Blog Feed: Elliott Music Studio

"Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true." ~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

Quote of the Week: "Let Christmas not become..."

Published on 2011-12-25 08:00:16

"Let Christmas not become a thing Merely of merchant's trafficking, Of tinsel, bell and holly wreath And surface pleasure, but beneath The childish glamour, let us find Nourishment for soul and mind. Let us follow kinder ways Through our teeming human maze, And help the age of peace to come From a Dreamer's martyrdom." ~Madeline Morse

Quote of the Week: "The universal Joy of Christmas is..."

Published on 2011-12-18 08:00:02

"The universal joy of Christmas is certainly wonderful. We ring the bells when princes are born, or toll a mournful dirge when great men pass away. Nations have their red-letter days, their carnivals and festivals, but once in the year and only once, the whole world stands still to celebrate the advent of a life." ~Author Unknown

Quote of the Week: "If we have no peace..."

Published on 2011-12-11 08:00:08

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." ~Mother Teresa

A Wesleyan Statement in One Sentence

Published on 2011-12-08 08:00:06

"A journey of holy discernment enhanced by our traditions, cultivated by our experience, guided by scripture, and enlightened by reason." This statement was generated as a United Methodist Doctrine class exercise on what it means to be Wesleyan and United Methodist. This is my statement that came out of that project.

Video of the Week: "The Lord Bless You as Keep You"

Published on 2011-12-07 08:00:05

Take a moment to enjoy this song of peace. Enjoy! "The Lord Bless You as Keep You" by John Rutter

2nd Sunday in Advent – Peace “Thou Hidden Source of Calm Repose”

Published on 2011-12-05 12:31:41

Welcome to week two of this Advent season! For our 2011 – 2012 journey from Advent to Epiphany, I have put together a weekly series of devotionals that is enhanced by Anglican prayer beads. Each devotion in the series will follow a typical Anglican prayer beads pattern that I have written to include a favorite hymn of the season. If you have just joined us and want to start from the beginning here's week one. So take a moment to reflect on today's message of Peace. The Cross We be [..]

Video of the Week: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"

Published on 2011-11-30 08:00:07

This week's "Video of the Week" partners with this week's Advent devotional which features the hymn "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus". Enjoy! Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by Journey Worship

1st Sunday in Advent – Hope “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Published on 2011-11-28 07:09:00

Welcome to week one of this Advent season! For our 2011 – 2012 journey from Advent to Epiphany, I have put together a weekly series of devotionals that is enhanced by Anglican prayer beads. Each devotion in the series will follow a typical Anglican prayer beads pattern that I have written to include a favorite hymn of the season. So take a moment to reflect on today's message of hope. The Cross We beginning at the cross of your prayer beads, we say a prayer that sets the tone [..]

Happy Thanksgiving!

Published on 2011-11-24 08:50:00

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God." ~Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

Video of the Week: Great is thy Faithfulness

Published on 2011-06-29 08:34:00

Here's another great traditional hymn that has had some new life added to it. This more contemporary spin of "Great is thy Faithfulness" by Israel Houghton and New Breed is simple but very effective and will work nicely in both blended and cont

Quote of the Week: "You don't have to..."

Published on 2011-06-26 08:14:01

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Music Ministry Video Resume

Published on 2011-06-24 08:17:01

I mentioned in the last installment of my Music Job Search Series that it was extremely important for you to have video and audio recordings of your work to add to your resume when applying for positions. I also shared that I had fallen short i

Video of the Week: Michael Card - El Shaddai

Published on 2011-06-22 08:29:00

This month's sermon series at One Spirit UMC is all about some of the bible superheros of the old testament: Gideon, Samson, Ruth & Noah. Armed with scriptures to go with each of these heroes it was my task to pick the worship music for our

Quote of the Week: "There are too many people..."

Published on 2011-06-19 08:06:00

“There are too many people praying for the mountains of difficulty to be removed, when what they really need is the courage to climb them.” – Raili A. Jeffery

Video of the Week: "New Doxology" a Song Story

Published on 2011-06-15 08:21:02

I have enjoyed listening to several of the Sunday Moment videos at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam recently. They have given me some great set ideas for contemporary worship and have lifted my spirit. During one of these great videos I was in

Quote of the Week: "Nobody can go back and..."

