taps across America

https://youtube.com/shorts/Hdve0HhOTkk?feature=share

To hear Tap tap here

celebrating life

Celebrating resurrection and celebrating life. So happy and grateful to be able to play after what happened in 2019. 

https://youtu.be/HuMelmRUR3M

https://youtu.be/BPQC7Jae8c0

https://youtu.be/E_OEdF7E_RQ

https://youtu.be/izPSwHbblo0

Before they were hash tags

anybody wanna buy me a coffee?

It's been awhile since I published a blog post here. So I thought I'd share my website that I just updated today. 

On the home page you'll notice, if you read the PLEASE READ SECTION and scroll down there's a spot to click a ko-fi button. It's basically a cute way to get tips or ask for donations. 

See what you think. 

Www.johnscottmusician.com

Easter coloring

http://teachablescottstotshomeschool.blogspot.com/2022/04/easter-coloring-sheets.html

On Tour

Music for Right Now

I was sitting in church one Sunday morning, and this video came on the screens up front. The lyrics that came across the screen were awe-inspiring, but the tune really stuck in my head.

I thought, I'd share:

Let's Get Musical With JoyTunes Music App for Kids

Let’s Get Musical

Guest Post By: Yuval Kaminka, founder of JoyTunes (www.JoyTunes.com), the developers of award-winning interactive apps that help children and adults alike discover and enhance their love of music.

Eighty-five percent of the population wished they learned to play an instrument, but gave up from the frustration of learning the basics. Mastering an instrument takes time, dedication, discipline and concentration, so it’s no wonder getting a child interested in playing – and practicing – an instrument is no easy task.

This is especially true today, with seemingly unlimited distractions to take up attention spans. Learning a musical instrument is just not at the top of many children’s priority list of preferred activities. In order for a child to truly become interested in playing an instrument they need to be engaged, they need to be motivated and they need to have fun!

Not only is learning to play an instrument a rewarding experience, research from Brown University shows that children who play an instrument perform better on standardize tests and have overall higher IQ scores than their nonmusical counterparts. This is because learning music stimulates brain function used to understand math, science and engineering.

So how do you get your child excited about learning music? As a leader of mobile games designed to teach children skills that translate to real instruments, JoyTunes has 5 tips to help parents get their child interested in playing an instrument. 

1)     Pick Properly: Choosing the right instrument is perhaps the most important way of getting children interested in playing music. If possible, have your child test out a few instruments before they choose a final one. While your child may think a certain instrument looks cool, a difficult instrument might intimidate them at first, so try something more basic when first starting out.

2)     Get Involved: Be actively engaged in your child’s music lessons. Ask to hear what piece your child is working on, if they learned any new skills recently or if they know facts about the composer they are playing. Make sure they are staying committed to their practice time and reassure them that their hard work will pay off!

3)     Enroll an Expert: Choose a teacher that encourages and inspires your musician-in-training. A good music teacher will get kids even more interested in playing and practicing, as well as make sure that your child is receiving proper instruction needed to master their craft.

4)     Song Selection: Choose music that your child will enjoy playing. Yes,    the classics are vital, but let’s face it, your child would rather play the latest chart-topping pop song. The more they relate to a piece of music the more likely they will be driven to perfect playing that piece. JoyTunes’ two Piano apps, Piano Dust Buster and Piano Mania, both feature a wide variety of songs ranging from Beethoven to One Direction and everything in between.

5)     Be their Biggest Fan: Set aside special times for your child’s performances – even if it’s just for one song in the living room. Create a system of rewards to encourage your child. Anything to encourage more practicing will help your child improve his or her skills, which in turn will make them more excited to continue to learn.

Investing time and energy into your child’s music education takes time and patience but is most certainly worthwhile. Sticking to their lessons, improving their skills and mastering an instrument will be something your children will thank you for in the future. Even during the frustrating times, don’t let your child give up. Imagine if Mozart’s parents let him throw in the towel, we may have lost one of the greatest talents the world has ever known!

Let us know- How do you encourage your child to practice their instrument?

This Is Why The People Applaud

Today, January 17, is Benjamin Franklin's birthday. He w

as born in 1706 and is no longer living, but his quotes and inventions have lived on.

When you think of Ben Franklin, music may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, I love this quote that I put to an infographic meme:



So true...

Of course, as a musician/performer/entertainer, I admit that applause makes me feel good.  But, it does something more as well.

The quote is so true, that applause waits on success.

