Mr. Matt is excited to begin his second year with Maggie's Music Academy. Having grown up in Franklin, Mr. Matt has always enjoyed music. He started his guitar studies at the age of... (under construction)
Piano Teacher |
Ms. Emmy is a Franklin native, currently completing her high school diploma. She boasts consistent Superior Plus scores at regional piano festivals and is a composer & song writer, and 10 years of piano experience. You might check out her own YouTube Channel: 76 Roses, or watch her in a performance at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. She says, "I love working with my students and seeing them grow to know and love piano as I do." Ms. Emmie is great with kids and adults, and teaches private piano to all ages and Music Makers at the Keyboard classes on Monday afternoons and Tuesdays mornings to Ages 6-9. We are excited to have Ms. Emmie with us this year!
Musical Theatre & Acting Teacher |
Ms. Taylor is the newest addition to our staff! She first took to the stage when she was 7 years old with Overlook Theatre Players. Since then, she has performed in many different roles and realized her passion. She has been trained by multiple industry professionals to continually grow her skills. In addition to being onstage, she also has experience working backstage, teaching her own drama class, and spending an entire summer doing a Stage Management Internship. Ms. Taylor has a passion for empathetic storytelling: "I've always strived to connect with the world around me so that the audience may identify aspects of themselves in each character I portray." Ms. Taylor is also great with kids, and we are excited to have her on board!
Founder & Lead Instructor Piano, Voice, Musikgarten, Ensembles Summer Camps |
Ms. Maggie’s passion is building the same support & opportunities for music students in Western NC as what she had growing up in her hometown suburb of Charleston, SC. What started with simple Musikgarten classes for her own young children in 2017 has now expanded to providing a vocal and instrumental pathway for all musicians, young and old. Ms. Maggie's goal is to help close the gap for quality music instruction in Macon County and to inspire contagious musical enrichment within her community.
"Ms. Maggie" Jennings has a rich history in music education and children's music. She began her teaching career in 2005 as an elementary music specialist in Summerville, SC, where she also worked with her church youth choir and taught piano and voice lessons. She was quickly asked to help start a music program at a new elementary school, and over then next three years she wrote and received over $60,000 for her program in public and private grants. There she was also named Teacher of the Year by the Parent Teacher Association for the 2008-2009 school year. In 2009, she married her amazing husband Kyle Jennings and moved close to his hometown of Franklin, NC. After completing her graduate degree, she taught high school chorus and theatre for six years in Swain & Haywood counties. She improved her choir's performance and sight reading grades by over 30 points and two difficulty levels in just three years, after which her choirs earned consistent Superiors in performance and sight reading at both state and national contests. She has also led and directed several musicals including "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Annie," and "Once Upon a Mattress." In 2017, she stepped down from teaching in public schools to raise her babies full time, and now teaches music at South Macon Elementary. She also serves as the Children's Choir Director at Cowee Baptist Church in Franklin and the director of the Macon County Youth & Children's Choir.
Ms. Maggie has worked privately with singers and pianists of all ages since age 16. She is known for her love for children and her ability to inspire achievement and a love for music. Her students are award-winning, with a number of them having been accepted into the SC Elementary Honors Chorus, the NC High School Honors Chorus and more having received additional honors and scholarships over the years.
She has an M.A.Ed. in Music (Western Carolina University), a B.A. in Music Education & minor in Spanish (Gardner-Webb University), & is a National Board Certified Teacher (2014). She is a certified licensed Musikgarten instructor, a member of the American Choral Director's Association, the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educator's Association, and the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. She has written and received multiple large and small grants from the SC Department of Education, ChorusAmerica, and other private sources. She enjoys sleeping in, snuggling with her two children (ages 7 & 10), and exploring with her husband of 13 years, Kyle.
Maggie Flynn tells the story of Maggie, an Irish woman dedicated to running a home for Black children orphaned by the Civil War. However, Maggie’s life takes a turn when her husband abandons her to join the circus. After Maggie finds love again with Colonel John Farraday, and the two become engaged, her ex-husband reappears, determined to win back his wife. Maggie Flynn is an exploration of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of love amidst adversity.
Musical Type: Post-Golden Age (1968)
Cast Size: 20+
Genre: Drama
Setting: 1860s / USA ( NYC )
Music/Lyrics/Book: Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss
Book: Morton DaCosta
Original Broadway Cast (1968)➝
Licensing: Concord Theatricals➝
1960s , Child Roles , Dramatic , Historical , True Story , War
If you’re looking to discover new shows, here are some musicals like Maggie Flynn .
Seventh Heaven
Return to the complete A-Z musicals list »
There's no doubt that Chris Stapleton is one of the most talented artists in the world of country music. Not only does the singer belt out his own hits, but he also happens to be one of the best songwriters in the industry as well. The multi-talented artist has penned hits for several big names but you may not have even realized it. According to The Boot , the country crooner wrote Adele's "If It Hadn't Been for Love," Joss Stone's "Don't Start Lying to Me Now," and "Homesick," by Sheryl Crow featuring the Zac Brown Band. He's also written plenty of other tunes but the list would be far too long if we named them all.
