Category: Music & Arts

“We’ve come to the time in the season,
When family and friends gather near,
To offer a prayer of thanksgiving,
For blessings we’ve known through the years”

These are the opening lines of “Thanksgiving Prayer,” written by Josef Anderson and performed by national legend Johnny Cash in the 90s TV show Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Though Johnny’s music is usually described as country, he did not like it to be genre-defined. His music brought together fans of all ages and many different genres such as country, rock and roll, blues, folk and gospel.

Here at Studio 237 Music, we believe that’s what music is all about – coming together to build a loving community to share in the joy of music and happiness of others, no matter their background. Music is for everyone, and without a community to share it with, music just would not exist.

As there’s only a short while before Thanksgiving is with us once again, we wanted to take this time to reflect on the hard work of all our students and teachers, celebrate their successes, and give thanks to everyone and their families for their supportive and encouraging atmosphere as students continue on their musical journey.

First, let us reflect on the progress our students have made since they began their studies in August. When they first started out, the process of pushing down the piano keys or plucking a guitar string seemed so strange and unfamiliar, yet now they are readily performing holiday songs and gearing up to approach more challenging musical material. Let us celebrate their dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm towards learning and growing a new gift.

Let us also be thankful for our team of knowledgeable and talented teachers who are leading the way for students to reach their highest potential, as well as providing a safe and motivating environment for students to continually work on their musical abilities. The teachers’ job is by no means an easy one – they must pass on the traditions of many, many past generations of musicians (music has been around for a very long time, after all) for future generations to continue on.

There is no doubt that the families and wider community around us should also be celebrated. We are very thankful to the many families who support and encourage students, take them to their music lessons, help them with instrument care and maintenance, and never get tired of their home practice sessions (hearing the same song over and over again!).

We are grateful for all the teaching and learning resources we have at hand to help us in achieving our future goals. We are grateful to God for providing us with abundance, and for guiding us throughout all of our lives and on into the future. And of course, we are grateful to our musicians for sharing their hearts through music with everyone around them.
We wish you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

If you’d like to hear Johnny Cash’s full performance of “Thanksgiving Prayer,” you can find a copy of the recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egIB7tYW80M.

Studio 237 Music Lessons is in Santa Rosa Beach. Our teachers are ready to teach guitar, piano, drums, voice, ukulele and more. Call 850.231.3199 to schedule a visit or lessons. Visit www.Studio237Music.com.

Music has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and sadness to excitement and fear. One of the most intriguing and spine-tingling aspects of music is its ability to send shivers down our spines and make our hearts race. Scary music has a unique ability to tap into our deepest fears and transport us to a world of suspense. Let’s explore the world of scary music and delve into how certain note combinations are masterfully crafted to create a bone-chilling sound.

Music often relies on dissonant note combinations to create an unsettling and ominous atmosphere. Dissonance is the clash between two or more notes which makes listeners feel uneasy or on edge. The use of dissonance is a fundamental technique that composers employ to send shivers down the spines of their audiences.

One of the most famous examples of dissonance is the tritone. The tritone is a distance between two notes known for its unsettling and diabolical sound such as the piano’s white key notes of F to B (known as the augmented 4th). Composers such as Richard Wagner and Igor Stravinsky used the tritone to great effect in their compositions, infusing their music with a sense of dread and foreboding.

Another essential element is the use of minor keys which evoke feelings of sadness, melancholy, or fear. The use of minor chords and dissonant intervals can create a haunting and chilling sound that lingers in the listener’s mind.

One of the most iconic examples is the theme from the film “Psycho” composed by Bernard Herrmann. The shrill and piercing strings, combined with the use of minor chords, create an intense sense of anxiety and dread, making it one of the most recognizable and spine-tingling pieces of music in cinematic history.

Dynamics and timbre play a crucial role in crafting scary music. Dynamics refer to the variations in volume and intensity within a piece of music, while timbre relates to the quality or color of sound. Composers use these elements to build tension and suspense gradually.  A sudden crescendo (increasing volume) or a startling fortissimo (a sudden and very loud sound) can jolt/startle the listener. Alternatively, composers employ a technique known as “col legno”, where the strings of a stringed instrument are struck with the wooden part of the bow, creating a harsh and eerie timbre adding an unsettling dimension to the music.  Other examples are a guitarist sliding their finger up and down a string, or a vocalist gradually singing one note in and out of tune.