When I receive applause at the end of a show, and sometimes even a standing ovation, it humbles me yet at the same time inspires me to perform at my best because I realize for an audience to applaud means I have succeeded at making their day pleasurable, brought back happy memories, or just provided an hour or so of enjoyable music.

Creating Memorable Music: Easy Chord Patterns Don't Have to Sound Boring

A memorable song doesn't have to be complicated, but it also doesn't need to be boring.

On a positive note, if you want to play a lot of songs, learn the chords G, Em, C, and D.  If you want to add even more color to the sound, there is a different kind of G and C chord, and the C chord has a different name.  It's called Cadd9.

I lament that so many new songs are the same chord patterns, or they'll take a short 4 or 8-measure pattern and loop it through the entire song.  This is frustrating because these songs don't seem creative, memorable or long lasting.

In the '60's and '70's for instance, it seemed like many artists were, perhaps, given more freedom to experiment.  Within the same song, they used different tempos and sections.  It wasn't all the same beat throughout the entire song.  They used different recording techniques.

I have heard stories of rock bands putting amplifiers in an empty concrete swimming pool and then mic-ing it, etc.  Different sounds that were real creative.

So many new pop songs are just so bland.  It seems to be more of a dance beat than anything else.

An example of some good songs with the G, Em, C and D chord pattern are by Taylor Swift.  In my opinion, she has written some great songs by using those 4 chords and a capo.  Her songs are not boring.

Another famous example is Jason Mraz' I'm Yours, which uses essentially the same chord pattern throughout the whole song but provides a catchy lasting rhythm.

Also, a lot of amazing worship songs use these same chord patterns.

Today I Am Thankful For

Since it's November, I thought it would be good to jump on the bandwagon and begin to say what I'm thankful for.

The Bible.  That's right!  I'm thankful for the Bible.

Inside the Bible are many scriptures about giving thanks and keeping a thankful heart.

This scripture from Thessalonians, says to give thanks in EVERytHING!

OK, I admit it, I don't give thanks in EVERYTHING!  However, I have heard sermons that explain that this does not mean to give thanks FOR everything, but rather, IN everything.  So, in the midst of heartache, you keep a thankful attitude. You don't necessarily thank God for the heartache.

Instead, you keep your heart thankful and search for the good in all.

Review: 'Arts & Numbers' A Financial Guide For the Creative Class

I received a copy of this amazing book, Arts & Numbers A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Other Members of the Creative Class, by Elaine Grogan Luttrull.  I received it in exchange only for an honest review.

First, let me say that this review took longer than it should have to post for one pure reason:  I loved the book so much that I wanted to read it cover to cover before posting what I thought.  I literally had trouble putting this book down.

Why did I like it so much?

For starters, this author is the very first person ever to explain a budget for musicians and other creative entrepreneurs.

When we went through other financial courses, I have become very frustrated because all of the suggest a budget that is based on a regular paycheck where taxes are withheld automatically and there is often an option of a 401(k).  As a self-employed musician, my family never has a regular paycheck.  It fluctuates, and we are solely responsible for not only managing the irregular paycheck, but for drumming up business, filing taxes and record keeping.

This book is written in a way that is understandable for anyone who usually hates even the word "finances" and those who don't do well with numbers.

It is available on the Agate Publishing B2 Books for $16, or less in e-book form.

It is worth every penny.  It has several charts that you can use to fill in or as a guideline for making your own.

It tells the story of several fictitious artistic entrepreneurs that makes it interesting to follow and apply to your own lifestyle.  These sections are in gray boxes, so they are easy to spot.  In between are tons of charts and forms and explanations of how the creative class really can make it, and even become numbers and financial literate in the process.  At least, become competent at managing and knowing how the financial end of the business works.

The Best Shock Proof Microphone Clip

Making sure your  microphone has a solid place to rest when performing is something that should not be taken too lightly.

I ran across these lately:

Shock Proof Microphone Clip MY300 on Stage Stands Gear 25mm for Wired Mics BNIP | eBay

Clothespin Style

Sleek European Style

Have you ever used any of them?

If so, what did you think?

Were they sturdy - Or, were they as sturdy as they imply that they are?

They certainly have a nice look to them if nothing else.

Music and the Bible

Of course, in the Bible, the Book of Psalms is made up of songs of worship to God.  But, as a musician, I am fascinated with musical worship and wondered what other references to music is found in the scriptures.

