Saturday, March 5, 2011

The DLP Music Initiative

For those of you new to QR codes - this is similar to bar code technology.  By using a 'scanning app' such as Kaywa or Mobile Tag on your handheld or cell phone, the image will send you to a selected URL.

The QR code on the left will send you to a letter from the President of The Dallas School of Music about a new initiative that can make music education available to students whose programs are currently dwindling or being cut altogether. 

We are excited about this initiative and look forward to your support in spreading the word!

If you are a more traditional techie - CLICK HERE to read the letter!  And please feel free to send this image or link along to your school superintendent or arts administrator. 

Together we can make a difference!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Where Are They Now?

Alison in front of the Temple of Heaven, Beijing 2010
It's hard to believe it, but DSM will be celebrating 20 years in 2012.  Over that time we have worked with literally thousands of students from all over the DFW metroplex.  Many have become friends and some even consider us part of their extended families. In recent years we began seeing sons and daughters of former students which means - we're getting really old! It has been an incredible journey.

As we embark on a new 'global' phase of the school with MusickEd.com and Discover, Learn, and Play, we thought we'd take a look back and catch up with a few students to see what they were up to and ask what they remember about their time at DSM.  

Alison Goh studied both piano and cello at DSM. It was great to hear from her and see how she has grown - thanks for sharing Alison!

Is there anything in particular that you remember about DSM? Any specific event, or occurrence? 

I remember feeling like DSM was more than just a place that I went for music lessons, it also had a good community of teachers that were willing to listen about anything (from issues at school, to sibling fights and even regrettable 90s popstar crushes!).  How Mr. Finkel and Mr. Feltner ever put up with that, I might never know.  Deepest apologies from my present self.  

Tell us what you're doing now and what your plans are for the next year or so.

I currently live in Washington DC working as a Communications Associate at EZGSA, a government consulting firm. After I graduated from college, I taught English to college students in China for a year and upon return to the US, went to Rhode Island to work to elect Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI).   Up until three weeks ago I've been living out of a suitcase for a total of 16 months so I plan on staying in DC for a little while.  I enjoyed working on the campaign trail a lot and am excited for 2012!

Is music part of your everyday life?

I listen to a lot of music and spend a lot of time discovering new bands, seeing live music, and talking about new artists/tracks/jams/albums.  My appreciation and love of music has definitely evolved into finding new music and developing my musical tastes (and spending too much money on concert tickets). 

Sadly, my parents have custody of my cello right now, since I moved apartments and countries too often in the past 3 years, so I haven't gotten to play lately.

Thanks Alison and happy travels!  Be sure to stop in and say hello if you get back to Dallas - we'd love to see you.

Click here for more pictures.
 
Music