This month, we want to recognize the work of one of the most important female composers in history — Pauline Hall.
Pauline Hall was a Norwegian writer, composer, music critic, social activist, and one of the most prominent musical figures from the late 18th and early 19 centuries.
Let’s dive in and get to know more about the incredible Pauline Hall!
Pauline Hall’s Personal Life
Pauline Hall was born in Hedmark, Norway, in 1890 as the son of Isak Muus Hall and Magdalena Catharina Agersborrg. Though her father owned and operated several pharmacies around the area and was not involved with music in any way, Pauline garnered an interest in music as a young child.
She began studying piano in 1908 with Johan Backer Lunde, a renowned composer of the time. By 1910, she began studying composition and theory, learning all she could from classical composers from music educator Catharinus Elling. By 1912, she moved to Paris, where she studied until 1914. It was quite obvious that this French city had a large impression on the then 22-year-old. While she initially planned on studying composition with George Caussade upon her arrival, she never made it that far.
However, during her time in Paris, she attended the theater and opera several times, absorbing the culture that she would continue revisiting throughout her entire life.
It wasn’t until 1917 that she made her full debut as a composer, putting on her first full-length concert in Oslo one evening. While she initially got her start composing romances, her orchestral works are what truly solidified her in musical history.
Arguably, one of her most famous pieces was Verlaine Suite, which she composed in 1929. Many music appreciators say it was one of the most significant and influential pieces in her musical library.
Hall gained most of her inspiration from French literature and impressionism, which was quite interesting, as it wasn’t until the 1930s that the sentiment of romanticism would become popular in Norway. It was because of this reason that Hall found it quite difficult to introduce the idea of new styles to Norway’s music scene.
Beyond her work in the orchestral realm, Hall composed several pieces of music for stage productions and even more choral works. Throughout her career, she kept close to the theatre, translating several major works into Norwegian, such as Arthur Honegger’s Le Roi David and Igor Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale.
She translated Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s The Threepenny Opera before staging and directing it in 1930. During this time, Hall also took on the role of the conductor and instructor of the play during its premiere in Oslo.
In 1932, she started a vocal quintet, which she referred to as Pauline Hall’s vocal quintet. With this quintet, she wrote music for radio. However, when 1934 rolled around, she became a prominent music critic, working for Dagbladet, a prominent daily newspaper in Oslo. Hall would continue working as a music critic for this newspaper until 1964.
Hall was renowned for her ability to promote modern music, though she was also notorious for her criticisms of superficial national composers.
In 1938, she began working with the International Society for Contemporary Music, where she became the founding chairwoman of Ny Musikk, the Norwegian sector of the institution. From 1952 to 1953, she served as the president of ISCM International. She would continue working as the Ny Musikk chair until 1961, eventually getting replaced by Finn Mortensen, a successful composer.
Hall died in Oslo in 1969 and was buried at Vestre Granlund.
The Influence of Pauline Hall’s Music
Throughout her career, Hall composed several orchestral works, chamber pieces, vocal works, and music for theater and film. In the late 1930s, she became a powerhouse in Norway’s music scene.
Many music historians agree that without Hall, Norway would not have experienced modernism and romanticism as soon as it did. In essence, Hall was a driving and unifying force, using motive and the power of opposition to create a dialogue that crossed borders.
From private concerts in homes to the world music festival in 1953, she consistently took the humanistic approach to music and kept her standard for creativity high.
Notable Facts
- In 1938, Pauline Hall received the King’s Medal or Merit in gold.
- In open radio debates on music from the U.S., Hall would often defend jazz, which was then a primarily black genre.
- Hall often stated she was an internationalist, opposing the views of strong Norwegian nationalists
Music can be extremely impactful in a person’s life, and many people think the impact happens later, but even young children can benefit from music. In fact, having your child attend music lessons can help them in more ways than simply learning to play an instrument.
Music has been proven to help with a wide range of skills, especially when learned at an early age. At California Conservatory of Music, we believe that all children should develop a love for music at an early age, which is why we offer lessons for all ages and levels. Learn more about our music conservatory by exploring our website, and continue reading below to learn how music lessons can benefit children in more ways than one.
Increase Self-Confidence
Confidence is a trait that is developed as opposed to being something we are born with. Unfortunately, as adults, we know all too well how life enjoys testing our confidence, so it makes sense that we would want to help children build their self-confidence at an early age.
When children take music lessons, they gain the opportunity to increase their self-confidence. If they put in the time and effort, eventually, they can see the results of their hard work and feel proud of themselves for what they’ve accomplished. Not to mention, if they keep up with their music lessons, they gain the confidence of knowing they are good at music.