One of the most underestimated aspects of unsettling music is the strategic use of silence referred to in theory as “the rest”.  Music teachers will often remind their students to remember to observe all the rests (or silence). Just as loud, dissonant notes can send chills down our spines, moments of silence can be equally powerful. Silence is like a pause in a horror film, allowing the audience’s imagination to run wild with images and scenarios.  Next time you are watching a movie, notice how the moments of silence in the music match and embellish the action.

Scary music is a mesmerizing and chilling realm of artistic expression. Young students just love to learn songs that contain the mysterious adventuresome elements of scary music. Composers, through the careful selection of note combinations, minor keys, dynamics, timbre, and the artful use of silence, can create music that taps into our deepest fears and unsettles our senses. Whether it’s the haunting tritone, the mournful minor key, silence, or the increase of volume, these elements work together to craft a symphony of fear that continues to captivate audiences around the world. So, when you find yourself listening to scary music, remember that it’s not just the notes themselves but the artful combination of musical elements creating that spine-tingling sensation.

Studio 237 Music Lessons is in Santa Rosa Beach. Our teachers are ready to teach guitar, piano, drums, voice, ukulele and more. Call 850.231.3199 to schedule a visit or lessons. www.Studio237Music.com

MaryKate Cary is a classically trained vocalist with studies in gospel, jazz, and pop. In the fall of 2022, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in General Music along with special studies in Music Entrepreneurship from Florida State University. Her passion is to empower youth through music and community support.

Over the years, music engulfed MaryKate inside and outside the classroom. Since the age of thirteen, she has been a part of many choral ensembles, musical theater ensembles, vocal recitals, and solo performance opportunities in Noirmoutier, France. In Northwest Florida, she was actively engaged for six years managing clubs and programs for academia and four years as the Director of Choreography for musical theater programs. MaryKate says, “I have always enjoyed the thrill of performing and also find voice teaching just as exciting and rewarding.” She loves sharing the joyful experience of music with others.

Singing songs that she enjoys has always been a safe place for her. Through trials and tribulations, music has been her support. MaryKate believes that “Music is medicine for the soul”. She knows the healing elements of song and desires to enrich the souls of others with the power of music.  Her mindful positivity and uplifting personality are refreshing. MaryKate says, “I highly value spirituality, joy, and community.”

Recently, MaryKate has joined Ray and Lisa Cyr at Studio 237 Music Lessons in Santa Rosa Beach to provide Voice Lessons for students of all ages and experience levels. Her diverse background and experience have provided enough knowledge to enable students to improve their vocal ability and sound better after a season of instructions.  MaryKate is a gifted performer and teacher who understands the training each individual will need to develop their voice and gifting.

For more information about voice lessons, call or text Ray Cyr at (850) 797-3546 or leave a message at (850) 231-3199.  See more about MaryKate on our website at: www.studio237music.com/teachers

The Remarkable Benefits of Voice Lessons

Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist or simply looking to enhance your communication skills, voice lessons offer a multitude of advantages. From building self-confidence to improving overall communication, voice lessons provide a well-rounded set of benefits that can positively impact various aspects of your life.

Enhanced Vocal Ability: The most apparent advantage of voice lessons is improved singing proficiency. Skilled vocal coaches guide students through proper techniques, helping them develop a healthy voice, with a wider vocal range, better pitch control, and greater tonal clarity.  Lessons are uniquely crafted for the student.

Boosted Self-Confidence: Voice lessons are more than just about hitting the right notes; they encourage self-assurance. As students witness their progress, their self-esteem grows, empowering them not only on stage but in everyday interactions as well.

Effective Communication: Voice training emphasizes clear articulation, projection, and modulation. These skills are transferable to public speaking, presentations, and professional communication, enabling individuals to captivate audiences and convey messages more effectively.

Stress Relief and Expression: Singing is a natural stress reliever. Voice lessons provide a creative outlet where emotions can be channeled through music, serving as a form of emotional release and promoting mental well-being.

The benefits of voice lessons extend beyond the realm of music. They encompass personal growth, improved communication skills, and emotional well-being. Whether you desire to improve your singing abilities or simply aim to amplify your self-assuredness, voice lessons offer a holistic approach to self-improvement. The voice is a powerful instrument that can unlock a world of opportunities, both in the realm of music and in your everyday life.

For more information about voice lessons, call or text Ray Cyr at (850) 797-3546 or leave a message at (850) 231-3199. See more about MaryKate on our website at: www.studio237music.com/teachers.