Archive for the ‘Songs & Music’ Category

 

Some songs have those special impacts on our lives. 

Songs have been a good companion when I am driving and strangely when I need intense concentration at work and that extra “coolant” to my sometimes moody and angry soul.

Coincidentally, my relationship with Papa Ed linked back to songs and music. In fact, the first piece of gift that he presented to me was a music cassette:)

Personally, my relationship with songs and music tends to grow deeper when I am moody. Those lyrics and tune can work wonders on our feelings especially when we can relate to them. 

So, I am a follower of “meaningful lyrics”.

 

 ——-

 

This is 1 song that accompanied me during those lonely and unpleasant moments when I needed extra motivations.  In life, we have our different episodes of loss and gain.

This song still accompanies me and makes me appreciate that my closest ones are “there for me”. 

Today, I am  truly thankful for the loved ones who continue to walk my life with me. We have to learn never to take any of our loved ones for granted.

 [This song from the movie "Pearl Harbour" is also one of the songs that Ed and I like in common. We love the movie too.]

 

 

 ”Pearl Harbour - There You’ll Be”

(lyrics)

 

When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I’ll be glad ’cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back
On these days
I’ll look and see your face
You were right there for me

[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I’ll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I’ll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be

Well you showed me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me

[Repeat chorus]

‘Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always

[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I’ll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I’ll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be
There you’ll be

Darren finally took up his first piano lesson at the music school on last weekend.  Though Brendan started his piano class when he was real small, we did not want to force Darren to pursue music lesson if he is not ready or interested.  Now, is a good time…because he has expressed interest:)

 

Perhaps, first time is always an exciting experience.  Or perhaps, he was inspired by his elder brother. After his first lesson, he was on the piano almost everyday.  And….he went beyond what he has learnt in his first lesson and can now play 2 songs very well, after 2 hours at home:)  Credit goes to Brendan who voluntarily taught him the 2 songs and also went through his theory homework with him. Hmmm…finally “sibling cooperation” and “music keeps them bonded”.

{Papa Ed jokes that this is the best time for me to learn piano. That is learn along with Darren while Brendan teaches him. Haha…a brilliant idea but my fingers are too stiff now . And what if I learn slower than Darren?? It will be embarrassing! *LOL*}

 

 

 

 

I certainly hope this friendly cooperation will last:)

Today’s children can enjoy life in more ways than we used to. 

 

In my childhood days……

 

It would be a BONUS to be able to own toys and collectibles of my favourite cartoon characters and idols.   We would get excited watching our cartoon characters, super heroes or even idols on the TV screens.

 

Today……

 

Children can see their favourite cartoon characters, idols and super heroes everyday - simply by purchasing commercial items like stationeries, attires, toys , bags, games, utensils, watches, wallets, and even towels/bedsheets/blankets! <You name it, they have it!>.   Not only that, they are now appearing “live” on stage <right in front of the young audience>.  YES….. and BEST OF ALL, the children can now have “close-up” views and even photography sessions with them!  So, today’s children are indeed luckier than we used to be.

 

Many parents are willingly spending money to accompany their children to watch their favourite characters “live” on stage.  Of course, if we keep a watch out, there are also shows that are free of charge. In an effort to encourage spending at the shopping malls, Management of some shopping malls here are offering these kiddy shows for free - as long as shoppers have made certain value of purchases.  At other entertainment/shopping venues, they present these shows for free (with no condition) but rather to attract crowd.

 

Here, back to Brendan and Darren and how they spent their school holidays ”colourfully”, attending different “kids’ shows”……

 

Well, they certainly had fun, with these shows making an entertaining mark in their school holiday life:

 

1) Pokemon’s Diamond and Pearl - Forest Christmas Extravaganza ”live” at Parkway Parade, Singapore

 

Yeh! The boys are definitely EXCITED especially when POKEMON has been their COMMON and LONG LASTING favourite cartoon character for a while already! Cannot imagine that there are 17 types of pokemons and many many pokemons under each type. Yet, the boys, especially Brendan, could remember almost all their 400 over names. How I wish they could remember as many words in the English dictionary *wink*.  <This clearly shows that children have amazing memories to remember when they are interested.>

 

 

 

 

2) Looney Tunes - Nite Parade at Downtown East, Singapore

 

 

 

3) Hi-5 at Ngee Ann City, Singapore

 

Hi-5 was performing “live” at Ngee Ann City and there was no ticket required as it was absolutely free of charge.  It was quite a treat for the boys as we were there for dinner and happened to be there. We also had a good spot to view the short performance:)  Children have always been fascinated by Hi-5’s song and dance and the crowd is not a surprise at all.

