Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns about Heaven | Book Review

This is the third "Stories Behind..." book I have on my bookshelf, but the first I actually sat down to read the whole way through (the others I hit the songs I was interested in). It was very interesting. I expected it to be more of a historical approach, covering the biographies of the composers and the history of the individual songs. Instead, some of the songs had more of a devotional lean.

Some of the songs I was familiar with the composers, but I enjoyed learning about so many more! In some ways, it felt like the author "Christianized" a few of the composers who maybe didn't live a godly lifestyle, but the song they wrote is popularized in Christian circles.

A few times, things also seemed a bit ecumenical or extrabiblical (especially since it's dealing with songs about heaven). They were just small thoughts sprinkled throughout the book, but enough to where I was going, "Okay, the Bible doesn't exactly say this..." (but then and again, a few of the songs that were covered in this book are songs I don't particularly care for, because their words don't line up exactly with Scripture). This wasn't for the entirety of the book, just portions of it.

I think I would have preferred if the book had stuck more to the basic facts instead of presenting each song with a glorified story, but I realize this is just me as a history nerd.

*I received this book from the publishers and provided my honest review*

Purchase on Amazon

Are You Getting Back into Music Practice? (or do you have a student who is?)

Next week is back-to-teaching for me after a crazy, hectic summer. I'm really looking forward to seeing all of my kiddos again! But I have to admit, even though I love my little virtuosos, it isn't the easiest thing to get them back into the routine of practice. So, I created a coloring chart for my students that will hopefully help them get from summer break back into music. I uploaded the files on WAJN's website. You can access here:http://www.withajoyfulnoise.com/free-teaching-resources.html

I just sent out my WAJN newsletter, and some have some music-related questions.

Are you...

     - a musician (What instrument[s]?)

     - music listener (who's your favorite artist?)

     - music teacher (What do you teach? When did you resume lessons after summer break?)

     - parent of a musician (What do they play?)

Me? I'm most of the above. Piano is my primary instrument, though I also love the violin and have piddled some with bass guitar and mandolin. I love listening to music! My current favorite artists are The Ball Brothers (for singing) and... a plethora of pianists and other instrumentalists. Actually, you can see my playlist on Spotify. And, added to all of that, my passion is teaching music (piano and violin).

What are some music questions that you've had that you've been trying to find someone to ask? If there was one website that could be your go-to source, what all would it contain?

My Jesus, I Love Thee | Music Video

I love it when my students request a special arrangement. And I love it even more when they request it because they’ve been asked to play at an event! One of my violin students was asked to play violin at her church’s Valentines’ Banquet! I very happily provided her this arrangement.

Note: Video is recorded by me

Available on WAJN

Video Lesson Openings!

Bear with me for a moment while I get all business-like on you... but, as many of you know, music is one of my passions. Coupled with my passion for music, is my passion for teaching. And, because of the wonders of the great online, I have begun expanding my video lesson studio!

I highly endorse local teachers. Having someone in-studio with you, teaching you, and helping you learn your instrument is the best option. But sometimes, that best option just isn’t there, and you can’t find a local teacher. In that case, the age of internet is a huge blessing! Now, all you need is a good internet connection, and you can connect with a teacher miles away (in completely different time zones altogether!). For several years now, I have offered video lessons on request. This year, however, I am opening up new lesson slots on Thursdays (CST) for live piano and violin video lessons. If you’ve not been able to find a local teacher, I would love to assist you in learning your instrument! Video lessons are not for everyone, though, so I will offer a free first lesson/consultation.

Prices

30-minute lesson $15/week

45-minute lesson $22/week

60-minute lesson $27/week

Violin

I am a classically-trained violinist (Suzuki level 6) who has experimented with fiddling and ear-playing.

Piano

I have been trained in classical and ear playing. While I offer traditional keyboard instruction, I specialize in hymn improvisation and arranging.

Contact

I understand that lessons are a commitment, and I am willing to discuss expectations and desires with you before you begin.

Sample

I have recorded many of my arrangements and have uploaded them to my YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiY76Zt8MuO3IwNyY98AfGQ).

Amanda Tero

withajoyfulnoise@gmail.com

O Holy Night | Violin and Piano

If there was to be one song that is considered THE Christmas classic, "O Holy Night" fits the bill perfectly. One of my students requested this for recital this year, and I was happy to oblige her.

What is one of the standard "Christmas classics" to you?

Go Tell it on the Mountain | Violin Solo

I have loved the bounciness of "Go Tell it on the Mountain" ever since I can remember. Last year, I arranged this variation for one of my violin students, and this year, another of my students is enjoying it. Most of my violin pieces have an accompaniment, but not this one: violin solo all the way!

Music Sale for Black Friday!

First ever physical sale at With a Joyful Noise!! I have been behind in promoting new releases, so there are a couple of books out that I've not announced yet on the site or social media. But, these are included in the sale! You can get the books for 20% off, CDs for 10% off.


Purchase the books here. Purchase the CDs here.

Angels We Have Heard on High | Piano/Violin Duet

I absolutely love the "Glo-o-o-o-o-ria" in "Angels we Have Heard on High!" When my sister/student requested this one for recital, I was more than happy to oblige her and arrange it for piano and violin.

What is your favorite element of a Christmas carol?

Sheet music available at With a Joyful Noise

Christmas CD Now Ready!

Hopping in briefly this evening because I just made the first order of "Christmas is a Gift" CDs!! That means they'll be ready for me to ship to you toward the end of November!

If you'd like a copy, you may sign up here.

CDs are $12 each plus $3 shipping and handling (USA only--don't worry, it will be available on digital platforms internationally in a few weeks).