In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune , Stapleton opened up about his songwriting process and how he's gotten so good at it. "I don't like to waste words in songs is the best way I can put it. If you can say something with three words that puts the point across — and leaves room for the listener to put themselves into the song," he revealed. "There's no need to use 10 words. I don't ever remember not wanting to do that. I've always wanted to say things as simply as I could." Stapleton also shared that one of the greatest things that comes from music is that it allows you to be part of the song. Well said ! That knack comes out especially clearly in "Maggie's Song."
Almost everyone can relate to losing a pet, and Chris Stapleton is no exception. The singer/ songwriter wrote his track "Maggie's Song" as an ode to his lab-terrier mutt. If you haven't grabbed a box of tissues, you may want to do that. According to the Tennessean , Stapleton wrote the song shortly after the dog died. Maggie was a member of the Stapleton family for 14 years, and it's safe to say that she had a significant impact on the singer. The song details Maggie's life on the farm and how she helped protect his children , among other things.
"Let me tell you a story / About an old friend of mine / Somebody left her in a shopping cart / In a parking lot for us to find," the first few lines of the song read, per AZ Lyrics . Toward the conclusion of the song, Stapleton detailed the end of Maggie's life, and by now, we're all crying like we did in Marley & Me . "It was raining on a Monday / The day that Maggie died / She woke up and couldn't use her legs / So I laid down by her side." Fittingly, the chorus says, "Run, Maggie run," presumably about Maggie's experience over the rainbow bridge. "Every word and every stitch of that song is real things," Stapleton told the Tennessean . "She was a member of the family, and she deserved a song." And now we're uncontrollably sobbing.
Written by Lynnette Desrosiers
Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
When it comes to talented musicians who have made their mark in the industry, one name that should definitely be on your radar is Maggie Rogers. With her unique sound and compelling lyrics, Rogers has captivated audiences around the world. From her breakthrough moment during a college master class to collaborating with industry icons, Rogers has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with.
In this article, we will delve into 37 fascinating facts about Maggie Rogers , shedding light on her journey, accomplishments, and the ins and outs of her life as a celebrated musician. From her early beginnings in rural Maryland to her rise to stardom, we will explore the various facets of Rogers’ life that have shaped her into the artist she is today. Whether you’re a devoted fan or just discovering her music, get ready to dive into the world of Maggie Rogers and discover what makes her such a beloved and respected figure in the music industry.
Maggie Rogers was born on April 25, 1994, in Easton, Maryland.
She grew up in a musical family, with her mother being a former choir director and her father playing the bass in a local band.
Maggie Rogers discovered her love for music at a young age, picking up the harp and guitar when she was just a teenager.
She attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she honed her songwriting skills and developed her unique sound.
In 2016, Maggie Rogers had a life-changing moment when she played her song “Alaska” for Pharrell Williams during a masterclass at NYU, going viral overnight.
Maggie Rogers draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including folk, pop, and electronic music .
Her debut EP titled “Now That the Light is Fading” was released in 2017 and received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.
In 2019, Maggie Rogers joined Mumford & Sons as the opening act for their “Delta Tour,” gaining exposure to a wider audience.
Maggie Rogers has collaborated with several artists, including Khalid , Rostam, and Sam Gellaitry.
She has graced the stages of renowned music festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo , and Glastonbury.
Maggie Rogers’ music has resonated with listeners worldwide, earning her a dedicated fan base in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
She has been nominated for various awards, including the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards.
Maggie Rogers is passionate about social activism, using her platform to raise awareness about important issues such as climate change and racial inequality.
She has partnered with organizations like REVERB to promote sustainable touring practices and reduce her carbon footprint.
Maggie Rogers has become known for her unique fashion sense, often sporting eclectic and vibrant outfits.
Her debut studio album, “Heard It in a Past Life,” peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Aside from singing, Maggie Rogers is skilled in playing various instruments, including the guitar, harp, piano, and banjo .
Her music often explores themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and personal growth.
Maggie Rogers’ sound has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of pop, electronic, and indie folk into her music.
She has been invited to conduct songwriting masterclasses at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and NYU .
Maggie Rogers embraces her individuality and encourages others to express themselves authentically.
She actively supports various charitable organizations, including Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Maggie Rogers cites Joni Mitchell , Fleetwood Mac, and Björk as some of her musical inspirations.
Her live performances are known for their captivating energy and emotionally charged moments.
Many of Maggie Rogers’ songs have deep personal meanings and reflect her own experiences and emotions.
Her music has resonated beyond the charts, becoming anthems for self-empowerment and personal growth.
