Instructor Feature: Marilyn Watkins

Instructor Feature: Marilyn Watkins

Today we have the opportunity to share the fourth installment of our “Instructor Features” blog series! This week we have Marilyn Watkins to celebrate. Marilyn Watkins is an experienced music teacher and violinist. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in music education from Ball State University. Her varied background includes orchestra director at Pike Township schools, music director of a church, and performances in college and community orchestras such as Muncie Symphony and Carmel Symphony.

Read more about Marilyn below, and at the link near the bottom of the post.

When the Music Ends: Reflections on a Musician Who Walked Away

When the Music Ends: Reflections on a Musician Who Walked Away

Maybe it’s a piano you haven’t touched in years or a clarinet from high school that’s collecting dust in your closet. Many of us (myself included) share the story of giving up on a musical instrument. You may blame your failure to stick with it on a lack of talent or interest, but you might be surprised to learn that even highly successful professional musicians have packed up their instruments and walked away.

Music Theory... With a Pizza?

Music Theory... With a Pizza?

No matter the age, music theory can be made into an fun and enjoyable subject. Even though we at Vibe love getting nerdy and possibly talking too long about all of the theoretical knowledge we geek-out on, we are careful to present music theory in our lessons with a completely understandable approach for even the youngest ages. Here’s a fun way to supplement your student’s learning in music theory with none other than… a pizza!

Learning Guitar for Busy Adults

Learning Guitar for Busy Adults

Studies show that the older one gets, the more difficult it is to add skills to an already full brain. However, we have seen time after time that musicians prove this wrong! Brahms didn’t write his first symphony until age 40. Wes Montgomery (known as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time) didn’t pick up a guitar until his twenties. Bill Withers (“Lean On Me”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”) didn’t begin until his thirties. It is absolutely possible! Here are some tips we have to allow greater success in learning the guitar (specifically) once adulthood is in full force.

4 Tips for Writing Better Songs

4 Tips for Writing Better Songs

The first song I ever wrote was in high school for a girl I liked. I thought if I wrote a good song she would go out with me. Turns out, I was wrong. But she was an inspiration to get me started, and I got great feedback from her friends. Fast forward 10 years and I have written over 30 songs and will be releasing a full length studio album with my band, Ross Hollow, this summer. Here are some of the concepts that have helped me the most.

Multiple Siblings Taking Lessons... At the Same Time?!

Multiple Siblings Taking Lessons... At the Same Time?!

Whether they’re attached at the hip or have nothing in common, sharing a musical experience can be a great learning activity for siblings to participate in together. Whether it be in the context of a music lesson or life in general, students of any age can benefit from the positive competition and encouragement that only siblings can provide. Here’s a couple thoughts in favor of co-op music lessons for siblings.

25 Great Guitar Cover Songs Across 5 Styles

25 Great Guitar Cover Songs Across 5 Styles

Do you ever sit down to watch TV at the end of the day and not know what to put on? It’s not like there’s any shortage of great shows and movies to watch, and yet, how can you be sure that the one you pick isn’t going to be a let down - or worse… a waste of your time? Choosing music to learn to play on the guitar can feel the same way at times; there’s literally an endless sea of repertoire to choose from, but how do I know that I’m choosing the right song in the right style at the right difficulty?

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