We are dedicating this Mother’s Day blog to Mothers who are their children’s first role models and teachers; putting their children’s welfare first. These mothers are teachers, scientists, medical doctors, engineers, mathematicians, accountants, lawyers, artists, writers, secretaries, and musicians. These eminent individuals have integrated music into their thinking process. Music is a powerful tool for motivating, inspiring, educating and soothing pain. Remember no one is immune to the power of music! Parents remember to have classical music on your family’s iPod.
Our blog/article and Radio Show features, our “Top University Graduate Award winner of 2015” Joshua Scott. Also included are two articles on how studying a musical instrument improves educational performance. Our May article of the month is “Honor Those Who Made A Difference in Your Life” by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM.
Radio Show Feature Question for May 2015: Joshua (Josh) Brandon Scott, how does Classical music play a part of your life as our Radio Show’s “Top University Graduate of 2015” and what musical instrument do you play?”
https://www.madelinefrankviola.com/one-minute-radio-show-2015/
Joshua (Josh) Brandon Scott our “Radio Show’s Top University Graduate Award winner of 2015” is graduating on May 28, 2015 at Harvard University, to receive an A.B. in Environmental Engineering, a secondary in Environmental Science and Public Policy, and a citation in Spanish.
Joshua Brandon Scott was born in Hampton, Virginia to Nancy Diane Scott and Darrell Edmond Scott on February 15th, 1993. Josh has a younger sister, Victoria, who graduated from high school in 2014 and is now studying the art of cosmetology.
Josh says my Mom, “Nancy Scott is a wonderful middle math teacher teaching grades 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. and a former military Master Sergeant in the Air Force. Dad, Darrell Scott, is also retired Air Force and currently works as a “jack of all trades”, so to speak, touting the title of “maintenance technician” for a company that oversees military housing unit.”
Dr. Frank: “Joshua (Josh) Brandon Scott, how does Classical music play a part of your life as our Radio Show’s “Top University Academic Graduate of 2015” and what musical instrument do you play?”
Josh: “We have three generations of musicians in my family. My Mom played the violin, my Grandmother sang soprano in musical productions, and my younger sister and I play the viola and the violin.”
“I began studying violin in the third grade with you, Dr. Frank and switched to the viola in 5th grade continuing through the 12th grade. Also I played solo, chamber music and orchestra concerts with your class for ten years.”
Dr. Frank: “When did you become interested in mathematics?
Josh : “I would have to say the earliest I can remember becoming really interested in mathematics was third grade. It was in Ms. Schweiter’s third grade classroom that I had my first fight with math when it came time for long division. I remember being stuck on a long division problem, getting frustrated, and then running to my mom for help (which may have been the one and only time
I’ve used my mom, an incredible math teacher for help with math!). She broke it down for me, and as soon as it clicked, a wave of relief hit me because I finally understood what I was doing. My feeling of accomplishment –forever linked with math– became something I wanted to emulate.”
“Oh yeah! Math even became a way to keep me out of trouble. In fifth grade, I would finish my work pretty quickly, and would start running my mouth if I didn’t have a book to read. What my teachers decided to have me do was have me go work with kindergarteners and help them with basic math.”
Dr. Frank: “When did you become interested in science? What grade were you in and how old were you?”
Josh: “Definitely eighth grade with Mrs. Gardiner’s environmental science class. The content we covered just captivated me, and that interest is something that has merely grown even bigger throughout my academic career.”
Dr. Frank: “Did your Mom or Dad inspire you in Math and Science?”
Josh: “Absolutely. Just being around my mom and visiting her classroom gave me a lot of exposure to math and numbers at a young age. Dad was more of an inspiration for my artistic side. He’s a woodworker and has produced some incredible pieces that really encouraged me to get my creative juices flowing.”
Dr. Frank: “Did studying the violin and viola help you to be a better student in school?”
Josh: “Absolutely. Practicing the violin and viola helped me develop skills of discipline, concentration, and patience. I can’t place enough of an emphasis on the practice component. Getting better at anything takes time and diligence.”
Dr. Frank: “Were you a good student in in high school?”
Josh: “In the 9th grade, 11th grade and 12th grade, I was the Number 1 student in my class at Hampton High School.