Maggie Rogers is a strong advocate for music education, recognizing its ability to inspire creativity and self-expression.
She has collaborated with artists from various genres, including indie pop artist HAIM and electronic music producer SG Lewis.
Maggie Rogers’ music often elicits a strong emotional connection with her listeners, drawing them into her world.
Her lyrics and messages have connected with a generation seeking authenticity, meaning, and self-discovery.
Her live performances have been praised for their authenticity, vulnerability, and captivating stage presence.
Maggie Rogers’ music has transcended boundaries and reached fans from all corners of the world.
She pushes the boundaries of genre, blending folk, pop, and electronic elements to create her own unique sonic landscape.
Maggie Rogers openly discusses her own struggles with anxiety and mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and promote dialogue.
Maggie Rogers’ music has the power to evoke strong emotions and create a sense of connection and introspection.
She has paved the way for a new wave of singer-songwriters, inspiring aspiring musicians to embrace their authentic selves.
Maggie Rogers is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry with her unique sound and powerful storytelling.
These 37 facts about Maggie Rogers highlight her incredible journey as a musician and the impact she has had on both the music industry and her fans. From her early musical roots to her chart-topping success, Maggie Rogers continues to captivate audiences around the world with her talent and authenticity. Whether through her powerful performances or her advocacy for important social causes, Maggie Rogers is a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
In conclusion, Maggie Rogers is an incredibly talented and unique artist who has captivated fans around the world with her mesmerizing music. From her humble beginnings in rural Maryland to her meteoric rise to fame, Rogers has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her genuine and soulful lyrics, coupled with her infectious melodies and breathtaking vocals, have made her a favorite amongst fans and critics alike.Through her music, Rogers has been able to connect with listeners on a deep and personal level, tackling themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and love. Her authenticity and passion shine through in every song, allowing her to forge a deep connection with her audience.As Maggie Rogers continues to evolve as an artist, we can only expect great things from her in the future. Whether it’s through her captivating live performances or her thought-provoking albums, she will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the music world.
Q: When did Maggie Rogers release her first album?
A: Maggie Rogers released her debut studio album, “Heard It in a Past Life,” on January 18, 2019.
Q: What is Maggie Rogers’ most popular song?
A: Maggie Rogers’ breakout hit is “Alaska,” which gained widespread attention after a video of Pharrell Williams listening to the song went viral.
Q: Has Maggie Rogers won any awards?
A: Yes, Maggie Rogers has received several nominations and awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2020.
Q: Does Maggie Rogers write her own songs?
A: Yes, Maggie Rogers is known for writing her own songs. She often draws inspiration from her own life experiences and personal journey.
Q: Has Maggie Rogers toured internationally?
A: Yes, Maggie Rogers has toured extensively both in the United States and internationally, captivating audiences with her electrifying live performances.
Q: What genre of music does Maggie Rogers perform?
A: Maggie Rogers’ music can be classified as indie pop, with influences from folk, electronic, and alternative genres. She seamlessly blends different styles to create a unique sound.
Q: Is Maggie Rogers involved in any philanthropic work?
A: Yes, Maggie Rogers is an advocate for environmental and social causes. She has partnered with organizations such as the National Resources Defense Council and the American Civil Liberties Union to raise awareness and funds for various issues.
If you enjoyed learning about Maggie Rogers' incredible journey, don't miss our other captivating articles. Discover the remarkable story of singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, whose career has spanned decades. Dive into the world of indie pop with 12 intriguing facts about Alana Haim, a rising star in the music industry. For music lovers seeking a deeper understanding of the genre, our article on folk music concerts is a must-read, offering 18 fascinating insights into this beloved musical tradition. Explore these engaging stories and expand your knowledge of the diverse and talented artists shaping today's music scene.
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.
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Hear the studio cast recording of maggie out now on all digital platforms.
You can now hear the music of MAGGIE! Stream or download MAGGIE (Studio Cast Recording) today on all digital platforms. Click here to listen .
The Studio Cast of MAGGIE is: Dharma Bizier, Will Lincoln-Gouett, Liam Crober-Best, Aidan Burke, Juliette Jones, Mikayla Stradiotto, Megan Dallan, Kirsten Kwong, Aaron Ryder, Alex Wierzbicki, Ben Page, Bethany Monaghan, Brittany King, Daniel Allain, Emily McKin, Griffin Hewitt, Gunho Kwak, Kati Pearson, Lia Luz, Maya Jenkins, Olivia Shad, Teresa Tucci, Thomas Killip, Zach Colangelo
Music by Johnny Reid, Matt Murray and Bob Foster
Book & Lyrics by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray
Cast Recording produced by Johnny Reid, Bob Foster and Matt Murray
Music Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Bob Foster
Additional music by Tony Harrell, David William Balfe, Peter Green, Harry Lauder, Gerald Grafton
Michael Spriggs (Guitars), Pat McGrath (Guitars), Blair Masters (Piano, Keyboard, Accordion), Tommy Harden (Drums), Jimmy Lee Sloas (bass), Eamon Dillon (Pipes, Whistles), Brian Handlon (Percussion)
Recorded at Soultrain Sound Studios (Nashville, TN) and The Canterbury Music Company (Toronto, ON) / Overdubs mixed at Soultrain Sound Studios (Nashville, TN) / Recording Engineers: Justin Cortelyou, Jeremy Darby, Julian Decorte / Mastered by Andrew Darby (1,5-14) and Andrew Mendelson (2,3,4) at Georgetown Mastering (Nashville, TN).
