretty great deal, too.But today, we're directly concerned with showing you how to make your rental even more appealing to guests, which will, in turn, increase your bookings and ROI.So, let's get this…

“Do [N*ggas] Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Mark Anthony Neal

“Do [N*ggas] Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Mark Anthony Neal | @NewBlackMan | NewBlackMan (in Exile) I begin by recalling Philip K. ...

Why Manners Matter by Mark Anthony Neal

The Digital Home for Duke University Professor and Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal

LRB · Neal Ascherson · Where will this voyage end?

Historians as a tribe are suckers for anniversaries, no less than journalists. And both professions are equally unwilling to leave a nice, juicy coincidence alone, in the spirit of that pre-glasnost Pravda phrase: ‘It is no accident that ...’ These faiblesses ensure that, in our lifetimes . . .

“We all have to become conservationists”: our interview with Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander is an acclaimed actress, author and an impassioned birder who is also a member of BirdLife’s Global Advisory Group. Here, she talks to us about how acting got her into birding, and how the new generation gives her hope.

Compression Therapy…Not so Plain Jane Anymore! Part 1

OR? Are you a plain Jane, or a lympheDIVA? Even though you need a compression garment many people would rather not wear, at least lets have some fun with it. Garments with a little extra…

Make like Tarzan (and Jane) in your very own Chilean treehouse

If you thought treehouses were just for kids, you clearly haven't seen this totally swank Chilean spot. It's enough to make you go ape! S...

Jane Pauley's 5 Essential Reinvention Tips

Jane Pauley offers five lessons for boomers on reinventing yourself in midlife.