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By playing Classical music in your class rooms, in the hallways of your school, in the cafeteria during lunch, and on school buses to and from school, your students will be able to concentrate better on their school work and will be more relaxed and better behaved. It’s all about choosing the right music to study by at school, at home, and at work!
This month we have an interview and radio show with master teacher Nancy Gray Scott , a new article entitled “Encouragement Inspires Everyone Including Yourself ” by Dr. Madeline Frank and articles on Dr. Albert Einstein, a college student improves her grades by listening to Mozart Symphonies, and an article link for master educator Elizabeth Hamilton’s article, “Responsibility Can Reduce Stress”.
Several years ago, a parent was worried about his daughter being able to concentrate on her homework in college. She was to attend college on an athletic scholarship and was majoring in science. Dr. Frank suggested her father have her listen to Mozart Symphonies in the background as she studied. She did and she was able to do well on her homework and get good grades in her classes. She then decided she wanted to take piano lessons as an elective and her father is looking forward to hearing her first piano recital. Listening to Classical music in the background helped her to become more focused, to relax, and finish her work quicker with better accuracy.
Albert Einstein as a child was a very poor student in school. His teachers said “he was to stupid to learn.” How did he become one of the smartest men of the Twentieth Century? Albert’s mother Pauline Einstein never never gave up on him. She was a pianist and she bought Albert a violin. As he learned to play the violin his mother would accompany him on the piano. His mother introduced him to his favorite composer Mozart. Albert studied the violin and became quite good at it. He found his inspiration to do his school work and to later solve his scientific investigations by playing on his violin.
Dr. Einstein said, “Life without playing music is inconceivable for me. I live my daydreams in music, I see my life in terms of music.” Studying the violin taught Albert Einstein to concentrate, to be disciplined, to be motivated, to have self-esteem, and to work with others.
Radio Show for feature question for November 2013: “Mrs. Nancy Gray Scott, as a math teacher for 5th graders and 7th graders, did your students perform better on tests and quizzes listening to Mozart Symphonies in the background?”
https://www.madelinefrankviola.com/one-minute-radio-show-2013/
Our blog features Nancy Gray Scott, a master mathematics teacher, retired Master Sergeant of the U S Air Force, mother of two children, and a musician having studied the piano and violin. Mrs. Scott is passionate about her family, teaching mathematics, and Classical music. She has taught in the public schools of Hampton, Virginia for twelve years teaching students in grades 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th.
Nancy Gray Scott’s Growing Up Years: Nancy Gray was born in Detroit, Michigan to William M. Gray, who passed away in 1997, and Diane Stromp Gray. She has one older sister, Jennifer. Their mother, Diane Stromp Gray, sang soprano in several musical productions. Nancy Gray was raised in Detroit, Michigan.
Mrs. Scott : “I took piano lessons briefly as a child, and then started playing the violin. I played the violin for 5 years. Not only did I learn to read music, I learned that discipline was necessary to play an instrument well.”
Dr. Frank: “When did you become interested in mathematics?”
Mrs. Scott : “I became interested in math when I was about 10, which would have been 5th grade. I actually wanted to be either a teacher or an accountant growing up. So, I guess I combined the two and became a math teacher.”
Dr. Frank: “When did you become interested in science?” Mrs. Scott : “I liked science in middle school.”
Dr. Frank: “Were you a good student in elementary school, middle school, and in high school?”
Mrs. Scott : “I was a good student in school, all the way until 12th grade. I got good grades without putting forth much effort. However, that came to a screeching halt when I took a Calculus class in my senior year.”
Dr. Frank: “What were your favorite subjects in high school and did you have a favorite teacher who inspired you?”
Mrs. Scott : “My favorite subjects in high school were accounting and Spanish. My accounting teacher, Mr. Cohen, inspired me the most. He taught me the importance of accuracy in accounting.”
Nancy Gray Scott’s Military Career:
Mrs. Scott : “I joined the US Air Force about 6 months after graduating high school. I worked as a Weapons Control Systems Mechanic (radar system), as a billeting clerk (military hotel system) and as a computer programmer. I retired as a Master Sergeant (E-7).”
Dr. Frank: “Where did you attend college and graduate school and what was your major? Did any of your college professors inspire you?”
Mrs. Scott : “I took classes at several colleges, including Wayne State University in Detroit, Troy State University in Montgomery, and Saint Leo College (campus at Langley AFB). I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Human Resources from SLC, while still on active duty. After marrying and having two children, I then decided to become a teacher. While still on active duty, I took classes at Old Dominium University, earning a Master’s in Education. I had so many good instructors that I can’t pick one who inspired me more than another.”
Dr. Frank: “Did you have your children study musical instruments?”
Mrs. Scott : “Yes. My son, Joshua, studied the violin and then the viola under Dr. Frank. He took lessons for 10 years. He is currently a Junior at Harvard, studying for a degree in Environmental Engineering. My daughter, Victoria, also studied the violin under Dr. Frank. She took lessons for about 5 years. She is currently a Senior in high school.”
Dr. Frank: “What grades have you taught in your 12 years of teaching and what grade are you teaching this year?”
Mrs. Scott: “I have taught grades 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. This year I am teaching Algebra 1 to 8th graders.”
Dr. Frank: “How many years have you had your math students listening to Classical music, Mozart, in the background of your classrooms?”