Direction & Dramaturgy by Mary Francis Moore
Executive Produced by Johnny Reid, Halo Entertainment, Michael Rubinoff
Hear the music of Maggie!
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When it comes to the eclectic tunes of folk-pop, it’s impossible to overlook the formidable Maggie Rogers. A Grammy nominee with over million listeners on Spotify, Rogers has established herself as one of the most innovative new singer-songwriters working today, bringing forth a sound that blends two genres that, in theory, shouldn’t work, but do.
Before that, though, she was a university student with a dream to share her music with the world. Her big break came in the form of a 2016 NYU masterclass, in which she had the opportunity to showcase her song ‘Alaska’ to Pharell Williams, leaving him visibly speechless. The video of their encounter went viral that summer, pushing her into the spotlight at 22 years old.
Since then, she’s released a debut album that has been positively regarded by critics, performed at various festivals including Coachella and the Glastonbury Festival, opened for pop band HAIM and singer Kacey Musgraves, and headlined her own world tour — and no signs point towards her slowing down. She’s set to release her second album, “Surrender”, later this year.
In the meantime, she’s continuing to challenge herself academically as a graduate student at Harvard.
Here’s a look into the schools that made Maggie Rogers, and how education has shaped her musical journey to success.
Maggie Rogers performing at Coachella in 2022. Source: Kevin Winter/AFP
Maggie Rogers’ roots, when compared to some of the most successful artists out there today, are distinctly unconventional. She had a deep love for classical music and later, folk songs, learning to play the harp, piano, guitar, and banjo.
This led her to enrol in a summer programme at Berklee College of Music . Based in Boston, Massachusetts and with additional campuses in New York City and Valencia, Spain, Berklee is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. It’s consistently ranked among the top institutions to study the performing arts , placing among the top 10 globally by respected publications such as Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Forbes.
Berklee offers a range of programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels that focus on all aspects of performance, including dance, music, and theatre. Its Bachelor of Music programme, for example, is offered in 14 majors , covering a wide range of industry areas from performance and composition to entrepreneurship and production. The range of innovative courses has created some of the most notable names in music, from John Mayer to Alan Silvestri.
The college offers a number of specialised summer programmes that run for as short as two days to weeks-long sessions. Rogers participated in a five-week programme, where she took part in a songwriting contest that she eventually won. “That gave me a boost of confidence to start writing more,” she said of her experience .
Following her stint at Berklee, Rogers knew she wanted to pursue an education in music and worked tirelessly toward that goal. “My senior I turned a broom closet into a little recording booth and recorded an album,” she recalls.
She sent the early drafts of that album to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University . As the first and only school to offer a programme bridging professional business and artistic training towards a BFA in Recorded Music, Clive aims to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the global music industry. This extends to studies of current music phenomenona, including the likes of Taylor Swift .
More than that, Clive’s holistic curriculum encompasses musicianship and performance, liberal arts, music production, and writing, history, and emergent media. It places a special emphasis on experiential learning, offering a study abroad option for its students. Rogers has frequently cited her study abroad experience in Berlin that introduced her to another genre — “it changed everything,” she told Rolling Stone .
Interspersed between this are regular workshops with visiting guest artists, many of whom are prominent in the music scene. This is how Rogers eventually met and showcased her music to Williams. “We got word that there would be a masterclass, which isn’t abnormal,” Rogers said of the career-defining moment. “Everyone from the Advanced Production course was invited to submit songs, and so I turned mine in.”
studying the spirituality of public gatherings and the ethics of power in pop culture and yes, music is coming 🕊 — Maggie Rogers (@maggierogers) September 15, 2021
Maggie Rogers has been noticeably silent since her last album release, but for good reason: she’s currently a graduate student at Harvard University .
Harvard needs no introduction. For years, it’s kept its place among the top three universities in the world; this year, it reached the top spot in US News and World Report’s Best Global Universities list. Most graduates from Harvard are highly successful in the sciences, business, or politics . Famous alumni include John F. Kennedy, Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama, and Natalie Portman.
Rogers is enrolled as a graduate student at Harvard Divinity School , where she is “studying the spirituality of public gatherings and the ethics of power in pop culture”. The school itself is dedicated to religious and theological studies. It offers five degree programmes including a PhD, non-degree options, and ministry studies .