Learn Delayed Gratification
As much as children would love to immediately pick up an instrument and know how to read the music and play the chords, that just isn’t how it works. Instead, they have to work hard, practice, take lessons, and put in the effort to actually learn the skill. Nowadays, most gratifications come instantly. For example, you can watch entire seasons of shows instantly, order products online and have them arrive the next day. It’s very rare that we have to wait. However, when your child starts taking music lessons, they have to put in the work and wait to see how that work turns into a real skill, and because of this, they learn the tough lesson of delayed gratification.
Improved Language Development
Children come into the world eager to learn sounds and form words. Believe it or not, music can actually be a great way to open that door for even more knowledge. If you decide to enroll your child in a music conservatory at a young age, their musical education can give them an advantage in language development later in life. Through their lessons, they are exposed to even more sounds, which can enhance their ability to recognize sounds and decode words. As a result, you may find that your child has an easier time picking up languages later in life.
It Brings Joy
While skills and life lessons can be extremely beneficial as your child ages, it’s also important to consider the simple reasons to enroll your child in a music conservatory, the most important of which being that it brings joy. Seeing your child make a sound out of their instrument for the first time, playing their first song, or even seeing their pride in their hard work can all bring joy to both yourself and your child. If for no other reason, the joy of music can be a huge benefit that you can experience for many years.
There are many ways in which music lessons can do more than teach music to children, and if you’re interested in experiencing those benefits, California Conservatory of Music is the place to go! Explore our website to learn more about our music lessons and enroll your child today!
Setting your child for success later in life starts with encouraging them to explore their interests and allowing them to find a hobby that they’ll love. Luckily for parents of California Conservatory of Music students, our piano lessons for beginners throughout Sunnyvale and Redwood City can help your child succeed much later in their lives. Reap the rewards of signing your child up for our piano lessons in San Jose and watch your child expand their own knowledge and their confidence in new skills. Learn more about how the California Conservatory of Music is changing the lives of our students aged three to 12 and enroll your child today!
Are you looking for a way to help your children with school? If so, you may want to consider enrolling them in music lessons. Believe it or not, learning how to play an instrument can actually help improve academic performance. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of music lessons and how they can help your children succeed in school.
Teaches Concentration and Focus
One of the most important things that music lessons can teach your children is how to concentrate and focus. In order to play an instrument, your child will need to be able to block out all distractions and focus on the task at hand. This skill will come in handy when they are trying to complete their homework or take a test at school.
Increases Memory Capacity
Another benefit of music lessons is that it can help increase your child’s memory capacity. When your child is taking piano lessons, they will need to remember the notes that they are playing. This requires them to remember where their hands are supposed to be on the keyboard at all times. By practicing this regularly, your child will be able to increase their memory capacity, which will help them in school.
Can Help Develop Speech Cognitive Skills and Social Abilities
Music lessons can also help develop your child’s speech, cognitive skills, and social abilities. For example, piano lessons for beginners will require your child to read sheet music. This will help them with their reading comprehension skills. In addition, playing an instrument in a band or orchestra will teach your child how to work well with others and be a team player.
Helps Boost Their Self-Esteem
Music lessons can help boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Once your child masters a song, they will feel a sense of accomplishment that will stay with them for a lifetime. This is an important trait to have, especially during their teenage years.
Helps Them Learn Patience
Finally, music lessons will teach your child the importance of patience and discipline. Learning how to play an instrument takes time, effort, and practice. By enrolling your child in music lessons, you can help them develop these important life skills.
So, if you are looking for a way to help your children with school, consider enrolling them in music lessons. The benefits are numerous and your child will thank you for it later on in life. California Conservatory of Music offers piano lessons and guitar lessons for beginners in San Jose. Contact us today to learn more about our music programs!
Teaching your child to play a musical instrument with guitar lessons or other music lessons can be rewarding in many ways. Not only is your child learning to hone their skills in music, but playing an instrument can be a great way to help them fine-tune motor skills, boost cognitive thinking and problem solving skills, and teach them how fulfilling expressing themselves through creativity can be. However, for young minds, practicing in between piano lessons or guitar lessons can feel very different than playing their instrument, so helping them to get in the habit of practicing can be difficult. At the California Conservatory of Music, we’re here to help parents like you encourage your child to practice so they can hone their instrumental skills in between their music lessons!
