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Harmony and Growth: How Choir Builds Community and Enriches Learning for Children, Part 1
One weekday evening not long ago, I sat in the back of a small community theatre. Dozens of children stood on stage, clutching folders and nervously shifting from foot to foot. A piano began playing, and the room slowly filled with voices—clear, confident, and full of joy. By the final verse, those same kids who had fidgeted in silence were beaming. Their parents clapped. A mom wiped a tear. And I thought: choir is so much more than music. For many children, joining a choir b
victoriarichards3
Jan 212 min read
Harmonizing Abilities: The Role of Music Education in Special Education, Part 2
In part 1, we went over the great advantages of music within special education. Music opens doors for individuals with disabilities that other areas of education struggle to approach. So how do we as a community ensure such opportunities are available? Let's talk about it... Overcoming Barriers: Access and Inclusion Of course, the big challenge is access. Not every school integrates music education into special education programs. It can be a lack of funding, lack of trained
victoriarichards3
Jan 72 min read
Harmonizing Abilities: The Role of Music Education in Special Education, Part 1
When you see a child light up while banging on a drum, humming a familiar tune, or swaying to rhythm, it’s not just cute—it’s powerful. Music has a unique way of reaching people when words sometimes can’t. And for many students in special education, music isn’t just a fun break from the routine. It’s an essential part of their learning journey. You don’t have to be a specialist to recognize it—music connects. It calms, excites, motivates, and communicates. That’s what makes i
victoriarichards3
Dec 31, 20253 min read
Why Starting Violin, Cello, or Viola Young Boosts Fine-Motor Skills and Musical Growth, Part 2
In Part 1, we discussed the advantage of starting a stringed instrument early when it comes to working with the fine-motor development...
victoriarichards3
Dec 16, 20253 min read
Why Starting Violin, Cello, or Viola Young Boosts Fine-Motor Skills and Musical Growth, Part 1
Our previous series of blog posts gave hope to adults in their musical ambitions; it’s never too late to learn a new instrument if strong...
victoriarichards3
Dec 3, 20253 min read
Is It Ever Too Late? Starting Violin, Viola, or Cello at Any Age and Reaching an Advanced Level, Part 2
In part 1, we discussed the possibility of becoming a proficient string player as an adult and how the learning habits of adults can...
victoriarichards3
Nov 18, 20252 min read
Is It Ever Too Late? Starting Violin, Viola, or Cello at Any Age and Reaching an Advanced Level, Part 1
Many people have imagined themselves sitting in a quiet room, the scroll of a cello resting just beside their cheek, or maybe the smooth...
victoriarichards3
Nov 4, 20253 min read
Piano as a Foundational Instrument, part 2
In part 1, we touched on the benefits of having piano as a first instrument when it comes to reading music, understanding music theory,...
victoriarichards3
Oct 21, 20253 min read
Piano as a Foundational Instrument, part 1
Ever heard someone play their favorite song on a new instrument, and they say, “I started on piano—it really helped me pick this up...
victoriarichards3
Oct 7, 20252 min read
Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Early Music Exposure on Childhood Development, Part 2
Part 1 of this blog post discussed the cognitive and academic benefits of early exposure to music for young children. While the previous...
victoriarichards3
Sep 23, 20253 min read
Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Early Music Exposure on Childhood Development, Part 1
Have you ever seen a toddler swaying side to side, clapping along to a favorite lullaby, eyes gleaming with joy? It looks like fun—and it...
victoriarichards3
Sep 5, 20252 min read
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