“As a high school senior I was the top, Number 1, senior out of 350 students at Hampton High School in Hampton, Virginia and was the Valedictorian of my class on June 18, 2011.”
Dr. Frank: “What was your favorite subjects in high school and did you have a favorite teacher who inspired you?
Josh: “Let’s see…favorite subjects. This is tough because I enrolled into the International Baccalaureate program offered at Hampton High, and the primary mission of the IB program is push your train of thought beyond a mere understanding of the subject matter, so this made for many incredibly thought-provoking classes. I love to write, so I thoroughly enjoyed my English classes taught by Mrs. Menzel, Ms. Toenissen, and Ms. Tardy. Naturally math was one of my favorite pastimes, so I relished the classes taught by a star-studded line-up that includes Alison Moir, Iris Lawson, Candance Schaefer, and Colleen Glanville. As for teachers who’ve inspired me, the list goes on: from people like Erik Wilson, to Mario Barkley, to Joyce Corriere, Myra Chambers…pretty much EVERYONE at Hampton High. I had and have so much support from Hampton High that without its continual nurturing I would not be where I am today.”
Dr. Frank: “What academic clubs were you a member of in high school and what offices did you hold?”
Josh: “In high school I was president of both Mu Alpha Theta and Men of Valor a member of the Model United Nations, the National Honor Society and the Spanish Club.”
Dr. Frank: “In high school what subjects did you tutor to help other students succeed?”
Josh: “In my spare time I tutored math in all levels for Middle school and High school students and also tutored Spanish.”
Dr. Frank: “As an athlete in high school what were the sports you participated in?”
Josh: As an athlete I was a black belt in Karate and the captain of Y.H. Thomas’ youth basketball team.
Dr. Frank: “During the summers of 2009, 2010, and 2011 where did you work?”
Josh: “I worked in NASA’s DEVELOP Internship program.”
Dr. Frank: “At Harvard University what is your major and minor in and did any of your professors inspire you?”
Josh: “My concentration (Harvard jargon for major) is in Environmental Engineering, and I am working towards a secondary in Environmental Science and Public Policy and a citation in Spanish. One of the most inspirational professors I’ve had is the late John Briscoe. His class was my first introduction to the intersection of public policy and environmental science, and the passion with which he spoke about the subject, which is what he dedicated his life to, simply moved me. He passed away recently after a bout with cancer.”
Dr. Frank: “While at Harvard were you in any clubs, taking part in any leadership positions, and did you tutor any students?”
Josh: “Because I’ve gotten my fair share of academics within the classroom, I pursued opportunities of enrichment through cultural clubs like the Black Men’s Forum and leadership positions such as serving in student government and working as a student leader of a peer advising program. I do indeed still tutor students!”
Dr. Frank: “While at Harvard did you play any sports?”
Josh: “I picked up boxing for a while before joining a Marine Corps training unit. I’m also pretty involved in intramural sports, and am on the rowing crew!”
Dr. Frank: “Did you play your viola during your studies at Harvard?”
Josh: “I did indeed bring my viola to Harvard with me and take out my viola from time to time to fiddle around with it. The thought of having it nearby is very calming.”
Dr. Frank: “While at Harvard did you attend any Classical concerts and listen to Classical music while studying?”
Josh: “Oh absolutely! There are concerts all of the time, and I’ve had the great pleasure of attending a few of them. As for classical music while studying, yes I do listen to it in the background while I’m studying.”
Dr. Frank: Joshua, during the summers of 2012, 2013, 2014 where were you working?
Josh: “The summer after my freshman year, I worked at Harvard’s Business School alongside two incredible professors: Bob Eccles and George Serafeim. The summer after my sophomore year was spent working in the Chilean government, flexing my Spanish muscle and learning more about environmental public policy. Last summer was spent working here on campus with the Director of Freshman Programming and the Dean of Freshman. Most winter breaks I spend back in Virginia, but this past winter I was accepted to an engineering program in Perú!”
Dr. Frank: “Joshua what are your plans for the future?”
Josh: “I would like to serve in the military for a few years prior to going to grad school. I report to Quantico, VA after graduation to try my hand at becoming a Marine Corps Officer! Beyond that, we’ll see where my heart takes me!”