Recognize They Are Trying
A common trap we find parents falling into is the pursuit of “perfection.” While this is generally well-meaning, some children may find the pressure of achieving musical perfection too much and develop an aversion to practicing around others. Avoid this pitfall by recognizing that your child is trying their best when they practice, instead. Encouragement is key when it comes to fostering a love of music and healthy practicing habits! If your child seems to be struggling to practice, try talking to them to understand where any frustrations may be coming from, and either provide them with insight or write it down as a question to ask during their next music lesson.
Verbally Express Their Improvements
Many parents know that expressing pride or that you’re impressed is a great way to encourage children to continue with good habits. Practicing music is no different! When your child is learning and improving in their guitar lessons or their piano lessons, you can continue to encourage their progress by verbally expressing that you see them improving. Little comments noting that you recognize the hard work and dedication they’ve invested in their instrument can go a long way toward encouraging good practicing habits.
Listen To Them Play
One of the best ways to improve your child’s confidence in practice and encouraging them to continue playing is to listen to them! Music is all about creative expression and sharing the beauty of melodies and harmonies, so show your child that you appreciate their creativity by sitting down to listen to their music, and once they’re done playing, offer up compliments on aspects you liked about their playing! If they ask for constructive criticism, provide a note or two on things they may improve on, but try to keep it positive so they don’t get discouraged!
Set Up a Routine of Practice
Humans are often creatures of habit. From waking up at the same time every day to eating dinner together every evening, children grow and benefit from structure throughout the stages of childhood. To that end, encouraging your child to practice for their piano lessons or guitar lessons at the same time every day can be a game changer! By encouraging a routine, your child is more likely to develop healthy practicing habits for their instrument.
Learn more about piano lessons for beginners, guitar lessons, or children’s music lessons, all available from the California Conservatory of Music. Get started with lessons for your child by contacting us today!
July 2022 Student of the Month – Lauren Murphy
This month, we’re happy to feature CCM violin student, Lauren Murphy as our July 2022 Student of the Month! Lauren has been taking violin lessons for almost two years at CCM’s Sunnyvale location with Teacher Kathy. We are all proud of Lauren’s hard work and dedication and always enjoy listening to her perform at the CCM recitals!
Student of the Month – Lauren Murphy
Q: What is your name?
A: Lauren Murphy
Q: How old are you?
A: 7 years old
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: Ms. Kathy
Q: How long have you been taking violin lessons?
A: About 2 years
Q: What advice would you give to a violin student just starting out at CCM?
A: Pick up your violin every day, even if it’s just a short time
Q: What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
A: Any song from Kiki’s delivery service
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing violin?
A: I enjoy getting to know many songs
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pasta
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: No
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: Tennis, swimming, ballet
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A doctor, a teacher like Ms. Kathy
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: The Recital, I was nervous but I enjoyed it
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Parent Spotlight – Tomoko Murphy
Q: Regarding violin, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: She practiced hard, and performed in front of an audience at the recital
Q: What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
A: Be patient !
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: She was interested in violin, and asked for lessons for her birthday present.
It’s pretty incredible how the simple act of listening to a piece of music can bring a rush of memories back to your head or make you feel happy and at peace.
We are born with the ability to differentiate music and noise. In fact, science tells us that our brains have special pathways that can process pitch, rhythm, tempo, and melody. Slower music can calm your nerves, while fast-paced music can increase your blood pressure and breathing rate.
While we certainly need more studies to confirm the many benefits music has on us as humans, there are several positive effects we are already sure of.
Come dive in as we explore the 5 benefits of listening to music.
Relieves Stress
Listening to music when you are feeling stressed out can decrease the levels of cortisol in your body. Cortisol, for those who don’t know, is the stress hormone. Essentially, listening to music can counteract the negative impact of chronic stress.
Stress is the cause of 60% of diseases and illnesses in humans. A recent study showed that people who actively participate in the music-making process had a boosted immune system, even more so than from listening passively. Essentially, singing along to a piece of music or playing around with percussion can make you healthier.
Who knew?
If you’re ever feeling stressed out during the workday, turn on your favorite song and sing along!
Helps You Sleep
Did you know that more than 30% of Americans suffer from insomnia?
A recent study showed that people who listen to classical music 45 minutes to an hour before going to bed sleep significantly better than those who don’t listen to anything at all.
If you ever find that you are having trouble sleeping at night, you might consider trying to play a bit of Mozart or Bach.
Not only can music help you fall asleep faster, but it can also help facilitate deeper and longer sleep, which will leave you feeling refreshed when you wake up in the morning rather than groggy and unrested.
Improves Concentration
If you’ve ever tried working in a noisy room or a room that is totally silent, you might have felt it was hard to concentrate. Of course, everyone is different, and some people don’t like listening to music while studying or working.
