Erzsie MERA

Honoring the rhythm children bring to the classroom. Bridging research to best practices

Tag: music education

  • Educational Software

    In my next several blogs, I will be discussing the various educational software programs available for the K12 classroom. The majority of this software is designed for ELA or music, but some incorporate other subjects. I look forward to engaging with my readers on their thoughts of these programs, and I am happy to answer… Read.

  • Working as a Para-Reserve

    Last week, I began work as a para-reserve. Some may be familiar with the term, para-educator. In my case, I’m a permanent sub, working as a contractor and on-call every day in the Lake Washington School District. While I won’t be sharing all the time about this job, I thought it would be important to… Read.

  • Learning Analytics Projects

    I have started a new class at National University this week, and it’s the start of a development of a learning analytics project. Week one is the beginning where I look at three potential projects: Read.

  • Blessed with Wonderful Music Instructors: Dr. Doreen Ketchens

    It was a by-chance viewing of Doreen’s busking “House of the Rising Sun” that first caught my attention, and I needed to learn more! While she asserts she typically doesn’t do many interviews, Doreen, aka Lady Louis, was excited to answer my questions about early childhood music education, and I’m glad she did! Doreen grew… Read.

  • Queer with an Ear for Music: Matt Dela Cruz

    How common is it to see a queer actor or musician? Some might say very common. Others have no idea. And, there are those who complain it is too common of an occurrence. The fact is that queer artists are emerging as a solid force in the music industry. Queer musicians, actors, and educators are… Read.

  • At What Age Should Children Start Learning Music?

    In my research on music education, I’ve discovered there are different ages at which education begins, different instruments taught at different ages, and of course different qualities of education offered. The majority of the research agrees that music is essential for educational and developmental growth. So, I’ve decided to look at two programs offered to… Read.

  • It’s a Family Affair: Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers”

    One of the more difficult steps in entering the entertainment industry is choosing the perfect stage name. For Ranger Sciacca, his family made the stage name simple! And while he does have his family to thank for his strong musical background, he can also reflect back to what he learned as a younger student with… Read.

  • From Stage Fright to Success: Amelia Day

    Is it possible to have some music education and stage fright? Absolutely! But thanks to teachers, families, and friends, stage fright can be overcome. And, for Amelia Day, it was confronting stage fright that truly sparked a love in music. Her first original performance was when she was in her early teens. those scattered performances… Read.

  • Regrets? I’ve Had a Few… But then again, too few to mention: Larry Murante

    Today I’m featuring Larry Murante who recently performed at Bellevue Beats. He is an award-winning song writer, performer, and instrumentalist whose career has spanned decades. As someone with such a caliber of a resumé, I wanted to know if K12 music education played a part of his growth as a musician. Larry says that most… Read.

  • Lady Miranda, ISSA, & Music Education

    This past weekend two local artists (from Seattle) traveled to Atlanta in hopes that they might win in their prospective categories. One artist is Lady Miranda. Miranda has lived EVERYWHERE including Germany. She is an award-winning songwriter, singer, musician, and nomad. Her music, though, is what really defines her. Growing up as a child of… Read.