Harmanny Music Education

I'm listening to "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock and thinking about the first time I heard this CD. I actually bought it for "Watermelon Man" because we played it in band, and I wanted to hear it....not realizing that the Head Hunters version was a rerecording of the original "Watermelon Man" with a whole lot more 1970's added. But back to Chameleon....it's the first track on Head Hunters, and I remember hearing that amazingly funky bass line, and I was mesmerized. 15 or so minutes later, the song was done and I picked my jaw up off the floor.

This month has been fun introducing students to jazz music and reminding myself of why I love jazz.

What's this week's treat for students and their families? Chocolate rice krispie treats!!! Very excited to share them with everyone this week! :-)

"The piano ain't got no wrong notes." — Thelonious Monk

One of the greatest lessons jazz teaches us is that mistakes aren't always mistakes. Sometimes they're opportunities to explore, create, and discover something new.

At Harmanny Music Education, Jazzy June is all about building confidence, embracing creativity, and learning that music isn't about being perfect—it's about expressing yourself. Every note is a chance to learn, grow, and make music your own.

So this week, don't be afraid to take a chance at the piano. You might just stumble upon something amazing. 🎶✨

🎵 What a week at Harmanny Music Education! 🎵

This week was filled with music, learning, laughter, and some exciting milestones!

Watching students grow in confidence, learn new skills, and discover the joy of making music is what makes this work so rewarding.

Thank you to all of the families who trust me to be part of their musical journey. I'm excited to see what next week brings!

If you've been thinking about music lessons for yourself or your child, now is a great time to get started. Piano, voice, trumpet, beginning guitar, and ukulele lessons are available.

What was a highlight of your week? Share it below! 👇

🎶 Every student starts with a first lesson. Maybe the next success story will be yours. 🎶

I forgot to take a pic on Monday of treats for students this week! Luckily for me (and them) I had to bake more so I can share a pic! This week is brownies. Last week was chocolate chip cookies! Next week......we shall see!! Students get one after their lesson. Parents can have as many as they'd like! :-) Not THE reason for joining the studio, but A reason!

Yesterday I had to order more binders for new students.

That might not sound like a big deal, but a year ago I wasn't sure what the future of the studio would look like.

This blog post shares the story of leaving a full-time church position, navigating family challenges, surviving difficult seasons, and watching God provide in ways I never expected.

The binders are just the ending of the story.

Thank you to every family who has trusted me with their music education journey. I'm incredibly grateful.

Read the full story here:

I Had to Order More Binders - Harmanny Music Education Sometimes success looks like ordering more binders. A reflection on loss, uncertainty, growth, and the unexpected blessings that come from staying the course.

🌧️ Yesterday, we received over 2 inches of rain, and there's more in the forecast today and tomorrow.

One of the things I love most about using Muzie.live in my studio is the flexibility it provides. While the platform includes practice tools, lesson notes, assignments, and more, my favorite feature is how easily we can switch from an in-person lesson to an online lesson when needed.

With just one click, students can join their lesson directly through the platform—no meeting codes, no extra apps, and no complicated setup. Whether it's severe weather, illness, transportation issues, or an unexpected schedule change, lessons can continue without missing a beat.

As a teacher, that peace of mind is invaluable. As a parent, it means your student can keep learning even when life doesn't go according to plan.

🎵 Flexibility, consistency, and uninterrupted music education—that's one more reason I love teaching with Muzie.live.

"Life is a lot like jazz—it's best when you improvise." George Gershwin 🎷

Music teaches more than notes and rhythms. It teaches creativity, confidence, and how to keep going even when things don't go exactly as planned. Sometimes the best moments happen when we're willing to try something new.

Something is better than nothing.

Five minutes is better than zero minutes.

Ten minutes is better than five.

As a music teacher, I've learned that consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to practice.

That's one of the ideas I explore in my latest blog post, An Open Letter to Parents of Music Students.

An Open Letter to Parents of Music Students - Harmanny Music Education Discover why parents play a vital role in music lesson success and how a few minutes of daily practice can help children thrive.