International students, these racial slurs should be avoided at all costs in the us (and everywhere else).
Welcome to our guide to the importance of music in education, which highlights the vital benefits children get from receiving musical instruction from an early age.
Music is arguably the most life-enriching academic subject of them all. A universal language that triggers emotional responses and kickstarts creativity like no other, music is a fundamental pillar of arts education.
This article outlines the far-reaching benefits of music that stretch way beyond the subject itself and why music is an indispensable part of any academic programme.
Music can bring a series of important benefits to your child’s education, many of which you may not have considered before.
Music and language have a deep and profound relationship. The link between musical instruction and better language development in young children has long been established.
Musical training stimulates and trains the same part of the brain that deals with understanding language. Children who have some exposure to musical education will, therefore, have a greater understanding of tone and how different segments of speech align. It can also be incredibly useful if your child is learning a second language.
Playing an instrument increases the use of your neural network. When compared to those who don’t play an instrument, there is some suggestion that musicians have a larger growth of neural activity.
A 2009 study in the New York Academy of Sciences showed how children who received musical instruction showed improved sound discrimination and fine motor tasks, with visible changes in those networks showing during brain imaging.
Children who undertake music in education are also enhancing their maths ability. A link between music and better control of spatial-temporal tasks, as pointed out here in the Journal of Aesthetic Education , means children are better equipped to learn key mathematical skills.
One theory says that learning rhythm is responsible, as maths involves picking up patterns and how visual elements go together.
With better maths ability comes the potential for better test scores. A 2007 study from the University of Kansas found that students in primary schools with better musical programmes scored 22% higher in English and 20% higher in maths when compared to those in weaker musical programmes. This was regardless of the socioeconomic factors between the different schools.
Music is one of the most creatively stimulating tasks any person can undertake. If you want to spark your child’s creativity, there are few better things you can do than to encourage them to create their own unique music by picking up an instrument or engaging in their music class.
Learning an instrument to an elite level is no easy task. It takes considerable hand-eye coordination to learn almost any instrument. Those who master their craft are blessed with a unique skill; it’s something that can be applied to other areas of academia and general life.
Hand-eye coordination is important in many sports, especially bats or racquet sports like tennis or cricket. It can also help elsewhere in education, as writing skills and art require the hands and eyes to work together.
In adulthood, your child will find them relying on their hand-eye coordination to do any number of tasks. Practical things like DIY are easier with good coordination. Allowing your child to improve it with music will benefit them for a lifetime.
Improved memory is another well-established benefit of music in education. Learning an instrument, the language of music and the notes and lyrics that make up songs all require a flexing of memory.
Music is also one of the easiest things to store in your memory, often to our frustration. Songs get stuck in our heads, sometimes for days; a perfect display of how music can stick in our minds.
Music is often considered a solo effort, but it’s unlikely your child will go through their musical education alone. In class or as an extracurricular activity, music is one of the best ways to learn vital life skills like teamwork. Be it in a band or singing group, teamwork is vital to creating good music.
School is such an important time for children and at times it can be stressful – especially during tough examination periods.
Music has become a proven remedy to relieving stress, with research from Stanford University linking this to the beat of music. At 60 beats per minute, music can cause our brain to synchronize and cause alpha brainwaves – which are present when we are relaxed. Over a period of 45 minutes or so, it can help induce sleep too.
After a long day studying, a musical session is an easy way to relieve stress and take your child’s mind off of deadlines and exams.
As an extension of improving teamwork, music is also a great way for your child to meet new people and create lasting friendships. Music is a great way to bring people together. If they decide to take up music as an extracurricular activity, they’ll be bonding with likeminded children who share their passion.
In a time when children are increasingly interested in communicating online and focusing on digital skills, music is a refreshing return to face-to-face contact.
Speak to anyone who has mastered a musical instrument or played in a successful band; musical excellence is hard to come by. It requires plenty of practice and a willingness to keep going.
To continue to improve and progress requires perseverance. A child understanding they have to work hard to achieve something is incredibly powerful and something they will lean on for the rest of their lives. There are few better ways to instil perseverance than through music.
When your child does achieve a musical goal, they get the incredible satisfaction that comes from working hard to attain something. In that sense, music is a great confidence builder. Creating something as expressive and loved as music and seeing audiences on stage or family members at home enjoy it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Confidence is one of the most valuable skills a child can have and music is one of the best ways to allow it to flourish in your child.
How many times have you met an adult who says their biggest regret is not learning a musical instrument as a child? Musical skills they didn’t learn as a child become some of the most sought after in adulthood. Help your child to develop their skills in music from an earlier age and you’ll be giving them a gift that will bring them, and others, joy for the rest of their life.