Published on 2011-06-12 20:03:20

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

Prayers and Songs: Sunday, June 5, 2011

Published on 2011-06-10 19:13:52

Prayers and songs for worship this week: "Cry of My Heart" by Terry Butler It is Great to be in the house of the Lord this morning! Amen! To God be the glory this day and everyday for we are a blessed people in Christ Jesus

What Song is Playing in Your Head Right Now?

Published on 2011-05-29 15:53:24

I was passed a handwritten note from a friend sitting behind me in church today that asked this question: I have this part of a hymn stuck in my head & can't remember which one it is from something like "All the creatures big and small

So, What Have You Been Doing Lately?

Published on 2011-05-23 18:32:27

stock.xchng I have been crazy busy the past few weeks immersing myself in the world of praise band leading and contemporary music and worship. Our regular piano player has been recovering from an injury and we lost our music director a month a

Video of the Week: Never Stop Singing

Published on 2011-04-29 08:00:08

Today's "Video of the Week" is the opening of the PBS documentary celebrating Minnesota's rich choral legacy. It explains the draw for singers everywhere to gather and share in song no matter the person's age or skill level. Enjoy!

Great Egg Shaker Technique

Published on 2011-04-27 08:10:00

I love playing auxiliary percussion instruments. I feel that they are unsung hero's in the percussion world. I have been working on some of my percussion technique lately and came across this video that sucked me and had me replaying it s

Prayers and Songs: Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011

Published on 2011-04-24 11:46:00

Prayers and songs for worship this week: "Forever" by Chris Tomlin Jesus, Son of the living God, you have conquered death and we rejoice! We celebrate the opportunity for new life for all in your sacrifice on the cross. May we

Quote of the Week: "The resurrection gives..."

Published on 2011-04-24 08:00:00

"The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." ~Robert Flatt

Free Download: "May the Peace of Christ Be with You"

Published on 2011-04-22 08:12:00

GIA Music is offering this beautiful Japanese blessing, "May the Peace of Christ Be With You", arranged by Lori True for worship services dedicated in memory of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Check out the links below for th

Music Job Search Series: Special Requests for Worship Musicians

Published on 2011-04-21 08:03:01

In a music ministry job search you still need to have a polished resume and cover letter but you also could be asked for a number of things that are truly specific to the job you are applying for. I have seen requests for “Worship Philosophy

Lenten Devotional: Week Seven

Published on 2011-04-20 08:06:00

Welcome to the seventh and final week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm

Prayers and Songs: Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011

Published on 2011-04-17 15:20:03

Prayers and songs for worship this week: "Hosanna" by Carl Tuttle Jesus, Son of the living God, eternal light, we worship you and give thanks and praise for this day. Hosanna! You are the good shepherd, our way and our life. Guide us and help u

Quote of the Week: "Where man sees..."

Published on 2011-04-17 08:00:11

"Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing." ~Albert Laighton

Musical To-Do List: April 16, 2011

Published on 2011-04-16 15:22:12

Well, Things have not gone quite as planned the last couple weeks. I've had some family illnesses, taxes, and some changes at church in regards to the worship music that have gotten me a bit side tracked from my goals. I also had a birthd

Lenten Devotional: Week Six

Published on 2011-04-16 14:57:45

Welcome to the sixth week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm, Songs

Lenten Devotional: Week Five

Published on 2011-04-16 14:41:43

Welcome to the fifth week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm, Songs from Tai

Quote of the Week: "Everything is blooming most..."

Published on 2011-04-10 08:00:01

"Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night." ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

So, They Say it's Your Birthday...

Published on 2011-04-06 08:00:16

Today, April 6th is my birthday. So, in honor of this momentous occasion I would like to share this family favorite with you! Feel free to sing along. I know my Mom will. Enjoy!

Quote of the Week: "If we had no..."

Published on 2011-04-03 08:00:10

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." ~Anne Bradstreet

Free Worship Together Easter Songs for Download

Published on 2011-04-01 08:00:06

There are 10 free Worship Together downloads for worship available for Easter that I just had to share. They are all so good it's hard to find a favorite. Check out the free lead sheets and mp3 downloads. Quite a few also have video

Lenten Devotional: Week Four

Published on 2011-03-30 08:00:14

Welcome to the fourth week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm, Songs from Ta

Quote of the Week: "What is it that you..."

