Throwback of Sierra Playing Piano From Christmas '15.

When I'm feeling down, or can't sleep I tend to listen to good music. I'm so glad that I have kids who are talented not only with playing the piano, and various instruments, but to make music as well. My oldest daughter Sierra and her girlfriend created their own rendition of Capitol Cities "Safe and Sound" (which you can listen to on Soundcloud.com), and I can't even begin to tell you how that song was created at the time when I needed some solace.

Thankful For The Gift of Music.

Never in my entire life did I ever think I'd have a musical family. I was certainly not musical growing up although I would sing under my breath from time to time, and sing songs from the Grease soundtrack. But the minute that Sierra's second grade music teacher told me that she had a knack for reading music, and playing the guitar, and told me to get her into piano lessons, I didn't hesitate for a second. And ever since then all my girls play piano, they sing, and also play various instruments. 

I'm so thankful for the gift of music, for the ability that my girls can compose and write their own songs, play by ear, and read music like a champ. Chelsea is well on her way, and Noah, well...he's a beginner and is being taught by both his sisters at home when they have time. Next year he will definitely start piano lessons, and that is something I look forward to. 

What a blessing it is to always have music in the home, and to hear those beautiful chords being played. Whether it's on the violin, piano, guitar, or ukulele hearing music playing throughout the house is better than a bunch of noise on the radio, or pandora station. Although there are good artists out there with songs to be heard there's nothing better than listening to a piece of music that one of your kids composed! 

O Holy Night...A Winter Recital.

This past Sunday was one of the most productive ones ever. First we had a wonderful Christmas program at our church about the Story of Jesus, and for the first time in all of my kids musical recital careers Chelsea's winter recital fell on a Sunday. As soon as church was over we scurried on down to a senior home where the kids volunteered their time, and performed numerous Christmas songs on the piano. To give...in sharing our talent with others is the greatest gift of all, and I definitely saw it within the folks in this home. Their upside down faces turned into smiles as soon as the youngest child began to play, and hearing them sing underneath their breath was proof that they really enjoyed these kids playing for them. It truly added a cheerful spirit to the room, and all these kids played very well. 

Since most of the students were playing Jingle bells, or Silent Night Chelsea wanted to pick something unique that not too many play at recitals. She decided on O Holy Night which is one of her favorites. The fact that she used to hear Sierra play it on the piano during past Christmases motivated her, and it made her think of her. This would also be her first piece using the pedals so she was a bit nervous. Although there were some teeny weeny slip ups she connected with the music, executed it very well, and in the end nailed it! She wants to play like her sisters, and our advice to her is to practice, practice, practice. 

She played absolutely beautifully and we are so pleased that she is developing the "Jorgensen musical talent". 

Hope this piece makes your spirit bright, and that you are having a wonderful season of light!

O Holy Night. from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

**Past recitals you can see here,  here, and here.

Middle School 1st Annual Talent Show '14

Last week Lexie's middle school put on a talent show that consisted of dancing, singing, piano playing, and more singing! This is the first time the school has done a talent show where they were awarded a cash prize. Lexie was excited to have participated along with her pal Alicia who paired up with her to sing "Sweater Weather" by the band The Neighbourhood. I am surprised that the song "Let it Go" from the popular movie Frozen was only sang once. Then again I don't think that contestants can duplicate another persons choice of song. 

For weeks Lexie and Alicia have been waiting for this moment, and even though they didn't practice as much as they wanted to they did phenomenal. Unfortunately they didn't place, and in my opinion (among numerous others including teachers who will remain anonymous) agreed with me. However everyone did such a wonderful job. 

^^^ paparazzi with iPhones ^^^

Oh my gosh...the talents our kids have today! I was blown away by some of their performances. I had to take a picture of these group of kids who were like paparazzi recording the lovely Maya who sang "Dark Side". So impressed with kids today on their talents, and how some of them are involved with music. 

