Diggin' the Light Therapy

A while back, I snagged my father's Light Relief infrared therapy machine to ease my achy muscles and joints. However, it would appear that someone else in the house is enjoying the benefits of light therapy:

You can read more about the benefits of light therapy for people and dogs with arthritis here. The Coles Notes version is that the lights penetrate deep inside to reduce pain and inflammation. It also helps stimulate the cells to heal,

Rhona-Mae Arca Named Tech Teacher of the Year

It's official, I've been named Tech Teacher of the Year by Roland Canada, Conservatory Canada and Music for Young Children. Click here for the official press release.

Applicants had to submit a three-minute clip describing how digital technology is used in their music studio, as well as how digital technology impacts their students as well as themselves. Here is my submission:

This announcement comes on the heels of my latest music and technology project. Last week, my students and I prepared, recorded and submitted videos for Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 4.0 - Bliss. A record number of over 8,200 videos from nearly 6,000 singers and 100 countries were submitted. Some of my students and I even helped out on  tech support during the final days prior to the submission deadline.

Thank you so much to the sponsors: Roland Canada, Conservatory Canada and Music for Young Children for this opportunity. Hats off to my fellow teachers who also made a submission as they are also leaders in working technology into music education.

See you all in Halifax!

Grown Up Geek Messenger Bag Success

As some of you know, I've been looking for a grown-up messenger bag to replace my FMA bag. Even though I scoured my fave online geek and otaku stores and made a short list, none of them were screaming, "Take me home." Until last week. Last week, I stopped off at one of our local gaming stores, Imaginary Wars to pick up dice for my studio. I spied a Princess Leia purse. When the manager asked if I was looking anything specific, I inquired about grown up messenger bags. He pulled up the Chewbacca messenger bag.

From the understated brown colour to the embossed Star Wars logo, it oozes "grown up". However, to a geek, the strap is instantly recognizable.

The inside is pretty roomy as well. Decent pockets. Big enough to fit my netbook or my choir books and binders. Sturdy.

It's a keeper!

If your local geek store doesn't carry it, you can buy the Star Wars Chewbacca Messenger Bagon Think Geek (click on link) or Amazon.

Incorporating Music Theory into a Student Request

One of my students has been on my case for weeks, if not months for sheet music from the Bionicle Heroes video game. He even researched information about composer Ian Livingstone to include in my year-end studio recital. I could not find any sheet music in my travels, so I decided to contact the video game composer and inquire. Ian informed me that he didn't have sheet music for Bionicle Heroes. However, he did send me sheet music for No Adrenaline, a piece he dedicated to his son who has the genetic condition CAH - Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

My intermediate and advanced students jumped on the opportunity to play it. However, my "Bionicles" student is only in Grade 1 piano. I was thinking of making a Big Notes arrangement but something stopped me.

This particular student is has rhythm and detail issues. His theory book? Doesn't always make it to lessons.

On a lark, I decided to get my student to write out his own arrangement. He's starting to get that key and time signatures are important and that if he transcribes notes on a different line, it completely changes the sound:

I emailed this photo to Ian Livingstone. My student was shocked. Ian thought the music theory project idea was "fantastic".

Cooking for A Dog with Arthritis

Lately, I've been exploring what changes to make to his home-prepared diet. From my preliminary searches, I have found that cayenne pepper, red peppers, turmeric and cumin contain either anti-inflammatory properties or have cleansing properties.

It also appears that grains needs to be completely cut out. Omega-3 oils and Glucosamine are a must.

Lean meats are a must too. Oh, Maestro will be happy to hear that he can still eat cartilage.

The following are a few articles that I have found regarding the types of foods and herbs to feed an arthritic dog. I'll post more as I come across them:

Arthrtis in DogsDiet Guidelines for Dogs with ArthritisTreating Canine Arthritis Naturally

A quick update on Maestro's treatments: Maestro seems to be responding well to his medication since being diagnosed with IVDD and osteoarthritis. Administering his medication is a snap with Pill Pockets.

He was pretty good at the Canine Aquafitness Centre too, where they did some heat therapy and chriopractic adjustments. However, for one moment, he was reluctant to have the vet complete the adjustment to his neck area. He turned around to face her and his expression clearly said, "You can adore me, but do not touch my neck." He was all perky afterwards.

The vet recommends that he try laser therapy. It's gentler on his joints.