Dr. Frank: “Joshua Scott we are honored to have you as our Radio Shows “Top University Graduate Award winner for 2015”. Thank you for sharing your work with our Radio Show audience.”
“Honor Those Who Made A Difference in Your Life” by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM
When did you last say thank you to a friend, teacher, coach, mentor, parent, or another relative? It’s never to late to say thank you and show some gratitude.
Zig Ziglar said, “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more things you’ll have to express gratitude for.”
He also said, “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.”
As a new high school violin student in the 11th grade, arriving in the second semester at the North Carolina School of the Arts, NCSA, in Winston-Salem, I attended my first music theory class on my first day of school. The teacher said to me, “There is no way you will pass my class!” After classes that day, I was quite depressed and went back to the dorm. That was the day I met my neighbor, Lois Artis, a wonderful trombonist, marvelous academic student, with a positive motivating attitude, always willing to help others. We talked for a few minutes and I told her what the teacher had said to me. Lois replied, “I will help you and you will do well in her music theory class.”
Lois patiently helped me understand the material, while doing laundry, so that I did well in the class! She knew, even at that young age, how to “lift” others up to realize their potential. She was a leader even in high school and understood how to develop a team. I will forever be grateful for her help.
In Mr. S’s English class in high school at NCSA, I met Bruce Lemerise, a terrific artist, and illustrator, with a brilliant mind. We enjoyed discussing the assigned books and plays by Shakespeare that we read for class and our collaboration produced the top grades in this class.
We would discuss the psychological dimensions of the characters and write thoughtful papers on our discussions. Bruce went on to study art in New York City and I went on to the Juilliard School and we continued our friendship and our discussions on books, art, music, and the theater.
When I played my graduate recitals at Juilliard, Bruce said, “How you walk on and off stage is really important.” So he made sure I practiced walking on and off the stage with my shoulders back and my head held high and balanced on my spine walking with my viola and my music. He also had a friend who did stage makeup show me how I should properly make up for the stage. Bruce knew how important first impressions were and wanted me to make a great one.
Bruce later worked as an illustrator/artist for Pepperidge Farm, Nestlé’s, Ogilvy & Mather, Avon, Durkee Spices, MGM/UA, Western Publishing, Woman’s Day, Ogilvy & Mather, Country Time Lemonade, and other companies. He did Broadway posters, and greeting cards.
Bruce Lemerise also wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “Sheldon’s Lunch” dedicated to his mother, Marie Lemerise. He illustrated A Golden Book, “Can I Get There From My Room?” and “The Big Little Golden Book of Funny Poems”. Bruce sent copies of these books for my children to enjoy.
In 1988, Bruce Lemerise died. He was a wonderful person who cared about his family, his friends and loved to draw and do illustrations. I think of him often and am so grateful that he was my friend.
As a student at the Juilliard School in New York City, I met Karen Iannotti, a remarkably gifted pianist. She was a beautiful young women, inside and out, with a warm personality always willing to help others. We lived at the Coliseum House in New York City on 228 West 71th street. We were neighbors and became good friends and enjoyed playing concerts together.
A writer friend of ours had written a one act play which he premiered at Sardis in New York City for backers and Karen and I played the background music for the play. One of the pieces was “Saber Dance” by Khachaturian which Karen and I wrote a marvelous arrangement for viola and piano. We had a wonderful time making music together and helping out our writer friend with his successful “One Act” play.
Karen Iannotti performed at Carnegie Hall in 1979 in a piano concert sponsored by Carnegie Hall, Inc. to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the birth of composer/pianist Louis Gottschalk. She also performed as a guest artist/pianist for the opening of the workshop and executive offices for Jim Henson Associates, “Moppet Show”. She was also the Musical Director and pianist for the “Bel Canto Opera Company” of New York City’s production” of “Prince Igor” by Borodin. During this time she taught many students and they learned the joy of playing the piano.
Karen was also a well-known accompanist for singers in Sara Lee’s Studio in New York City. When I wanted to study singing she suggested, “Study with Ms. Lee she’s the best voice teacher in New York City. She taught Todd Duncan who sang Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”.” Karen played for my lessons with Ms. Lee. We had a terrific time. In 1983, Karen Iannotti passed away. She brought such joy to her family, friends, relatives, and students,
by her warm caring personality and her beautiful piano playing. She was one of the finest people I have ever known and I like to think she’s up there playing piano for the angels.