At Nord Anglia Education, we understand the importance of creative arts like music, harnessing the subject to bring benefits that span our entire academic programme. Find out more about our music curriculum, or head to our schools page to a Nord Anglia Education school near you.
Want more of the latest insights into education? Read our INSIGHTS publication here !
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Culture | Music
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Do your homework, kids. Maggie Rogers is a fine example of the good things that can happen when you turn up to class well prepared. “I moved out of my college apartment on May 31, 2016. I went viral on June 1. I signed a record deal on August 31. It was a little wild,” says the 22-year-old from rural Maryland, who is about to play her first London gigs the week after releasing her fabulous debut EP.
The reason for such fast motion was a visit from super-producer Pharrell Williams to her class at New York University in March last year. Alongside a degree in English, Rogers was studying for a second major in Recorded Music at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute — named after the music mogul who founded Arista Records. Pharrell was there to hear her class play him some of their original songs and to offer them advice. In footage that was widely shared on YouTube last summer and has now been seen almost 2.5 million times, he tapped along to Rogers’s song Alaska with increasing enthusiasm and a growing smile, and offered her no tips for improvement whatsoever.
“I have zero, zero, zero notes for that,” he said as the song’s mix of gentle tribal rhythms and sparkling electronic R&B drifted to a close. “I’ve never heard anyone like you before and I’ve never heard anything that sounds like that… That’s a drug for me.”
Understandably, that clip was a major factor in her rise, so Rogers could be forgiven for being a little tired of telling the curious that no, she and Pharrell are not pen pals now and the 10 minutes in class was the only interaction she has ever had with him. That day, she didn’t go out to celebrate. She didn’t know that the video would end up on YouTube. “I just thought, OK, that was a really great positive endorsement and a really cool thing that happened. I didn’t know it was going to be such a big thing.” She wandered over to a friend’s place in Chinatown and wrote another tune, Better, which appears alongside Alaska, and three more warm, organic pop songs on her new EP.
“I ended up writing him a thank-you note,” she tells me. “I’m sure we will cross paths sometime and I’m really looking forward to that ‘Hello’ because I think it will be a really exciting hug. But it’s funny because, based on the music I was making before, if you’d asked me who was the one gatekeeper or influencer whom I’d want to hear my music, I don’t think Pharrell would be the first person I’d pick.”
Why should she have expected such a leap in her fortunes? In common with so many sudden internet music sensations, Rogers has been taking small, incremental steps towards this for years. At six she began learning the harp and went on to play it in a local orchestra. “I can’t believe my parents gave in! It was the most inconvenient instrument.” She had formal training in harp, piano and singing, but as a teenager also taught herself guitar, bass, drums and the banjo. At 17 she took a summer course at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, where she won a songwriting competition and performed on a large stage for the first time. When she arrived at NYU to begin learning music engineering and production, she was “the banjo girl”.
“I was moving in these bluegrass and folk circles, and you really didn’t need the internet for that,” she says. Yet as part of the marketing training that was incorporated in her music course, she had to be online. You can still find YouTube videos of old songs, including her Berklee winner, Anybody, and buy an album of hers from 2014 — Blood Ballet, which presents her as a folky singer-songwriter with a stirring, emotional voice — on the Bandcamp website.
It’s her pivot into electronic music that Pharrell agrees has given something unique to her sound. It’s the music of late nights and early mornings, filtered through the perspective of a nature-loving banjo player who grew up on a corn-and-soybean farm and spends her spare time hiking. It was a visit to a nightclub in Berlin, during a period spent studying in Paris, that ignited a belated passion for dance music. “I had never thought to listen to a nine-minute house song but I began to understand the sort of mantra and meditation behind that. I was thinking about how everybody in that club was moving in sync and how completely instinctual the rhythm is, how integral it is to the way humans experience music. I had such a light bulb go on, I felt so much joy.”
Now she has a foot in both worlds. Her EP begins with the sound of crickets and an interpretation of a campfire song she used to sing at summer camp. In two of her videos to date she’s got the jerky moves of the modern pop dance routine, but presented in the woods or by a lake with women wielding canoe paddles. “The whole goal of the project was to take pop music and make it feel as organic as possible,” she says. “I listened to birds and crickets, looking for the ways that rhythm appears most naturally in the world. I listened to the Smithsonian’s field recordings of pygmy choirs from Africa.”
Right from the beginning she had an unorthodox approach to music due to her synaesthesia, a condition which means that she experiences sounds as colours. Pharrell has the same thing, funnily enough, as does Lorde , who described Rogers’ music as a “feather-light sucker punch to the heart” on Twitter last weekend.
'When I was little my mum would take me to see the orchestra, tell me to close my eyes and think about the story the music was telling'
“It’s not like I see colours. It’s just for me an incredibly strong association between music and colour,” Rogers explains. “When I was little my mum would take me to see the orchestra, tell me to close my eyes and think about the story the music was telling. I always spoke about colours. I’d talk about how purple the oboe was. Now when I do co-production, I’ll tell the person I’m working with something like: ‘This synth needs to be more green’, and it’s the most obvious thing for me.”