Published on 2011-03-27 08:00:03

"What is it that you like doing? If you don't like it, get out of it, because you'll be lousy at it." ~Lee Iacocca

Musical To-Do List: March 26, 2011

Published on 2011-03-26 08:31:00

So, here is an update and a few things on my list for next week. -Make final list of children's songs for recording consideration. -Continue to search for Music Jobs and add them to the Job List (This is an on-going t

Children's Songs on the Web

Published on 2011-03-25 08:00:17

I have been working on a Sunday school Nursery curriculum for my church's nursery for the last few weeks and stumbled upon some great resources for introducing bible songs and Christian kids music to this age group of children as well as beloved nurs

Music Ministry Job Search Series: Cover Letters

Published on 2011-03-24 20:29:10

Welcome to the next installment of my new series, "Music Ministry Job Search"! Every resume you send out for a potential job opportunity needs to include a fantastic cover letter that high lights your skills and achievements while complimenting your

Lenten Devotional: Week Three

Published on 2011-03-23 17:50:55

Welcome to the third week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm, Songs from Tai

Quote of the Week: "Choose a job you..."

Published on 2011-03-20 08:16:00

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." ~Confucius

Musical To-Do List: March 18, 2011

Published on 2011-03-19 08:00:01

So, here is an update and a few things on my list for next week. -Continue collecting public domain children's songs for recording consideration. I found some great ones that I will share in a future post. -Continue to sear

Free Music Friday!

Published on 2011-03-18 12:31:10

It's "Free Music Friday" on the Worship Together Blog! I have been meaning to share this online find for a few weeks now. I have enjoyed all of the free music resources they share each week to help those planning contemporary worship.&nbs

Music Job Search Series: The All Important Resume

Published on 2011-03-18 01:35:45

Creating a resume used to make me nervous. I was always worried that I had left something out or had shared too much of the wrong thing. I never felt like I had a happy medium until recently. Now I am proud to share my resume and I

Lenten Devotional: Week Two

Published on 2011-03-16 13:14:56

Welcome to the second week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm, Songs from Taizé

Quote of the Week: "For many people a..."

Published on 2011-03-13 08:00:12

"For many people a job is more than an income - it's an important part of who we are. So a career transition of any sort is one of the most unsettling experiences you can face in your life." ~Paul Clitheroe

Music Job Search Series: Finding that Perfect Job

Published on 2011-03-10 08:07:01

Welcome to the first installment of my new series, "Music Ministry Job Search"! I bet you are thinking that I have this a little out of order. Why would I be Job hunting before I even have my resume and cover letter pulled together? Well

Lenten Devotional: Week One

Published on 2011-03-09 08:00:13

Welcome to Ash Wednesday and the first week of this Lenten journey! For this Lenten season I have put together a weekly series of devotionals from the Songs and Prayers of the Taizé community. Each devotional in the series will include a Psalm, Son

Quote of the Week: "Find a Job you..."

Published on 2011-03-06 08:09:01

"Find a job you like and you add five days to every week." ~H. Jackson Browne

Musical To-Do List: March 5, 2011

Published on 2011-03-05 08:16:01

So, here is an update and a few things on my list for next week. - Send out revised resume and cover letter to current job list -Continue collecting public domain children's songs for recording consideration.

Music In Our Schools Month

Published on 2011-03-05 01:16:12

March is national Music In Our Schools Month sponsored by the The National Association of Music Education. The theme for 2011 is "Music Lasts a Lifetime". Nationwide our music programs are in danger as state and local legislators are attempt

Introducing My New Music Job Search Series!

Published on 2011-03-03 14:50:16

I wrote a post several weeks ago about my frustration at not being an employed music director. Since then I have been making strides to try and figure out what I need to do to make that a reality. I have evaluated my education and practical experie

Video of the Week: Father And Daughter Sing

Published on 2011-03-02 15:42:42

I came across this video a while ago on the NPR All Songs Considered Blog of Edward Sharpe from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes and his daughter singing "Home". I was struck by the sincerity with which his little girl sings and I do hope

Quote of Week: "Forget love - I'd rather..."

Published on 2011-02-28 08:00:07

"Forget love - I'd rather fall in chocolate!" ~Sandra J. Dykes

Quote of Week: "Do I love you because..."

Published on 2011-02-20 08:00:07

Do I love you because you're beautiful,Or are you beautiful because I love you? ~Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella

Valentines Play List

Published on 2011-02-14 08:00:02

I have been getting back into exploring new music online and have found some real gems out there. It is so inspiring to hear such great music and that got me thinking about Valentine's Day. Here are a few of my favorites for this s

Quote of Week: "Love has no desire..."

