It's that time of year. The summer is winding down to a hot blah, the crisper mornings inspire us to take on something new, the young and not-so-young are donning backpacks and taking new classes. So why not take a dance class, do Goat Yoga (Google it), or learn to play an instrument, right? "If I take piano, do I have to practice?" Yes. The answer is and will always be yes. But my practice rules may surprise you!

In grad school, I participated in a study about how music affects one's mood. The conclusion was as expected. Music does influence a human being. Ann Johnson, Ph.D., states that everything we hear around us is not just sound waves of different amplitude. According to her words, every wave includes some "emotional substance." that defines the way we perceive it on subliminal level. This research is fascinating!

August is one of my absolute favorite times of year; the return to routine. Scheduling returning and new students absolutely thrills me, and I cannot wait to connect that final piece of the puzzle that creates a lovely fall schedule for myself and all my students. It is a time of new beginnings.