Who knew that some colorful balloons and empty containers could make such a fun and crazy instrument? Thanks goes out to KidsActivityBlog for this idea, though I have modified it to fit with the items we have here at our house:

Small Containers - a sturdy mason jar works really well, if your kids won't be throwing it around. You can also use cans, as pictured, but avoid sharp edges that can cut little fingers!

Balloons - if you're container has a wide opening (like a small oatmeal canister), you'll want to use big balloons. The mason jar I used handled the regular-sized balloons well.

Scissors - if you want to double layer your balloons (as shown), you can place a solid balloon below and cut holes in a second balloon to stretch over top.

Packing Tape (optional) - For cans or oatmeal canisters, you'll probably need packing tape to keep the balloons in place. My mason jar drum didn't need tape - the ridges on the mouth held the balloon in place very well!

Let's get to work: Use your scissors to cut the neck of the balloon off. Stretch this first balloon across the mouth of your container and tape in place (if needed). If you're adding a second balloon, cut the neck off and cut several small holes in the top of the balloon. Stretch the second balloon over the first balloon and tape in place (if needed).

You're ready to make some music! Drum along with the beat as you listen to your favorite song. Make up some rhythms of your own!

An idea to try: Take several mason jars and fill them with water. Create your drums. Do the drums have different pitches? Can you "play" a song on your new drum set?

We offer a free trial lesson to new students* because we know it's important for you to find just the right music teacher. Nobody likes to get hooked into something before they even know if they will like it. That's why we offer a zero commitment free trial lesson. 

The free trial lesson also allows the teacher a chance to meet you, discuss your goals for music lessons, preview the curriculum, and enjoy an abbreviated lesson. After this first interaction, all you have to do is let us know whether you would like to continue. It really is that simple!

*unless you're redeeming a deal or promotion

Zephryhills Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their fourth annual Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Fest on Saturday, January 18th from 10am-6pm. The event will feature these Blues bands:

• Cold Iron at 11am
• Ellie Lee and Blues Fury at 12:30
• The Charlie Morris Band at 2:00
• The Selwyn Birchwood Band at 3:30

Not only can you expect some of the greatest BBQ in Florida, but the event will also have aviation displays, a kidz zone, and a car show. Admission is free, but there is a $10 parking fee.

The event will be held at the Zephryhills Municipal airport. For more information, visit the Zephryhills Chamber of Commerce website.

For those who have not seen The Hobbit part 2: The Desolation of Smaug, you are missing out on a phenomenal experience. You absolutely have to see the barrel scene in theatres in order to get the full effect. Not only are the acting and videography phenomenal, but you will not want to miss the amazing soundtrack. Probably the most memorable song in the whole movie is played at the credits at the end. Ed Sheeran sings "I See Fire." 

It is said that perfect pitch or absolute pitch occurs in 1 in 10,000 people. What do people mean when they refer to perfect pitch? Perfect pitch means that someone has the ability to name pitches played on instruments, the ability to name the key signature of a song, and the ability to sing a specific note. Curious to know if you have perfect pitch? Check out this site on perfect pitch.

Most musicians have what is called relative pitch. When someone plays by ear, they either have perfect pitch or relative pitch. With relative pitch, a musician can determine the relationship between two notes. Unlike perfect pitch, relative pitch can be honed through practice.

With the advent of this cold weather, we thought we would bring the Christmas theme out one more time (before the weather changes). Who was St. Nicholas? Well, not much is known, but he probably served as a bishop in Turkey around the 300s.

It is believed that St. Nicholas' wealthy parents died when he was a young boy--leaving the orphan with a lot of money. It is told that he rescued three young girls who were being forced into prostitution by throwing money through a window.

From there, the legend began to grow. Children everywhere have come to embrace this larger-than-life character. Even though--for the most part-- the real story of St. Nicholas has been almost completely lost, the theme of giving has become synonymous with Santa Claus.

Jessica's Piano Studio is pleased to announce the addition of a voice teacher in the Wesley Chapel area. Edith Ledee-Finnerty served as the assistant to the dean of music of Suny Purchase Conservatoy in NY from 1986-1991. Not only does she bring her educational background, but she also has produced a number of songs and over 600 poems.

Since she moved down to Tampa, she has already started a chorus called the Merry Makers. The Laker/Lutz news featured this chorus in a recent publication. All of Edith's voice students are allowed to join one of her chorus groups free of charge.

Legos have been an important part of nearly every boy in America over the last 20 years. What is it about these miniature building blocks that draw us in? Creativity! These building blocks empower children (and adults) to create anything imaginable. Recently, one of my nephews built a small scale upright piano next to a Christmas tree out of these amazing blocks.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a miniature functional piano with a moving hand built out of Legos. Take a look at the Youtube video above to see how he did it.

As a piano teacher, I know what it's like to teach for a studio and also teach private lessons out of my home. I loved having the studio take care of billing and marketing, but splitting the tuition 50/50 was hard to swallow.

About 2 years ago, my husband and I began working on the idea of a music studio that is designed to aid teachers in the billing and marketing without taking a large chunk of the income (we pay our teachers 80%). We are able to do this because we have very little overhead. Not only does the studio not own a building, but new students email and schedule directly with teachers. Not only do we take care of billing for our teachers, but our aggressive marketing helps generate new students for our teachers. In our first year of business, Jessica -- the founder and our first teacher -- went from 0 to over 25 students.

In fact, the Tampa Bay Times was so impressed with our model, they recently did an article in the Sunday paper highlighting it. You can read about that on the the Tampa Bay Times website.

Our goal is to provide an alternative model for exceptional teachers.