Published on 2011-02-13 08:01:01

"Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving." ~Kahlil Gibran

Musical To-Do List: February 12, 2011

Published on 2011-02-12 15:39:13

So, here is an update and a few things on my list for next week. - Send out revised resume and cover letter to current job list - I am still working on this one. It has taken me longer than I thought it would to

Quote of Week: "If music be..."

Published on 2011-02-06 08:00:01

If music be the food of love,Sing on till I am fill'd with joy;For then my list'ning soul you moveTo pleasures that can never cloy.Your eyes, your mien, your tongue declareThat you are music ev'rywhere. Pleasures invade both eye and ear,So fierce the

380 Posts and Counting...

Published on 2011-02-04 08:08:00

The Elliott Music Studio is celebrating a blog-versary this month. 380 posts have been written since I started this Blog in February of 2008. I can't believe it has been that long. When I started I wasn't sure this was something tha

Is Music Really My Passion?

Published on 2011-02-03 08:00:07

I have been reading an amazingly helpful blog, Blogging with Amy, that has given me tons of insight into what it takes to make a living from blogging and how to follow your passion while doing just that. In a recent post, Amy shared&n

Video of the Week : e e cummings "i thank You God for most this amazing"

Published on 2011-02-02 08:06:01

I decided to share two videos for this week's "Video of the Week". The first video of is e. e. cummings reading his poem, "i thank you God for most this amazing" which I first heard as a song while in high school. The second video is the

Quote of Week: "You can't have a better..."

Published on 2011-01-30 08:00:02

“You can’t have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time.” – Charles Kettering

Musical To-Do List: January 29, 2011

Published on 2011-01-29 08:00:02

This is my first post in a new series here at the Elliott Music Studio called "Musical To-Do List". I am hoping that these posts will help me focus my actions and share with you what I am doing to achieve my goals for 2011. I need the dire

More Free Music on the Web - RowyNet

Published on 2011-01-28 11:10:18

I wanted to share one of my new favorite places to download free sheet music for solo musical instruments. RowyNet - Free music scores onlinehttp://www.rowy.net/ Besides classical sheet music, they offer folks songs and new classical music and all

Goal Setting & Making More Music in 2011

Published on 2011-01-28 10:57:50

I am a list maker. I make lists so I don't forget things and to keep myself organized and focused. A couple years ago I made what I called the "Big List" that would include all my goals and ideas for my life as a professional musician.&nb

Video of the Week: "Hey Ya" Cover by Mat Weddle of Obadiah Parker

Published on 2011-01-26 08:08:00

I have always loved the song "Hey Ya" but never really understood the lyrics. This accoustic cover by Mat Weddle of Obadiah Parker has finally made the story of this song a little clearer for me. Music is all about interpretatio

Joyce Castle Celebrates Ruby Anniversary

Published on 2011-01-25 23:35:05

Joyce Castle was one of my favorite voice teachers during me time at KU. I wanted to make sure I shared this amazing free concert with you. I wish I could attend.

Quote of Week: "We are each gifted in a..."

Published on 2011-01-23 08:00:00

"We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light." ~Mary Dunbar

What's New in 2011?

Published on 2011-01-20 08:36:01

So, I bet you are wondering where I have been for the past week or so. I had great plans for the start of the new year here on the Elliott Music Studio blog but had to postpone writing and posting because the computer I have

Video of the Week: Ballake Sissoko and Vincent Segal

Published on 2011-01-20 00:21:00

Malian kora player Ballake Sissoko and French cellist Vincent Segal swept me away tonight as I prepared this post to share. I tried looking up more information on the Malian Kora but came up empty. Wikipedia didn't even have a page.

Happy Epiphany!

Published on 2011-01-07 11:55:50

Video of the Week: "Sleigh Ride in a Fast Machine"

Published on 2011-01-05 08:00:00

In high school I became an expert sleigh bell ringer while in full orchestra playing "Sleigh Ride". It was a standard on our winter programs. So, have you ever wondered what would happen if you take "Sleigh Ride" for a fast trip in a time

Journey to Epiphany: Devotional

Published on 2011-01-03 21:50:58

Welcome to Epiphany Week! I have put together a series of musical devotionals that have taken us on a journey from Advent to Epiphany. Each devotional in the series has include a visual word cloud that I hoped would aid in your reflection time, a Scr

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