Before beginning the EP, she made mood boards of the colours she wanted each song to sound like. The title, Now That the Light is Fading, is meant to describe the overall feel she was after. “Each song is a different colour but it’s that moment in the day that I was trying to capture. It’s a dark, hazy midnight blue and a dusky pink predominantly, but there are also hues of dark green and orange.”
It’s a big red thumbs-up from me. And as a far more notable fan has already established, Maggie Rogers is looking at an extremely bright 2017.
Maggie Rogers plays Omeara, SE1 (0871 220 0260, omearalondon.com ) Feb 27-28; and Electric Brixton, SW2 (020 7274 2290, electricbrixton.uk.com ) on June 21
The Now That the Light is Fading EP is out now on Polydor
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When she was growing up in northern Baltimore County, Maggie Shamer spent many evenings listening to great show tunes from Broadway musicals. Her parents loved the theatre. That probably helps explain how at 14 and one of the youngest to try out for a part in her high school play, she won a lead role in The Music Man . She was the only girl that could sing the difficult soprano part.
Shamer, a classically trained vocalist, went on to study at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, and has performed opera in French, German, Italian and some Spanish. She describes her voice as “very pretty, clean and accurate. You will have no problem understanding the words when I sing, a real virtue among classical singers.”
After returning home from college, she auditioned unsuccessfully for a number of roles, but was eventually asked to fill an emergency vacancy as a witch in Baltimore Opera’s performances of Verdi’s Macbeth in 1993. She only had three weeks to prepare for the opening performance, including learning the music, getting fitted for her costume and getting the staging right, all this and maintaining her day job at the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland. “The rush to get ready for the part didn’t bother me at all. After auditioning and getting rejected so many times, I felt vindicated,” she said. “Singing has taught me not to judge myself too harshly.”
Shamer stayed with the Opera Company for the next 15 years. “I sang in all the operas they performed through the ‘90s, but my favorites were the unusual ones, like Samson and Delilah , Eugene Onegin and Tannhauser . During this period, she was a soloist for concerts presented at the Meyerhoff with the Baltimore Symphony, the Choral Arts Society and the Handel Choir of Baltimore. She also was a soloist in the choir of St Mark’s Lutheran on St. Paul at North Avenue, a professional choir that is noted for its classical sacred repertoire including Bach, Mendelsohn, Brahms and others.
In 2008, the opera company folded and she then took on “gigs that offered a more relaxed pace.” She’s a regular at weekend services at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in east Baltimore where she sings Mass music and sacred pieces in Latin and Spanish.
“I used to get terribly nervous when I sang, but I’ve learned to relax because I want the audience to relax,” she said. “I have to think of what the composer was trying to convey and relate that to the audience. The words are what they want to hear. To sing with conviction, you have to get out of your own way.”
Periodically, she sings with Cadenza , a quartet that performs around town at An Die Musik, the Engineers Club, Artfest and Charlestown Retirement Community. On two occasions, the group presented concerts at Princeton University on the evolution of American patriotic, political and folk music at Princeton University. The SOE academic program administrator also does an occasional wedding where she can sing Ave Maria in “any language.”
When she’s not working on reaccreditation or helping to recruit students for the Masters in Education of the Health professions, you might find Shamer at home practicing her singing. “I have had so many wonderful life experiences as a singer. It’s very spiritual for me. I love to sing and I love to hear others sing. I still sing every day at home and play my piano, without any audience, just for myself.”
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Based on a true story, MAGGIE features a soul-stirring score by award-winning recording artist Johnny Reid. A tribute to Johnny's Granny and the people of an almost forgotten generation, this exciting new musical is a celebration of family, community and the joy and laughter that can be found, even in the darkest of times.
Backfill Image. "Maggie" is a delightful, deeply moving new musical about how hard it can be to raise a family. The tales of struggle, loss and uncertainty can get downbeat, but the overall ...
Maggie is a musical with book, music and lyrics by Michael Wild based on J.M. Barrie's play What Every Woman Knows.. After a premiere at the Forum Theatre in Billingham, the West End production opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 12 October 1977 and played for 42 performances. The West End production featured Anna Neagle, Peter Gale, and Anna Sharkey as Maggie. [1]
Maggie, a new musical currently having its world premiere at Hamilton's Theatre Aquarius with backing from producer Michael Rubinoff (Come from Away), is a splendid showcase of Scottish-Canadian ...
"Maggie" is a musical that isn't afraid to be a musical. It doesn't pander to minimalist, contemporary tastes. Its songs are actually. hummable. It's a musical for now because it shares the hopes, fears and reality of people who search for happiness, but understand the world is a big and often frightening. place.