 

 

 The title song was composed by my sister, Elizabeth. The entire piece is up on YouTube, complete with lyrics:

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Several years ago, I recorded my first piano album, "The Solid Rock." At the time, I thought it very well might be the only piano album I would be able to record (God's plans surely aren't ours, and I'm happy about that!). Because this was a once-in-a-lifetime event (or so I thought), it was a combination of all of my arrangements at the time: year 2012. That being said, one of the arrangements featured on this CD is none other than "O Come, All Ye Faithful." Since it is nearing Christmastime, it needs a little revisit from me, as well as a delightful little sharing with you all via YouTube.

For the first time since 2012, the sheet music is now available for purchase! I am planning on working toward publishing the entire collection in sheet music form, but for now, you'll have to be satisfied with just this one.

If you'd like to add it to your music library, MP3 singles are for sale here (or look them up on your favorite digital music server like Apple Music, iTunes, or Amazon).

Silent Night, Holy Night | Beginner Piano Solo

It's the time of year (and beyond) when I'm working on Christmas recital pieces with my students! I absolutely love this time of year! Here is a piece that I arranged for one of my girls.

Do you like songs played on the higher registers of the piano, or lower?

For info on sheet music, go here.

"Reflections of the Cross" album update

After a few months at a stand-still with "Reflections of the Cross" piano solo album (you may remember the announcement trailer here), I kind of had a "duh" moment. The stand-still was that my brother couldn't find a certain key to his program (yeah, fancy equipment stuff and all)... but why not me try and use a free program to enhance (aka, "master") the music myself? So far, with the help of YouTube and my brother’s fancy speakers, things have commenced.

I'm not sure why I didn't attempt mastering audio before (actually, I think it always intimidated me.).. but so far, it's gone much more smoothly than I would have imagined! Still continue to pray for this project though! God's timing is perfect, I fully realize that. I have a lot on my plate, and I don't want to try to force something to happen if it's not God's timing.

What's something new you learned this week?

What is your favorite hymn about the cross?

Near the Cross | Music Video

Sometimes, I just like simple. Those were pretty much my thoughts as I arranged "Near the Cross" for one of my students a few weeks ago. Simple. Sometimes, simple helps us to really focus on the message.

Available at WAJN

Oh, How I Love Jesus | Violin, Piano Duet

I have enjoyed teaching violin the last couple of years. Before we moved, I had about four violin students. But at the time being, I have thirteen violin students (one video student in Nigeria!). One of my favorite things to do is to arrange hymns for them to play in church. I love that most of my students strongly desire to share their music for God's glory. 

Here is one that I recently arranged for a student to play (recorded by myself).

Sheet music available at WAJN

Just as I Am | Two Piano Solos

Last week, I wanted to arrange "Just as I Am" for a student. So, I compiled a couple of verses and went to save... "This file already exists." Oh wait! I already *had* an arrangement of the song! However, it was a slightly higher level. ;) But, since it was in the archives, I brushed it up a little and decided to give you two variations of the favorite invitation hymn--two different levels.

Sheet music available at WAJN

And then the slightly more advanced version:

Sheet music available at WAJN

Standing on the Promises | Music Video

A few years ago, I began arranging an advanced piano solo. It actually began when my family and I were singing at a church. Before service, I was playing around on the church piano just for fun. It's interesting, but sometimes playing on a different piano will inspire different ideas. As I played, I threw in a descending scale-type progression where I went down, retraced a note up then went down further, etc. It was a keeper-idea, and before long, the Lord allowed me to piece it together with "Standing on the Promises" (you'll hear that progression throughout the arrangement). 

However, after about halfway into the song, I hit a brick wall. I put the piece down for about nine months (in that time, we actually moved states--so yeah, a lot went on between measure one and the final bar line in this piece!). I loved the beginning and it was such fun to play, but I didn't have an ending. As I thought about it, I'd pray for ideas, pull it out, toy with it, and let it set again. Finally, there was a breakthrough and God gave me just the ideas I needed to finish the arrangement.

Now, about two years later, I've finally gotten around to recording it to share with you all!

The sheet music for this is available at WAJN (but I'll give warning, it is advanced--there are a lot of notes in the ten pages!).

The Gospel Train | Music

I love old spirituals. One of these days, I just might make an entire collection with them. We shall see. ;) Until then, I enjoy arranging them one by one. Here's "The Gospel Train" for early intermediate pianists.

For those pianists out there, here is a sample. This piece is only $.99 at WAJN.

I Need Thee Every Hour | free music

Monday was the first time I really touched the piano all summer (we're not counting the times I played for camps and church services... I'm mainly speaking of personal one-on-one time with me and piano ;) ). I started to practice, but after five minutes, I just had to arrange (it's been more than two months, okay?). God blessed that arranging time, and there's now a new arrangement in the books (or on the web... or something like that). :)

"I Need Thee Every Hour" has been on my heart a lot this summer. It is such a beautiful, simple reminder that I need every day!

Not only did I upload this to YouTube as usual, I also have it for free (both sheet music and audio file) on my website. Check it out here.

What song has been on your heart lately?

Trever Elkins Music

No, this isn't a repeat of last week. Last week I featured Carter Elkins. Yes, Trever is his brother. He does a little bit different style of music--they worked together for Trever's CD, Rest. As the title implies, it is a nice, relaxing CD (which you can get through Exalt With Songs ministries). Here's a sample.

Carter Elkins Music

Another friend of mine in the music field! Carter does an amazing job with orchestrations! He's kind of an extended-family-not-really... he's one of my sister-in-law's brother. ;) He has an orchestral CD which I'll include details of after "Field and Forest."

Here's one of my favorites of his! Writers, if you need inspirational background music... here you go! ;)