However, it’s worth trying out, as many research studies say listening to the right kind of music while working or studying can put you in the right mindset for getting work done.
Studies say that the best genres to study or work to include classical music, instrumental chill-out music, or the simple sounds of nature. Doing so can improve focus, lessen distractions, increase concentration, and reduce learning time.
Helps Develop Social Skills
There are many children that face the challenge of adapting to their environment socially. One of the best ways to help a child with social developmental difficulties is to introduce them to music. We recommend teaching your child how to play a musical instrument or encouraging them to be part of a singing group.
Music can be a major help in developing social skills, showing a person how to relate with others and work in a team setting. It can also show children how to appreciate their achievements and awards while giving them a sense of discipline and leadership.
Improves Motor Skills
Similar to playing sports, playing a musical instrument can develop a child’s motor skills. It requires motor skills to simply dance or sing along to music. Add the coordination necessary to play a musical instrument, and a child can develop quickly in incredible ways.
This is because making music is incredibly involved. It goes beyond the fingers or the voice. To make music, you must use your eyes and ears, as well as a number of small and large muscles throughout your body at once.
In a way, making music teaches the body and the mind to work as a single unit.
Music For Life
As you can see, there are many benefits to music, whether you are a child or an adult. For these reasons, it’s important to expose yourself and your children to music as much as possible. Sing, play instruments, attend local concerts, or play musical games.
Reach out to the California Conservatory of Music to enroll yourself or your child in private music lessons!
Keep music with you at all times, and you can lead a happier, healthier life.
This July, we’re showcasing one of the most important composers in American History — John Philip Sousa.
Known as the 17th Director of the President’s Own and the writer of Stars and Stripes Forever, traditional American music would not be where it is today without his talents.
John Philip Sousa’s Personal Life
John Philip Sousa was born in Washington D.C. on November 6, 1854, as the third of ten children to Portuguese parents. Sousa began his music education at an early age, learning solfeggio under the tuition of John Esputa Sr.
However, Esputa Sr. was known for his poor temper, which is why he eventually began studying with his son, John Esputa Jr., where he learned to play the piano, violin, flute, and a number of brass instruments.
It was during this time that he progressed very rapidly, writing his very first composition, “An Album Leaf.” However, when Esputa Jr. dismissed his piece as a “bread and cheese” composition, it was thrown away for good.
Sousa’s father played in the Marine Band as a trombonist, eventually listing Sousa in the United States Marine Corps when he was only 13 as a way to deter him from playing in a circus band. During that same year, Sousa studied music under George Felix Benkert.
By 1875, Sousa began performing with his violin after completing his apprenticeship with the United States Marine Corp. He also learned to conduct after joining a local theatrical pit orchestra. In 1880, he returned to the Marine Band as the head of the band, where he would retain the role of conductor until 1892.
During this era, he was asked to lead the “President’s Own” band by Rutherford B. Hayes and Benjamin Harrison.
In 1893, Sousa worked with instrument maker J.W. Pepper to create a marching brass instrument known as the sousaphone. They did so by modifying a helicon. By Sousa’s request, he wanted a tuba that could play over a band, whether the band was marching or seated. In 1898 C.G. Conn made updates to the instrument, which was the version that Sousa would continue to use throughout his career.
When he eventually left the Marine Band in 1892, he started the Sousa Band and toured from 1892 to 1931, performing over 15,600 concerts throughout America and the rest of the world. Some of his most famous performances took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London and the World Exposition in Paris.
The Sousa Band also played in eight parades throughout its time touring, one of the most popular parades of which was the Arc de Triomphe.
After spending many years playing and touring, Sousa retired to his home in Sands Point, New York, where he died of heart failure at 77 years old in 1932. The day before his death, he conducted a “Stars and Stripes Forever” rehearsal with the Ringgold Band.
The Influence of John Philip Sousa’s Music
Throughout his career, Sousa wrote over 130 marches, 28 fantasies, 24 dances, 15 operettas, 11 suites, and five overtures, as well as a number of western European symphonic works.
Sousa composed one of his most famous marches, “Stars and Stripes Forever,” on Christmas Day in 1896, when he was aboard an ocean liner on his way back home from vacationing in Europe with his wife. Because he did not have any materials on the boat, he composed the piece in his head and committed the notes to sheet music upon his arrival in the United States.
The first-ever performance of “Stars and Stripes Forever” took place on May 14, 1897, at Willow Grove Park, a large park just a bit outside of Philadelphia. Concert-goers were said to have immediately greeted the piece with enthusiastic attitudes.