 

 

 

4)  Ben 10 - Power of the Omnitrix at Singapore Expo

 

This was the only show that we had to pay for tickets for this school holidays.  Darren had been so fascinated by the different Ben 10’s toy gadgets and I thought it had been a while since we treat the boys with a show at the Singapore Expo. So, we went….. At least now I finally know that Ben 10 is actually a boy, Ben, who transforms himself into different characters, simply by using the power of the ominitrix. Hehe…finally I can speak in the “same frequency” as the boys when they talk about Ben 10:)

 

 

{As for me, though I am overaged for these shows, it is never boring accompanying the boys there.  In fact, it is a joy….because …..besides the boys are happy, they have given me the opportunities to enjoy those moments that I have never managed to in my childhood days *wink*.}

 

Join in the Christmas Hip Hop with our two boys *wink wink*.

 
 

 

And….enjoy their song performance too:)

 

 

The videos are funny and we certainly had a good laugh, especially when the boys have turned into such good dancers and “Chipmunk” equivalent “singers”. *LOL*

{You can make your own video too at Elf Yourself}

 

On Sunday, Brendan performed at the Young Musicians’ Concert “Music - Spread the Love ‘09” at the Young Musicians’ Society Auditorium.

  

 

It was a platform for the “young musicians” to display what they have learnt, boost their confidence and interact.  Being his debut performance on stage to play on the grand piano, Brendan was a little nervous but it was definitely a good exposure!   He was glad that he participated and we look forward to another opportunity in 2010:) Thank you to his piano teacher for giving these “young pianists” the opportunity.

 

Now, do enjoy this Youtube video, featuring Brendan performing the music “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” at the “Music - Spread the Love 09″.  Do you like it?

 

Children sing. They would have their share of singing nursery songs when they are young. Some remember the simple lyrics of short songs. Some remember long lyrics, especially when they like the song. Some do not mind singing in public. Others sing only in front of their friends, families or only to themselves *haha*.

 

Similarly for Darren, just like most children, he sings nursery songs.  Then, when he started singing non nursery song - the beautiful song by ABBA - “I Have A Dream” and remember almost the full lyrics…without referring, he caught my attention. Interestingly, he was also very interested to know the meaning of the lyrics that he sang.

 

Enjoy this little song performance by Darren on Youtube, taught to him by his teacher. Haha, it seemed a chore for Darren to complete the ‘long’ song especially when he started yawning while singing but I like the way he maintained a smiling face throughout the song and how he ended the song *lol*.

 

Lyrics of “I Have A Dream” by ABBA

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I?ll cross the stream - I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I cross the stream - I have a dream
I cross the stream - I have a dream

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I cross the stream - I have a dream
I cross the stream - I have a dream

We received good news few days ago that Brendan has passed his Grade 3 piano exams:) “Jiayou Bren!” (work hard Bren). “Enjoy while you learn as you move into Grade 4.”

 

The other day Brendan was telling me…..

 

Brendan:”My enrichment class teacher asked how many of us are taking piano lesson.”

Mummy:”Why?”

Brendan:”Don’t know.”

Mummy:”So how many of you are learning?”

Brendan:”Aiyo, only two or three never put up their hands.”

Mummy:”This means almost the whole class is taking piano lessons?” (I was abit surprised.)

Brendan:”Yes lah.”

Mummy:”So most of you are musicians.” *jokingly*

 

Although it is a common trend here for children to have a headstart in piano when they are young, I am surprised that the number is so high (after hearing Brendan’s answer). In the past, probably only a few families could afford a piano at home. I can already imagine many future promising musicians in Singapore *chuckle*.

 

Here are the 3 pieces that Brendan played for his recent Grade 3 piano examinations. Probably very easy for the experts but these young students put in great effort to master them. One of these days, I will compile a collection of video on these music pieces played by Brendan, if he is less conscious of the video camera.

 

 

I recall an episode in “Desperate Housewives” when Lynette posed as a teenage girl online to cyber-stalk her teenage son and chatted with him using the posed identity. Ridiculous as it might be but this is the way a mother tries to find out more about her growing son who no longer wants to share with her his inner thoughts anymore.

 

When our kids are young, sometimes we are found guilty of saying some of these words to our kids who need a listening ear or our support:

“Mummy or daddy are busy, we will talk to you when we are free.”

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Can’t you wait?”

“What’s the matter with you? This is such a trivial matter!”

“Can’t you take care of yourself?”

“Can you don’t bother me?”

“Can you go talk to your father or mother or sister or brother instead?”

“Why do you keep repeating?”

 

Actually, sometimes our kids just need a listening ear, some words of assurance and support. As they get older and independent, factors like age gap, social circles, interests and even parents’ own attitude might drift our kids further from us. Then one day, we might realise that the day has come when we lose control of our kids or have to “wish” that they will share their inner thoughts with us. Then parents might yearn to relive the older days and hold back the time to prevent their children from walking out of their lives.

 

I am far from being a perfect parent because there are still so much areas for me to be better and so much more for me to learn from other parents and my kids. The one thing I very much appreciate is while the kids are still pouring all their woes to me and close by my side because as much as we are reluctant, they will grow one day and behaviours will change. Even as I write, I have also taken note of my eldest son’s behavioural change as he developed in the last ten years.

