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The other day, one of my students (let's call her Maureen because no American kid is named that in 2022 and it's funny), was working on a math problem that was really more of a number puzzle.
Maureen turned to me and asked a question that I was utterly prepared for: "Am I really going to need to be able to do this in my life?”
Read MoreA few weeks ago, a poignant request went out on Facebook.
“I have a job interview for a choral music position. What are some things I can do with a choir if we aren’t allowed to sing?”
And with that — not being allowed to sing — we’ve completed the build-your-own-dystopian-society checklist, thanks to the coronavirus. Education in the arts is already fragile in our society; this development may crush it completely.
Read MoreIn his now-classic book that inspired a generation of digital nomads, Tim Ferriss points out that an unreasonable or unrealistic goal is easier to achieve than a reasonable or realistic one.
Meanwhile, Cal Newport, in his book How to be a High School Superstar, shares the value of doing things that are fairly easy but sound impressive. Why compete with dozens of others to be valedictorian when you can put your energy into fundraising for your very own nonprofit?
And in another of Newport’s books, the author suggests that leveraging skills you’re already good at to become even better is the path to a fulfilling career.
Read MoreHere we go again! My seven-year-old niece is sitting next to me in the car, passionately rapping about American military history.
The words fly of her tongue with a flow worthy of DMX, even though she can’t quite say all her R’s: “They're battering down the Battery, check the damages! We gotta stop 'em and rob 'em of their advantages!”
Read MoreWhen I look back at my college career at the University of Maine, many of my fondest memories revolved around being a member of the University Singers under the direction of Dr. Dennis K. Cox.
I have learned many things from DC, including the beauty of choral literature and the magic that can be created by a joyful group of people unified in their sound and their intent. However, one lesson I’ve never forgotten was one applicable not to choir, but to life in general. He told us, “When faced with a decision, it doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you commit to it one hundred percent.”
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