This is about a UFO, magical animals, and why we don’t choose wisely.

Remember the Chronicles of Narnia?

Narnia is a place with magical, talking creatures.

We get to Narnia through a wardrobe.

In one part, four kids find Narnia.

The kids bring their Uncle Andrew to Narnia, but he can’t hear the animals talk…

He convinced himself that they don’t talk.

Aslan explains it with something like:

“People believe what they want to believe.”

And it’s one of the most profound things ever (double awesome coming from a lion– Aslan is a really big lion) because it describes how people work.

What do magical animals, UFOs, and choosing wisely have in common?

Read on… will you choose wisely? ;)

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Grace Miles | April 29, 2013
Filed Under: Business of Music, Inspiration, Resources, Smart Tips, Teaching Toolkit | Tags: psychology, tips and tricks |

Oh, joy! I’ve got a story to tell you. It’s about something that always happens.

This is dedicated to everyone who teaches.

So this is me:

Yes, I got a haircut! In fact, I’ve had three different hairstyles in the past year.

One of my best friends didn’t recognize me when we were meeting up. I look the same to me; I didn’t dye my hair or go crazy with anything.

But to be fair, we were in a crowded, rainy place, and I was holding an umbrella.

This is Emma:

Emma is my new friend. We met at an event in town.

She’s really nice; we started chatting and it was all very civilized.

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Grace Miles | April 24, 2013
Filed Under: Inspiration, Teaching Toolkit |

Feel like there’s almost nothing new in Christmas music?

You’re wrong. ;)

If you’re looking for Christmas pieces that aren’t common, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve found these awesome pieces that are now on my to-order list. :D

They’re great for private performances, recitals, and personal enjoyment.

If you’re ever perplexed over duplicate Christmas pieces for recitals, these are great alternatives.

The videos are embedded below with the sheet music.* (Click here if the videos don’t show up.)

Let me know below: what are your favourite Christmas pieces?

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Grace Miles | December 9, 2012
Filed Under: Inspiration, Resources | Tags: pieces, showcase, sight reading |

Let’s kick off the new season with happiness and positivity!

If these four places change your day even a tiny bit, even if you forget about your worries for only 5 minutes today, then my goal has been achieved.

1 – Gives Me Hope

“Inspiring Twitter-length stories.” What more can I say? It really gives you hope that there’s more to the world than what meets the eye.

2 – Music Educators

A “think tank” for music educators, where anyone can contribute. It’s interesting to see different perspectives from music educators around the world!

3 – Books of Adam

Books of Adam is my favourite webcomic. Ever. Funny stories with clever prose and awesome drawings.

4 – Pinterest

There’s always something great on Pinterest! I pin piano & teaching resources, design inspiration, and effortless style. (Of course, I’m careful about pinning because I don’t want to be sued…)

Bonus – A Beautiful Mess

These sisters inspire me with their beautiful messes. I’m not into the vintage style, but their positivity with their beautiful photos are infectious– daily boost! I love how they smile in their photoshoots, ignoring fashion’s silent ‘no smiling’ rule.

Grace Miles | October 7, 2012
Filed Under: Inspiration | Tags: link, Link Love |

How would you have turned out if the teachers who taught you didn’t exist?

I’ve been pondering this idea over the past few days. Mr. K*, a former English teacher of mine passed away during the summer and I had attended his memorial two days ago.

I seem fine right now while you’re just reading text, but that day, I couldn’t get a clear sentence out to his wife because I was so full of raw emotion. It was the second memorial for his passing, arranged entirely by his former students at the school he taught at (and loved) for 36+ years.

This shows a lot– the fact that his students cared enough to organize a second memorial for him, and the fact that the auditorium was filled, with former students and graduates.

Mr. K was a gentle man with a honey-sweet voice and he never had a mean comment about anyone. I saw him frown once.

His impact on my life is amazing.

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Grace Miles | October 5, 2012
Filed Under: Inspiration, Teaching Toolkit |