I was not involved in anything that involved "major talent" (not sure if you count winning the spelling bee in 5th grade is a talent) until I was in my 10th grade year of high school. I'm just so grateful for the open mind that I had in deciding to have my girls take piano lessons. I wish my mother had the means to do that when I was their age, but it was not feasible...like at all! To be musically inclined is indeed a blessing, and sometimes a god-given talent. Lexie only took piano lessons for three years, and has never had voice lessons. Her forte is the violin, and I'm just so pleased that she has the desire to teach herself to get better on the piano. I wish I could afford for all my children (including myself) to take all the lessons in the world with multiple instruments, but I'm grateful for what the Lord has blessed them with. The sacrifices we make as parents to have our kids take music lessons, or be in any sport is a huge blessing. 

The girls performance was exceptional and well received. I'm just so bummed that my video got cut off due to my phone running out of storage! Luckily I recorded most of the performance, and that it's a clear sound & picture of my girl playing and singing. If you're my friend on Facebook there is another video on my timeline filmed in its entirety which I borrowed from my buddy Chuck. 

Middle School Talent Show '14 from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

It was a great evening, and we really enjoyed the talent show. All i know is that no matter what these kids decide to do in four years after graduating high school they all have a voice, an act, and a talent that they can share no matter where they go. They were all very brave in participating, and all did an amazing job! 

for the love of music-senior edition

When my daughter decided in her junior year of high school to change her decision from studying criminal law to music education I have to admit I was a little bit relieved. Not because she would be dealing with criminals, but because her talent in music is beyond amazing. I mean, who doesn't want their kid to become some hot shot lawyer. We do need good and honest ones in the future, but she no longer saw herself as such. She sees herself as an educator in hopes that she will teach others to be passionate in their music. 

I see the love, and dedication she has whenever she sings or plays. She comes home right after school, and instead of eating she'll immediately go to the piano. There are days I can tell when she has had it rough, or when some sort of drama has occured because she'll play her heart out. I have seen proof how losing yourself through music can help one deal with the stresses of life. Writing my heart out in a journal is my way of dealing with any kind of stress, and playing the piano works for her. 

I also have my moments as a mother to let her know that she needs to sleep, and eat. She is a 'full-time' senior with a lot of extracurricular activities, and needs her rest. What do I know. I didn't go through anything that she is going through right now because I didn't have a lot on my plate in my days of high school. She seems to handle, and somewhat balance her schedule, but I still can't help to remind her in a stern voice that she needs a break too. 

And then I hear her lovely voice which is a natural gift because she has never taken any voice lessons, and I myself forget about food. Noah and I will then sit on the couch to hear her. 

Yesterday as I was in my room cleaning up I began hearing her play a tune that was all too familiar. I love Les Miserables, and the song she was singing was so beautiful. I immediately sneaked up behind her and did some vine activity. She knew I was recording her, and that's when I asked if I could record her singing. I knew she'd say yes because she always does.

Hearing her sing this song for the first time brought me to tears. I was in awe, and couldn't believe her voice. Mind you she is a little under the weather right now, but she still obliged to record her singing.    

And she sounded amazing! 

Oh yes...I think taking 10 years of lessons has been worth it, and no matter the struggles we have faced financially with three daughters taking violin and piano lessons we know that in the end it'll all be worth it. All of our girls seem so focused when it comes to music. 

Some may wonder why music education?

Well, there aren't enough music educators in the world, and we need them. Whether our children want to become doctors, lawyers, or a teacher-it doesn't matter. What matters is for them to do something with their life that they will love, and wake up each day looking forward to their 'happy' job.

Not everyone has that chance. I didn't, but I know that music is Sierra's happy place. It never gets old hearing her play, and she never tires out of playing piano. She has too much love for it! 

I am especially grateful that Sierra has this guide in her life that has helped her come to terms with her decision to major in music education, and that also helps her throughout the days of her life. 

Not all kids know what they want out of life, or what they want to become in four years. One thing I know for sure is that this girl will jump at every opportunity when it comes to singing or playing. 

And I believe that she will have many opportunities in her future. 

I didn't grow up with any kind of music in the home, and never thought that I would have musical children today. I am so very grateful to have bought this big piece of wood 10 years ago so that our children can learn, and love music. Music truly is a gift when one has that in their life, and it soothes the soul in many ways.

That to me is a beautiful thing.

