We’ve got options! If you want individual instruction with each lesson personalized for you, this is the place to be. (We’re not talking about pre-recorded one-size-fits-all lesson.) Studio If you are in the west-central part of Illinois, you might choose to take your lessons in my studio. Both private and small group plans are available…
Scott Joplin
You may not recognize his name but I bet you will recognize his music! Some years ago, I lived in northeast Texas in a small community called Hughes Springs. I absolutely love that part of Texas and if life had unfolded differently for me, I would have been totally content to finish out my days…
How Do Organ Pipes Work?
Discover how simple air is tranformed into music as it travels through the pipes of the organ. Learn how the materials used to construct the pipes, as well as the size of the pipes, all contribute to the sound they make. These videos are intersting on their own, but are used to illustrate and demonstrate…
The Story of the Pipe Organ
This is the story of one of the oldest instruments and, until relatively recently, the mankind’s most complex machine. These videos are intersting on their own, but are used to illustrate and demonstrate topics found in the printable, The Story of the Pipe Organ. It is available for purchase here and in the Maestro Heights…
Mary Allen West
First, the backstory. For five years, I was the Director of Music/Organist for Central Congregational Church in Galesburg, Illinois. This magnificent building is on the National Register of Historic Places and tours of church are frequent. I hosted many of those tours and learned much about the people who are memorialized by the stained glass…
Walk with Me
I am glad our paths have crossed. Let’s reminisce. How did we meet? School? Band? Church, youth group, handbells or choir? Did we meet at a conference? Were you a subscriber to a publication or did you come to one of my concerts? Maybe you have one of my books. Are you (were you) one…
8 Steps to Great Lessons
Whether you are just about to embark on the wonderful journey of learning music, or are continuing your studies, there are some things you can do to help make sure you will be getting the very most out of your lessons. 1. Find the right teacher. Sounds easy, right? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t. …
How It Began
I’ve been blessed. Seriously. Not everybody gets to love what they do as much as I do. I’ve taught private music lessons (piano, organ, voice and theory) since 1972. There have been many years — and I do mean many years — I’ve also served as a church musician. I’ve been the organist, the pianist,…
Spring (close enough) Cleaning
Greetings, all. My website (gailmasinda.com) and all associated Maestro Heights postings are getting a major overhaul and update. If I understand what I think I know (!) those of you who get email notifications when I publish a new post could get multiple notices as some items are converted from one format to another. Yeah,…
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
Make a stand (idiom) definition – Adopt a firm position about an issue. Hold firm, as in hold the ground against an enemy. -Merriam-Webster In 1858, Dudley Atkins Tyng was a 29-year-old Episcopalian pastor and abolitionist. Not everyone in his Philadelphia church agreed with his straightforward doctrinal preaching and position against slavery and he resigned…
Practice Space
Finding time for music practice is tough. Finding space is equally tough but often overlooked. The oft-quoted real estate phrase of “location, location, location” has merit in selecting a space for music practice, too. My friends, I have heard far too many well-meaning-but-cringe-worthy stories about where my students practice. Some real-life examples: “We put the…
Music Room Skill Sets 1-5
The first five Music Room Skill Sets are now available! The story line running through the entire series is based on my actual students, past and present. Their questions, situations and gentle humor are very real making it easy for students to relate to the Music Room characters. I have lost track of how many…
