What does it take to be successful, whether in your professional, academic, or personal life?

Obviously, there are many factors involved – from hard work, discipline, and perseverance to a goal-oriented and positive attitude, in addition to strong “people” skills.

But would it surprise you to learn that another important aspect of success is – music!

You may not be inclined to take our (admittedly biased) opinion seriously, since we are obviously big music fans. But if you don’t believe us, maybe this recent New York Times piece will convince you.

Essential components of success

The connection between music training and academic achievement has been borne out by many studies. There is a body of evidence showing that kids who take music lessons get better grades in science, math, history, and foreign languages than those who had not been involved in music education; they also have better social skills and stronger self-confidence.

But as the above-mentioned article points out, the benefits of music extend to adults in the workplace as well – in whatever professional field they happen to be: “Many high achievers said music opened up the pathways to creative thinking. And their experiences suggest that music training sharpens other qualities: Collaboration. The ability to listen. The power to focus on the present and the future simultaneously.” The article goes on to say that music “functions as a ‘hidden language,’ one that enhances the ability to connect disparate or even contradictory ideas.”

Sounds of success

The article mentions some people outside of the music industry whose music training has helped propel them to the top of their fields: former Secretary of State under President George Bush Condoleezza Rice, who trained to be a concert pianist; former chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan, was a professional clarinet and saxophone player, and Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, is a guitar aficionado.

But these people are just the tip of an iceberg – there are many more examples of successful people who have been involved in music. Here are a few current and past musically inclined high-achievers:

• Former President Bill Clinton plays a saxophone
• Physicist Albert Einstein played the piano and violin
• Astronaut Neil Armstrong played the baritone horn (on earth; not in space)
• British writer Charles Dickens played the accordion

Telephone inventor Thomas Edison was a pianist

And here is a more extensive list of movers, shakers, and their favorite musical instruments

Would these folks be just as successful without music training? We can’t say for sure, but we tend to think that music has been a significant contributing factor in their booming careers.

We’ve got what it takes!

At Manhattan music lessons, we believe in achievement. No matter how old you are and what goals you have set for yourself, music can help get you there. It provides a great boost for your (or your child’s) creativity, and ability to focus and perform – all the essential elements of success.

Our NYC teachers will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale (Bronx) home or office and give you lessons on an instrument of your choice

Whether you aspire to be successful or already are, with our music lessons, it won’t be lonely at the top!

Photo Credit: Polka-dot Zebra

The post The Key to Success, with Manhattan Music Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

In New York City, the week leading up to Easter (unlike the days before Christmas) is mostly quiet and laid-back. Not so in Spain and Latin / South America, where the Semana Santa, which commemorates the last week of Jesus’ life, is a big and jubilant celebration.

In fact, the Semana Santa (the Holy Week), which starts on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and ends on Easter Sunday (Pascua), is one of the most important religious observances in the Spanish-speaking Catholic countries. There is plenty of food, music, dancing, colorful costumes, as well as elaborate processions with ornate floats, which depict scenes from the Bible.

Since the Semana Santa, which dates back to the 4the century AD, is such an important holiday, many New Yorkers of Latin and South American descent head south of the border to celebrate this event and take part in all the festivities.

Any way you look at it, the Semana Santa is a very special fiesta!

Pomp and circumstance

In nearly every community in the United States, Easter Sunday is associated more with Easter bunnies, elegant bonnets (as seen in NYC’s annual Easter parade), and egg hunts, than with religious celebrations.

In South America, however, the emphasis is on the religious context and significance of this holiday, which is one of the most important ones in the Roman Catholic Church because it commemorates Christ’s resurrection.

But even though the Semana Santa is celebrated in a similar festive fashion throughout the entire region, each individual country has its own unique twists. For example:

• During the Semana Santa, Ecuadorians eat a special soup called fanesca, made from a fish base, beans and grains.

• Young girls in the Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende, wear bride-like white dresses for the procession that takes place on Good Friday. In another city, Cadereyta, boys carry streamers during the procession.

• In Peru and El Salvador, rugs beautifully made from colorful flowers decorate the streets.

Sacred music

When we think of Latin and South American music, we think of salsa, calypso, rumba, merengue, tango, as well as other  “hot” and often fast-paced rhythms. Or, maybe we conjure up images of a traditional Mexican mariachi band.

But the Semana Santa music is different – it’s both joyous and sad. During the processions, musicians often play slow brass tones interspersed with heavy drum sounds, aptly expressing Easter’s solemnity and its religious meaning .

If you are not heading south in the week before Easter, but would like to learn to play some of the hymns and other sounds associated with this holiday, our Manhattan music lessons will help you get started. Whether you would like to try typical tunes of the Semana Santa, or any other music on any instrument, we will be happy to come to your home or office and teach you.

We can also help you play Easter-related music from this side of the border, including this classic!

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Photo Credit – Mind’s eye

The post Celebrate Easter in Latin American Style – with Manhattan Music Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.