Laura Lamere

Good Influence: Mother’s Music

Like it or not, your mom is a big influence on the music you like today (Dad too, but because it’s Mother’s Day, I’m focusing on Mom!). It doesn’t matter if you listened to Mozart, the Mamas and the Papas, or ‘NSync. She was connecting with you, sharing a love of music, sharing an equalizing … Continue reading »

Live Music: Get Your Front-row Seat!

Author’s note: This event has already passed – however, you can check out the rebroadcast information at the same links provided. Enjoy! What are you doing tomorrow (Saturday) between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.? Maybe you’d like to listen to some talented young people play their original rock music in “Plugged In LIVE! A concert … Continue reading »

Smart Shorties: Teach Kids With Music and “Expand the Bland”

I recently spoke with and was inspired by Alex Nesmith, multi-platinum music producer and co-founder, Spark The Mind and Smart Shorties. His idea is strikingly simple: make learning fun – contagious even – and the lessons will stick. Partner the lesson with a recognizable beat – and you have the formula for Smart Shorties: harnessing … Continue reading »

"Fine": Getting Beyond the One-word Answer

Reblogged from Teen Talk: by Rom Brafman PhD., ACS On-Campus Counselor It’s a sure sign that your son or daughter is entering adolescence. You ask them how their school day went, how was the afternoon spent hanging out with friends, or how was the movie they just watched, and you get the overly succinct and … Continue reading »

A Dad’s Story: Steal!

There is just no denying it – if a man has played sports as a kid, he looks forward to playing sports with his son. No question. He buys the glove when you show him the pregnancy stick and stows it away for that magical day when he will play catch (or substitute: soccer, lacrosse, … Continue reading »

Recording Foundation Tracks – Math, Sharpies, Webcams and Chickens

(Part 2) By Chris Gowland Part 1 of this topic focused on the first track or two to be recorded – the critical metronome/click track that can drive the feel of all remaining tracks. Let’s move on from there. Track 3: This Might Actually be Track 3 and 4 I suspect I may be alienating … Continue reading »

Lessons From a Stage Mom

What do you think of when you hear: “Stage” or “Theater” moms. I think they suffer from bad publicity. We watch reality TV moms who put make-up on their babies and strap tutus to their diapers and we think we know what a stage mom is. But if we were to peek inside the home … Continue reading »

Music Parents: AMP’d For Change

There is a new voice on the horizon for music parents – and it’s yours! After only a year in existence, the National Association of Music Parents (AMP for short) is rallying parents who support their musical kids to come together to be a voice for change. “AMP’s ultimate goal is advocacy,” explained music parent … Continue reading »

Rock With a Soul

Reblogged from Laura Lamere: Finding Non-Traditional Music Programs First in a Series: Plugged in Teen Band Program This is the first in a series about non-traditional music programs that aren’t offered in schools. (If you have a program you would like to see here – please comment below and share a link to the program.) Teens want … Continue reading »

Giving Back: Making the Arts Accessible

I am interested in advancing the arts – but especially in improving access to arts programming and education for young people. As a way to get involved, I recently applied for and was appointed to the Local Cultural Council in my Massachusetts town. As a Local Cultural Council (LCC) member, I am part of a unique … Continue reading »