Pacific Northwest School of Music

3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Begin a Musical Instrument

“You are allowed to fail, and you will become better because of your failures.” There are no red pen marks for missed notes in music the way there are on tests — there is nothing to feel bad about when you play something “wrong” in music. To become skilled at a musical instrument — and to become great at anything — one needs to struggle a little. In your child’s case, they need to sound bad before they sound good; they need to…

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

The Top 17 Ways Learning a Musical Instrument Gives You The Edge

Why are those who are good playing an instrument also good at other things? What are the benefits of playing a musical instrument that give them the edge?

11 Biggest Challenges That Beginner Guitarists Face and How to Deal With Them

Guitar players face tough challenges everyday. Sometimes they seem insurmountable and can effect our overall progression. That's why Ben Ash has compiled a list of things to think about to get you back on your feet and shredding in no time!

Stop Forcing Your Kids to Learn a Musical Instrument

Our daughter Rebekah, who is in second grade, takes three after-school classes every week. On Monday there is violin; on Wednesday, Hebrew; and on Thursday, ballet. One of these classes connects her to a religious tradition going back three thousand years. Two of them are pretty well pointless.I don’t mean that as a bad thing. Pointlessness rules, as far as I am concerned. Lots of great activities...

This Is How Music Can Change Your Brain

Actively learning to play an instrument can help a child's academic achievement

5 Reasons to Learn a Musical Instrument

Benefits of music education and reasons why you should learn to play a musical instrument.

6 Tips For Passing The Audition Of A Music School

Enrolling yourself in a prestigious music school is not as simple as it sounds since you have to p...

Does Learning to Play an Instrument Make You Smarter?

A recent study showed that learning to play an instrument can lead to a significant increase in IQ. If you're looking for a way to boost your brainpower, consider signing up for music lessons!

Pacific Northwest Landscape Design

When you hear “Portland garden” or “PNW garden”? Do you get a distinct picture in your mind? I don’t and I am guessing you don’t either. And while I am not a historian (or a scholar of anything) I can think of a few reasons for this:

8 Easy Perennials for the Pacific Northwest

Add these old-fashioned favorites to your yard for a splash of color.

Things You Never Knew About The Pacific Northwest

Could Pacific winds be to blame for Northwest warming trend?

A new and likely controversial study suggests that, at least in the Pacific Northwest local winds are a more important factor explaining ocean warming than greenhouse gases.

When Palm Trees Thrived in the Pacific Northwest

What fossils can teach us about the past — and future — climates of the our region.

Is the Pacific Northwest heat wave melting infrastructure?

Events Industry is Alive and Well in the Pacific Northwest

Corporate events have returned in a BIG way -- ensure that your gathering features the latest ways to engage employees and consumers alike.

Is Witchcraft Having a Moment? Practicing Witches of the Pacific Northwest Weigh In

The trendiness of witchcraft seems to have seeped into mainstream pop culture. Now some internet-savvy witches in the Pacific Northwest are adding their own politically minded take to the conversation.

Outdoor Learning Books for the Pacific Northwest

Outdoor learning books for the Pacific Northwest can be easy to come by. Check out this review on two new books, great for homeschooling.

Did the Pacific Northwest smoke cause your sore throat?

Have you been experiencing a sore throat, or other cold-like symptoms lately?

As heat descends on Pacific Northwest, Portlanders seek cool wherever they can find it

Cooling centers become hot commodity as temperatures soar.