Mrs. Scott says, “For 8 years I have had my 5th grade and 7th grade math students listening to Mozart Symphonies in the background.”
Dr. Frank: “As a math teacher for 5th graders and 7th graders, did your students perform better on tests and quizzes listening to Mozart Symphonies in the background?”
Mrs. Scott says, “I frequently played Mozart Symphonies while my students took tests and quizzes. They performed better than many other students who did not listen to Mozart.”
Elizabeth hamilton, master teacher and educator, has written a new important article on “Responsibility Can Reduce Stress “. Her link for her newsletters, books, and materials to help you and your family, learn, grow , and change is http://character-in-action.com/
“Encouragement Inspires Everyone Including Yourself” by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.
Every person in life needs positive encouragement to motivate and inspire them for success. Dr. George Adams says, “Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.”
George W. Crane, medical doctor, psychologist, professor , and author taught in Chicago in the 1920’s at North Western University. When he began teaching students in his evening classes, he found that his adult students were older working in businesses, stores, factories, and offices during the day. Each of them desired to improve their education at night. Some of his students told him they felt iceolated and shy. He designed his first assignment to help his students connect with others .
Dr. Crane said to his class, “You are to use your psychology every day either at home or work on the streetcars and buses. For the first month, your written assignment will be the Compliment Club. Every day you are to pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons… for 30 consecutive days.” He said, “Keep a record of those to whom you pay your three compliments. You need not give me their names, but list them as ‘Newsboy’ or ‘Street conductor’ or ‘Sales clerk’ . Keep an accurate record of how people acknowledge your compliments.”
Dr. Crane said, “At the end of the 30-day experiment, I want you to write a theme or paper on your experiences. Include the changes you have noted in the people around you, as well as your own altered outlook on life.”
As his students complimented others their lives changed and improved too! And by complementing others they were motivated, encouraged, and inspired as well. Dr. Crane said, “Appreciative words are the most powerful force for good on earth.”
As a teacher I have watched my students and colleagues blossom from words of encouragement. By giving them a sincere compliment they have the energy and the desire to try harder at wharever they are working on. Everyone in life needs positive encouragement to help them grow , inspire , and motivate them to succeed. The “Power of Encouragement” gives us hope that we can succeed and everyone needs it!
A fabulous story of motivating and inspiring students is “All the Good Things” by Sister Helen P. Mrosla. She was teaching her eighth grade math students a very difficult math concept and her students were very frustrated . This is when she asked her students to write down all the students names in the class, on two sheets of paper, and to leave room to write “the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates”.
After class, Sister Mrosla made a separate list of these wonderful compliments on two sheets of note book paper for each student and handed them out to her students the following Monday. Her students were all glowing with happiness after reading their sheets.
Many years later she would be asked to attend Mark Eklund’s funeral by his parents. Her former student was killed in Vietnam. When she spoke to his parents after the funeral they shared with Sister Mrosla the two sheets of notebook paper that she had written down “all the good things” his classmates had written about him. These two sheets were well worn and were in his pocket when he died. Mark’s mother said, “ Thank you so much for doing that. As you can see, Mark treasured it.”
http://www.my-happy-heart.com/all-good-things.html
These words of praise can last a life time. In all of life people need praise and encouragement to improve, to be inspired, to learn , and to grow. When President Abraham Lincoln died among the items in his pocket were 8 newspaper clippings on positive things said about him during his re-election campaign.
During his Presidency Lincoln was maligned many times by the newspapers. These 8 newspaper clippings President Lincoln read and re-read just as Mark Eklund read and re-read “all the good things” said about him by his classmates .
Both men “treasured” their sheets. Words of praise can last a life time! One of my favorite rules is Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” which says, “Within the first thirty seconds of a conversation, say something encouraging to a person.” This should be your motto for evaluating and connecting with your student, family members, your colleagues, and anyone else you are around.
So what are the three simple things you can do beginning today, for your ten day challenge to inspire, encourage, and motivate others around you?
1) As Dr. George Crane said, “Every day pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons.” Coach John Wooden said “Be specific with your praise.”
2) Follow Dr. John Maxwell’s “30 second rule” and say your inspiring words within 30 seconds of talking to someone. Dave Sheffield,motivational speaker and author says, “Happy employees equal happy customers”.
3) Every evening at home think of several “honest compliments” you can give to “3 different people” you will be coming in contact with the next day. They can be family members, business co -workers,friends, and strangers.
Happy people are inspired and motivated to do better work. Give the gift of compliments and you will be given a gift in return. So begin today to train your mind to look for the good in people to brighten their day and your day. Always begin with an “honest compliment”!
Remember words of encouragement motivate and inspire us to do a better job, to improve our skills, and work at a higher level. (C) 2013 Madeline Frank
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” http://goo.gl/lrJTx
For more 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. Click on the link:
https://www.madelinefrankviola.com/the-secret-of-teaching-science-and-math-through-music/ “
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” click below:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mfrankviola
“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. For more information click on the following link: https://www.madelinefrankviola.com/musical-notes-on-math/
Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving and a happy Chanukah from your Non-Invasive Medicine Music Expert, Madeline
Madeline Frank, Ph.D. an Amazon. Com Best Selling author for “The Secret of Teaching Science & Math Through Music” and “Musical Notes On Math“(teaching fractions and decimals to children K-5) winner of the Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award. www.madelinefrankviola.com
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) 2013 Madeline Frank