And the award for best solo goes to...

It was 11:00 at night when I heard a car door slam from outside the house, and the sound of my eldest daughter's voice happily saying, (and with a giggle), "thanks for the ride, see ya tomorrow." With everyone asleep I hurried to unlock the door for her to greet her home. I noticed something in her hand, and sure enough she came home with this:

We stayed up for an extra hour talking about the competition, and all the schools they played against. She told me how her fellow musicians didn't think they would win because another school seemed to have performed better. Their woeful faces changed into jolly faces when the MC began to say a word that began with an "H" which was Highland high school. She mentioned how everyone was screaming, and jumping for joy as if they were at the music awards. It was so nice to have stayed up with her talking about her special evening with the rest of the band. It was also bittersweet for her because this was their last jazz festival competition of the season. 

  There were eight schools that performed, and their high school won for best rhythm section. Sierra won for Best Soloist, and she continues to dazzle everyone with her talent. I had a feeling that she would be receiving another award, and I was right. 

In every competition she has won each time, and we are so proud of her. She looks forward to being in the jazz band again next year as a SENIOR (yikes!), and hopes to win more trophy's, scholarships, certificates, and plaques.

Like I wrote in one of my previous posts..those piano lessons are seriously paying off!

She truly is a gifted pianist!

Click here  to watch her play her solo...her fingers made me tired at the end!

Curve those fingers!

"Music is what feeling sounds like."

Chelsea began playing the piano again last month, and it seems as if she caught on quickly than I expected. Well, lately she has been rushing with trying to learn to play the piano too fast (and believe me...she's going to begin to use that metronome more than her sisters did!) She has a penchant for memorizing songs as well, and feels that she doesn't need any music in front of her. She tries so hard to memorize the flashcards, and for the first two lessons she was mostly guessing them. I feel as if she knows the notes, but begins to act silly and then my testing of patience begins!

One pet peeve of mine (even though I don't play) is how one should curve their fingers, and Chelsea is having a hard time doing that. I have to constantly remind her to "curve your fingers, curve your fingers". I know that it takes time, and that eventually she'll get it.

I am not musically inclined in any way, and I'm just grateful she has two older sisters she can fall back on in case she needs extra supervision or has any questions. I need to get used to the fact that she is a completely different child when it comes to playing the piano. I explained to her teacher that her sisters... while learning to play were very good listeners, and didn't rush into playing. I swear they were both born obedient. Although Chelsea is a great kid and an excellent example to her classmates in school (according to a very recent parent/teacher conference), she is not that obedient at home when it comes to practicing.

Don't get me wrong...she loves the piano. Absolutely, positively loves it, but I think she is trying so hard that she wants to play like her sisters, and quickly rush into it so she can start cello lessons. Sierra and Alex were a quick study, and I know that Chelsea is eagerly, anxiously wanting to get to that point. I admire her for her ambition and in the goal she has set to play harder pieces, but she is learning that you cannot become perfect overnight!!! It will take years of lessons to play like her sisters.

I feel bad because sometimes I just want to pull her out of piano, and put her back in a dance class. It would be nice to have her sisters teacher her, and not waste my money. I don't want to put that responsibility on them because they are both at a crucial part in their academics. Especially Sierra. We've decided that we will all take the time to help her, and I in return am going to try to do my best to help her in any way. I will sit in and listen...I mean really listen while she plays, and thoroughly go over the assignment that was written in her composition book for next week's lesson. Even though I don't read music or play the piano, I will put 30 minutes aside for her, sit with her with patience, and help her the best way I know how.

She had a lesson yesterday and her teacher said she showed a lot of improvement on memorizing the flashcards, but still needs work in not rushing in playing the pieces of music. She's getting better at it, and before we know she'll be playing Bach pieces with beautifully curved fingers...I hope!

More than a Piano Teacher

This past week it seems like half of the country was pummeled with ice, snow & sleet. We haven't received anymore snow here in New Jersey, but the past few days have been gloomy & foggy without any sunshine. I refuse to let this weather bring me down. Luckily, my girls bring home the "sunshine" by playing the piano. They all recently began piano lessons...again.