After an Act of Congress in 1987, the piece was adopted as the United States’ official national march.
Even many years after his death, people still referred to Sousa as “The March King.” A non-profit organization known as the John Philip Sousa Foundation was founded in 1981 to recognize superior music students for loyalty, dependability, musicianship, and cooperation.
Notable Facts
- During his early studies with John Esputa Jr., Sousa was found to have perfect pitch.
- His home, historically known as Wiltbank, has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
- Sousa did not always want to be a musician. In fact, for a long time, he said he wanted to be a baker.
- Sousa composed the very first official Marine march, “Semper Fidelis.”
This month, we’re delighted to feature CCM guitar student, Rory Woulfe, as our May 2022 Student of the Month! Rory has been taking guitar lessons for around 4 months at CCM’s Redwood City location with Teacher Sebastian O. She just completed her 50-day challenge and teacher Sebastian says she is always very enthusiastic and excited to learn!
Read below to see Rory’s advice for CCM students just starting on their musical journey, and don’t forget to check out the parent spotlight as well.
Q: What is your name?
A: Rory Woulfe
Q: How old are you?
A: Four and a half years old
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: Teacher Sebastian O
Q: What advice would you give to a guitar student just starting out at CCM?
A: Focus and try your best!
Q: What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
A: Let it Go
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing guitar?
A: Being able to play an entire song (Twinkle Twinkle)
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Quesadillas
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: Yes, two dogs, Milo and Macy
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: Swimming, dance, and gymnastics
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Dancer, singer, engineer
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: Learning to put the squishy part of my arm on the edge of the guitar
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Parent Spotlight – Leslie Liang
Q: Regarding guitar, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: Guitar is the one thing that Rory willingly does every single day. The CCM daily practice reward system is really effective (as is Teacher Sebastian!), but I am also proud that Rory takes pride in her constant improvement.
Q: What advice would you give to a new parent starting in the program?
A: If your child is starting out young, meet them where they are with how they are processing and learning. For us, that has meant lots of mnemonics, animal analogies, and gamification of practice time. I also bought myself a guitar so that we could make learning guitar a parent-and-me experience, which has been helpful with focus and motivation.
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: I grew up playing the violin and piano, and it provided such a great community for me, as well as a foundation for an appreciation of the arts and culture. I hope for Rory to have that too, and to be able to use music as a universal language to connect with others throughout her life.
This month we’re so excited to feature CCM piano student, Joshua Thomas, as our April 2022 Student of the Month! Joshua has been taking piano lessons for around 10 months at CCM’s Sunnyvale location with Teacher Brennan. As of now, he is the only student of teacher Brennan’s to have completed the 100-day practice challenge!
Read below to see Joshua’s advice for CCM students just starting on their musical journey, and don’t forget to check out the parent spotlight as well.
Q: What is your name?
A: Joshua Thomas
Q: How old are you?
A: 6 years old.
Q: Who is your teacher?
A: Teacher Brennan.
Q: What advice would you give to a piano student just starting out at CCM?
A: Just to keep trying and keep practicing, even when it’s hard. It gets easier.
Q: What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
A: Pieces from the movie La La land
Q: What is your favorite thing about playing piano?
A: I like learning new songs and then getting good at them so it becomes really fun to play and sing.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: XLB dumplings and burgers
Q: Do you have a pet?
A: No, but I really want a dog. My parents said they might let me get a goldfish this year at least.
Q: Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
A: Swimming, soccer, basketball, snowboarding, and playing Pokémon and chess.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: I want to be a chef when I grow up.
Q: What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
A: Getting the 100-day practice trophy. I’m working towards getting the 1-year practice trophy.
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Parent Spotlight – Marjorie Chen
Q: Regarding piano, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
A: I’m most proud of Joshua sticking with learning piano, even when it was frustrating in the beginning. He was able to get over the initial hump, started practicing everyday, and now really enjoys playing piano. I love that he enjoys playing piano, and it’s not a chore to get him to practice. It’s also really rewarding to see how happy he gets whenever he masters a new piece. This has helped him build resiliency.
Q: What advice would you give to a new parent starting in the program?
A: Build the habit of practicing everyday, even if it’s just a few minutes on busy days. We saw a huge improvement when Joshua started playing a little everyday as part of his daily routine, versus having longer but less frequent practice sessions. CCM’s daily practice challenge with the milestone awards really motivated my son.
Q: Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
A: I grew up playing piano and the flute, and I love music. I really valued having a musical background, especially when I got older. I wanted to pass this on to my son, and it’s been great to see his love of music grow!