Importance of music for young and old minds!
Today Stephan Betz and I  are going to talk about the intricacy of the brain, and how music can affect the development. How music can actually help students experiencing challenges in academics. We’ll talk about why it might be easier to start as an earlier student, but also how it can really benefit starting as an adult. We are also going to talk about what music therapy is, how it’s helpful and who it’s helpful too.

About Stephan Betz:  he is a A board-certified music therapist as well as an award-winning composer in jazz musician. He plays many instruments, with over 36 years of experience. He also has a PhD in community education. He is also one of the teaching artist at Contra Costa music guild, A collective of teachers we started early in the pandemic.

To learn more about Stephan Betz and schedule a trial lesson with him visit: www.contracostamusicguild.com 

On tooday I am going to talk about

• My personal journey of improvisation 
• What improvisation really is anyway. 
• Why I like introducing it into my teaching
• Why and how I think it is beneficial to classical musicians
• And we will go over some excersise to get started as a musician or ways to start it as a teacher- and even on zoom!!!!

Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. I can be reached at www.bayareaflutist.com or monica@bayareaflutist.com 

On today's episode I am talking with Lea Pearson is the author of Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body and numerous articles in professional magazines. Those publications and her years of successful pain-relief outcomes with musicians have gained her international acclaim. She is a sought-after trainer and speaker and has presented and taught workshops at more than 40 universities, military bases, conferences, and conventions throughout the world.

Today we are going to talk about:

• What Body mapping really is. 
• How to problem solve when a student is expressing pain
• How to teach this more effectively online
• And about Lea’s new program the transformational teacher.

To learn more about Lea go to
Website: www.musicminuspain.com
Teacher circle link: https://musicminuspain.kartra.com/page/IRl31
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lea.pearson1

 On this episode Suz Pulinski and I  talk about the mindset needed to move forward in 2021. Suz is  they creator of the Rockstar planner book, She is an expert in her field - bringing home the importance of planning and strategizing in a really effective way. On today’s show we will talk about how she started on this path to empower musicians. We will also  talk about how to set goals and maintain them- again without the burnout. 

Follow Suz, the Rockstar advocate here: 
Instigram @rockstaradvo
Webiste www.therockstaradvocate.com

In this episode Josh Boyd gives great insight into what it is like being a band director during covid. He talks about virutal and inperson learning, and how to navigate between the two. I loved his insight into building community within your band programs! Definetly check out his podcast 'Directing Bands' below!

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aNBzNBNNXh3H3eH9p7IBU
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/directing-band/id1524501038
Instigram @directingtheband Twitter: JoshRBoyd 

As always feel free to contact me with any feedback: monica@bayareaflutist.com
Instigram: @monicawilliamsflutist 

On this episode I have two private instructors: Stephen Evans and Irina Fatykhova. Private music instructors have a very unique position. Our instruction is completely individualized. As creative instructors we teach the whole musician. Often our job is to find out how a students week went, what challenges did they have that week? What breakthroughs did they have that week? How did they enjoy or connect to the music? And how can I help you strategies so this next week is better. Well, with so much going on- it was impossible for me to avoid these conversations with some students. We chat about how private music instruction is helpful during these stressful economic, political and covid crisis. 

To learn more about Stephan Evans and me Monica Williams go to www.contracostamusicguild.com and To learn more about Irina go to www.iplaymusic.school

 Guest Sherry Finzer gives us lots of insight about  New Age music and the power it has to heal. And right now more than ever- I think we all can use a little healing. On this episode we are going to talk about what New Age Music is.... How it can help us heal... What mindfulness is.. And how music can help us be more mindful.... 

On this episode we talked about all of the following, check Sherry and all of her amazing projects out here:
Website:
www.sherryfinzer.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SherryFinzerMusic/
Instigram
@sherryfinzer
Mindful Music Association:
https://www.mindfulmusicassociation.com
Insight Timer
https://insighttimer.com/sherryfinzer
Heart Dance Records
https://www.heartdancerecords.com

In this episode Nicole Hand talks about empowering artists to have financial freedom. She believes Artists do not need to choose between a creative career and financial stability.  She is going to share her journey, and give us some ideas on how to get started building our wealth. 

Follow Nicole on Instagram @artistwithabundance or on her website at www.artistwithabundance.com Nicole teaches bassoon, saxophone, piano, and has great articles, resources and courses for artist that want to take charge of their finances and freedom!

As always follow the host, Monica Williams at www.bayareaflutsit.com or Instagram @monicawilliamsflutist or email monica@bayareaflutist.com. I teach flute lessons to all levels and love talking to other podcasters to collaborate.