I found this site that links to all of the musical references:

http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/music_references.html

One of my favorite things to do is to take scripture and turn it into a song.  One such scripture I turned into a song years ago was not found in Psalms, but in Deuteronomy.

It goes like this:

The Lord Himself goes before you
And, He will be with you.

The Lord Himself goes before you
And, He will be with you.

He will never leave you, nor forsake you.

So, do not be discouraged

For the Lord Himself goes before

The Lord Himself goes before you...

Moving the Music to an iPad

So excited!  We have moved into the new year and the new century of technology.

I no have an iPad which I plan to use to replace my mounds of music lyric and chord sheets I use when performing.

It's going to be a massive project of transferring my marked-up, highlighted lyric sheets onto the iPad.  However, once it's done it will be well worth it.

And, it will hopefully lessen how much gear I have to transport with me in one van which is filled with 3 children and my wife when I'm on tour.  Maybe my wife will actually get some foot room this next trip when our iPad transferring project is complete.

I'm hoping this streamlined, sleek way of reading music will not only look professional but save me hours of thumbing through paper.

Music Soothes The Soul and Paul McCartney

It's been a whirlwind lately playing gig after gig.  In the midst of it all I had the privilege of actually going to a concert to hear someone else play.  Guess who I got to see?  Sir Paul McCartney.

For a Beatles fan like me, this was a thrill.  The tickets were worth every penny.  All I could think throughout the show as that someone forgot to tell this man he's 70.  He looked great!  He even tripped off of the last step from the piano to grab his guitar at one point and popped back up like a dancer.

He is a true showman, and while I will never attain his claim to fame or knighthood, I have patterned myself in my performances a bit after Paul.  He inspired me even more at this concert.

I have taken my Christian Disc Jockey service and expanded it to be a mixture of a live performance with "spinning discs" which are now mostly in digital form anyway.

No, I will never be Paul McCartney.  But, a concert like the one he put on for St. Louis is not one I will ever forget.

It made me think how music soothes an aching soul.  If it is not music that also offers the life of Christ, it may be a bit of a Band Aid repair of the soul.  But, nonetheless, it soothes it if even momentarily.

I'm glad I got the chance to see Paul McCartney live in St. Louis.  And, I can only hope to pull a little of the magic of the musical night to sprinkle into my shows as well.

Planted by living water

he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands;

he meditates on his commands day and night.

He is like a tree planted by flowing streams;

I love this scripture and I love water front views.

Enjoy these refreshing pictures. I hope you find them as relaxing as I feel when I view Gods incredible creation and life giving water.

I long for my music to bring this kind of refreshment to those who listen.

Wisconsin tour pinecrest oostburg

I love taking my music on the road especially when it means cooler temps for awhile. I have three gigs today. Got started in oostburg Wisconsin. Beautiful place and scenic drive.

Onto pine crest number two and three later tonight

Offbeat Bride's Funky DIY Button and Bead Bouquet

This is so cool.  Anyone planning a wedding knows that putting a touch of yourself into it is the fun part.  From choosing just the right music to accenting with personal touches, unique choices are what you will remember from your special day.

I saw this DIY "funky button and bead bouquet" from Offbeat Bride posted online and thought it was such a unique idea.  I just had to share it.  Check out her tutorial at the link here:

DIY your own funky button and bead bouquet | Offbeat Bride

I can't wait to see what other brides do with this.  Please post a pic on my facebook page of how your bouquet turns out.

What are You to God?

For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 14:2


Isn't that scripture amazing?  Me?  You?  God has chosen us to be His treasure.  I cannot fathom that a God, who I believe, created the universe would want me as his treasured possession.  This is truly amazing news.  It adds value to everything I do, and it propels me to desire to cleanse my every action and my every thought to make it pure and holy.


Pure and holy!  What is that in a world where people fight over whether or not particular scriptures are even truth or fantasy.


Regardless, I desire to live my live in a way that one day can be tested as if it is gold, run through a fire of purification, found only to be pure and more than simply glitter.


In my work and in my entertaining of audiences, I long to keep it pure.  I want God to look at how I touch the hearts of others and smile, valuing me and my work as his treasured possession.  When I sing and play guitar and saxophone before those in an Altzheimer's unit or those celebrating a wedding, I want everyone within earshot to leave the event filled with more than musical notes floating through the air.

I matter to God, you matter to God.  We are his treasured possessions.  If, when I close my guitar case at the end of a show, I know my God is smiling on me, then I have done my job well.