 

 Here is a related poem for sharing. Moments to ponder………….

A Touch Of Love

by Amy Reynolds

“I was six months old and full of fun,
with a blink of your eye, I was suddenly one.
There were so many things we were going to do,
but when you turned your head, I turned two.

At two I was very dependent on you,
but independence took over when I turned three.

My third birthday was another year
you tried to ignore,
but when the candles were lit,
there weren’t three but four.

Four was the year that I really strived,
but with a turn of your back, I became five.

At five I was ready for rules
and told this is the year I go to school.
The big day came, and I was anxious
but scared to go.
You walked me to my room going oh, so slow.
With a gentle smile, you said,
“I’ll see you in PE”.

As the years came and went,
along with friends fads, and boyfriends,
you were in the background watching over me.

Soon we stepped into my teenage years,
which started the days of mouthing off
and learning to drive,
and suddenly you wished
I was five all over again.
Time goes so fast it is so hard to believe,
that just yesterday I was home with you.

And tomorrow when I come home
and walk through the door,
you will remember the day
I was wearing my cap and gown
and think how did I grow up so fast.

With a nod of your head,
you watched me walk down the aisle
and across the stage.

Then, with a wave of your hand,
three months later you sent me off to college
to find my way.

Now, today I am not six months old
and full of fun anymore,
I’m almost twenty-one.
With graduation approaching,
I have the world, the city, and my job
waiting on me.

It’s so hard to believe I’ve come this far.
But without you and dad, I wouldn’t be here
and where I am now.
So hold these moments as hard as you can,
because the next time you look,
it won’t be just me,
you’ll also be seeing a man.”

Here is “Yesterday Once More” by Carpenters, a song that represented my feelings while I wrote this post.

 

We started our hunt for a new piano to upgrade Brendan’s academic model to exam model. Whether engaging a teacher from a music school or a music teacher who comes to the home to teach, having a piano at home will be a must as regular practices are definitely expected at home to perfect the skill.

We never imagine that selecting a suitable piano is by no means easy. User will have to test it out, like the performance and external look before committing ….hmmm….sounds like buying car or bike One thing I have been advised is that expensive piano does not necessarily mean good quality. It is important that the user of the piano selects the piano personally or if he/she is still too young to determine the suitability of the piano, then it is good to bring the music teacher or an expert along.

In our case, we are grateful to Brendan’s piano teacher for making the special trip with us to choose the piano. There are just so many factors to consider like the feel/touch, the tone, the quality of the exterior, the price, and how well the piano is maintained if it is a second hand set.

Celine Dion is one of my favourite singers and I have always enjoyed her songs. She has several songs for parent and child and I especially dedicate these songs to my sons. The baby pictures by Anne Geddes are so beautiful!

Come to Me

Lyrics

I will always love you no matter what
No matter where you go or what you do
And knowing you
You’re gonna have to do things you’re own way
And that’s okay
So be free, spread your wings
And promise me just one thing…

Beautiful Boy

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Boy

Lyrics

Brendan started to learn music when he was 3 years old. At that young age, I was merely accustoming him to the basic music theory. Now, he is progressing to the 4^th grade in piano. My first idea of letting him learn music was “It will be nice to have a musician at home and enjoy the melodious music in our lives.” I wanted to let him learn a skill that mummy never has the chance to pick up. We have also heard of music having the soothing effect on the listeners and players. Expels diseases, softens every pain, rage of poison, and the plague.
“Music exalts each joy, allays each grief, Expels diseases, softens every pain, Subdues the rage of poison, and the plague.” by John Armstrong.

Lately, I have read in several reports that music can make a kid smarter and also perform well in mathematics.

Extracted from http://childparenting.about.com by Kimberly L.Keith:

“When learning a song, a musical instrument, or a dance step, your child experiences the unique integration of body and mind that music provides. Sensory integration is a crucial factor in children’s learning readiness for school subjects such as reading, writing, and math. Music improves spatial-temporal reasoning, a neurological process needed to understand mathematics. The best way to enhance your child’s learning with music is to encourage listening to and learning music throughout the child’s developmental years. Do it in a variety of ways that are enjoyable and fun, then let your child’s own interest and aptitudes guide your choices of lessons and activities.”

I still do not understand the link between music and mathematics and how it could make a child smarter and not sure whether this explains why Brendan is good in his mathematics. Since learning music seems to bring about much benefits, Darren is also ready to attend his first piano lesson soon:) since he has been pestering me since a year ago.

It is most important that the children’s interests are there. Sometimes, when I look at Brendan playing on the piano, I feel happy that I have made the right choice for him to learn music. My boy knows things that his parents don’t. Perhaps, they could be my music teacher one day. It will be great for parents and kids to bond through music *Grin*