October 13, 2023. We are delighted to announce that MAGGIE will make its American premiere as part of Goodspeed Musicals ' 2024 season! Directed by Mary Francis Moore, MAGGIE will run August 23 to October 20 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, CT. Advance season ticket packages are on sale now and single tickets will be available beginning ...
Review: MAGGIE. by Lynn on April 27, 2023. in The Passionate Playgoer. Live and in person at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ont. playing until May 6, 2023. www.theatreaquarius.org. Music by Johnny Reid, Matt Murray and Bob Foster. Book and lyrics by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray. Directed by Mary Francis Moore.
A Scottish mother's unbreakable love for her three sons is tested in an inspirational new musical about family bonds and changing times. After suffering the unthinkable loss of her husband, Maggie must rely on her strength, sense of humor and fiercely loyal friends to protect her family from a harsh world. Spanning over 20 years, a ...
A tribute to Johnny's Granny and the people of an almost forgotten generation, this exciting new musical is a celebration of family, community and the joy and laughter that can be found, even in ...
Someday, I think critics and historians might wonder the same about Maggie, now playing in its world premiere at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton. With music, book, lyrics, and real-life inspiration from country singer Johnny Reid (with help from Matt Murray and Bob Foster), Maggie is a love letter to working-class Scotland, a tribute to Reid's ...
The Theatre Aquarius run is a first outing for Maggie. It shows. There's much to be wowed by in the production — an ensemble of actors who have nailed a tricky accent, and Mary Francis Moore's sensible, well paced direction — but there are structural bumps to iron out before Maggie heads off to Prince Edward Island this summer (and ...
We offer classes Sept-May in the following: Piano Guitar Ukulele Voice Babies/Toddlers Preschoolers Musical Theatre. Click to Learn More: Maggie's Music Academy is located in the beautiful mountains of Macon County, NC at . 29 Bates Crossing, Franklin, NC. Feel free to browse our website to learn more!
"Come for the fun, stay for the education." Musikgarten's sequential curriculum for birth to age 10 allows students to learn music in a fun, developmentally appropriate manner. We focus first on training the child's brain to hear, identify and create patterns in music, so that by ages 5, children are starting to read musical notation.
Maggie's Music Academy - About. Meet Our Teachers: Tabitha. McCall. Pearson. Piano Teacher & Admin. Ms. Tabitha (Ms. Tabby) is our admin and piano teacher. She is a native of Western North Carolina but lived and graduated from high school in Southern California. She is happily married to her husband Matthew and they live in Franklin with their ...
Synopsis: Maggie Flynn tells the story of Maggie, an Irish woman dedicated to running a home for Black children orphaned by the Civil War.However, Maggie's life takes a turn when her husband abandons her to join the circus. After Maggie finds love again with Colonel John Farraday, and the two become engaged, her ex-husband reappears, determined to win back his wife.
The singer/ songwriter wrote his track "Maggie's Song" as an ode to his lab-terrier mutt. If you haven't grabbed a box of tissues, you may want to do that. According to the Tennessean, Stapleton ...
The Power of Music Education. Maggie Rogers is a strong advocate for music education, recognizing its ability to inspire creativity and self-expression. Musical Collaborations. She has collaborated with artists from various genres, including indie pop artist HAIM and electronic music producer SG Lewis. Emotional Connection
Music Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Bob Foster Additional music by Tony Harrell, David William Balfe, Peter Green, Harry Lauder, Gerald Grafton Michael Spriggs (Guitars), Pat McGrath (Guitars), Blair Masters (Piano, Keyboard, Accordion), Tommy Harden (Drums), Jimmy Lee Sloas (bass), Eamon Dillon (Pipes, Whistles), Brian Handlon ...
Berklee College of Music. Maggie Rogers' roots, when compared to some of the most successful artists out there today, are distinctly unconventional. She had a deep love for classical music and later, folk songs, learning to play the harp, piano, guitar, and banjo. This led her to enrol in a summer programme at Berklee College of Music. Based ...
Music can bring a series of important benefits to your child's education, many of which you may not have considered before. 1. Improve language capabilities. Music and language have a deep and profound relationship. The link between musical instruction and better language development in young children has long been established.
What do we learn about Maggie's musical education? She didn't have a special music talent. Что мы узнаем о музыкальном образовании Мэгги? Особых музыкальных талантов у нее не было. «But I wasn't great. I was good and I had tremendous passion.
Do your homework, kids. Maggie Rogers is a fine example of the good things that can happen when you turn up to class well prepared. "I moved out of my college apartment on May 31, 2016.
Community. Published October 13, 2015. Author Jim Campbell. When she was growing up in northern Baltimore County, Maggie Shamer spent many evenings listening to great show tunes from Broadway musicals. Her parents loved the theatre. That probably helps explain how at 14 and one of the youngest to try out for a part in her high school play, she ...