So what are the 3 things you can do to say thank you to the friends, teachers, coach’s, mentors, parents, or relatives who have helped you?
1) Start your day by remembering and writing down the people who have made a difference in your life. Write them a note or call and thank them. Think of one person who has made a positive impact on your life and do something nice for them.
2) Honor a special person in your life on a weekly basis by acts of kindness to others.
3) Think of the people who have made a difference in your life and honor them in some way by sharing your appreciation by random acts of kindness to others.
“Of all the “attitudes” we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life changing.”~Zig Ziglar
So start a notebook today and enter the names of your teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who have made a difference in your life and do something nice for them. Don’t wait. Do it now, before it’s too late!
Remember what Zig Ziglar said, “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more things you’ll have to express gratitude for.” © 2015 Madeline Frank
To contact Madeline for your next speaking engagement: [email protected]
“Music Education Aids in Brain Development” (March 23, 2015) by Mia Chung from the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Mia Chung in this article began studying the piano at 7 years old and shares with her readers how she was “wiring her brain for classroom learning.”
Ms. Chung also says,“Playing a musical instrument develops an important neurocognitive skill known as executive function. Strong EF is critical for the brain to operate in school and in life. Focusing on a topic, memorizing information, inhibition, cognitive flexibility and paying attention to multiple ideas simultaneously are examples of it. It is at the heart of all learning.”
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2015/03/23/music-education-aids-brain-development/70336406/
“Tracking the Evolving Brain of the Young Musician”(March 12, 2015) by Tom Jacobs from psmag.com/books.
“An ambitious five-year study of young orchestral players aims to determine how taking group music lessons impacts them intellectually and emotionally.” Our Radio Show’s “Top University Graduate of 2015” Joshua Scott has studied the viola and violin for ten years and is graduating at the top if his class in engineering. He proves this studies impact.
http://www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/tracking-the-evolving-brain-of-the-young-musician
For scientific evidence, medical evidence, test results, and true stories of the world’s scientists, medical doctors, and mathematicians who have studied and played musical instruments since they were children read “The Secret of Teaching Science & Math Through Music” by Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is now available in book form, and newly updated as an e-book on Kindle, Nook, or iBook:
- com(Kindle)
- Barnes and Noble(Nook)
https://www.madelinefrankviola.com/the-secret-of-teaching-science-and-math-through-music/
“Musical Notes On Math” by Dr. Madeline Frank teaches your child fractions and decimals, the fun way, through the rhythm of music, Winner of the Parent To Parent Adding Wisdom Award is now available in book form, newly updated as an e-book on Kindle, Nook, or iBook.
- com(Kindle)
- Barnes and Noble(Nook)
Tips on how to use “Musical Notes On Math”
https://www.madelinefrankviola.com/musical-notes-on-math/
Madeline’s Midnight Melodies- Music From around the World”. This CD complements her books with a blend of dance music, gigues, tangos, ballet and favorites including “Danny Boy”, Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro”, Debussy’s “Claire De Lune” and others. “Madeline’s Midnight Melodies” is music to relax by and to move by for music therapy. For your CD of ”Madeline’s Midnight Melodies” or to purchase separate downloadable tracks click below:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mfrankviola
Dr. Madeline Frank’s book “Leadership on a Shoestring Budget” is now available through amazon.com. Click on the following Amazon.com link to order your copy of “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” is available as an e-book on Kindle or in book form.
Click on the following link:
Wishing you and your family a happy Mother’s Day! Your Non-Invasive Medicine Music Expert, Madeline
For over 25 years, Dr. Madeline Frank has helped children and adults overcome problems through music. Dr. Frank, a strings teacher, college professor, researcher, speaker and concert artist has found a scientific link between studying and/or listening to musical instruments and academic and societal success. Madeline Frank earned her Bachelor and Master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Her education has included scholarships at the Juilliard School, Indiana University, and the University of Cincinnati and she has a violin performance diploma from the North Carolina School of the Arts. (C) 2015 Madeline Frank.