Thought Bubble: Susan Reed's Blog

Apparently I can’t get enough… I started the charango this week- a ten stringed Andean folk instrument. I was attracted to it because of its creation story- a Bolivian folk tale. It’s haunting, compelling, and deep.

Right now I’m learning the instrument. My plan is to tell the story then follow it directly with a tune on the charango. Music and stories, they go together. The tune gives you time to absorb the story.

I’ve got my first tune picked out and- I’ve got it down. Heh. Alturas- it fits the bill. Find me this summer and I’ll tell you a new tale…

Tatu Mianzi has been busy. We’ve had lots of concerts, we’re learning lots of new tunes, and we’ve gone electric. Loving it.

As a family trio, we draw audiences of all ages. Our recent discovery is that our strongest presentation as a trio is to open the floor up for questions throughout the show. People are curious as to how we came to be, and how we rehearse? The younger kids are fascinated by how the instruments work and how old the girls were when they started their instruments? This has led us to presenting very personal concerts, and we all benefit- audience and performer.

Our newest show is titled, “And the Whole World Danced!” and is a collection of dance music from all around the world. We explore how different cultures integrate dance into their lives and present many styles of dance music. Everyone can relate to this show. Who doesn’t like to cut a rug?

Check out tatumianzi.com and see if we’re performing nearby anytime soon. If so, come to a show! We’d love to see you.

I’m teaching a new improv workshop these days called Keys to the Castle. I often present it with the help of Tatu Mianzi, our family trio.

As classical musicians, we spend hours and hours, years and years working on how to play our instruments well. Let’s not forget to enjoy how far we’ve come- let’s have some unbridled, in the moment fun with our instruments! This workshop is designed to explore various playing styles, from fiddle to jazz, and explore music that speaks to you, the artist.

Here’s what I’m finding: pre-teens want to fiddle, teens want to play music off the radio… and everybody loves improv. You know, once they get over the initial shock that “there is no music.”

If you see an advertisement for Keys to the Castle, sign up! We’re having loads of fun, and waiting for YOU to join us.

See you soon!

Each year we go to the beach and watch the New Year’s sunrise- that’s how Earth Song got written. My daughter, Allie, wrote me a poem about it this year. I’m a lucky mom. Happy New Year!

I just finished editing a video clip for the Suzuki Association of the Americas Parents as Partners Project. It’s my iMovie debut. The girls and I presented Tatu Mianzi and the Teen Beat. Teens and chamber music, they go together.

The video came out well. I’m thrilled to have the footage of my girls at this age and stage. It’s six minutes long, some talking and some playing in lots of different styles. My goal was to give parents a road map to setting up their own teen chamber group. Road maps are good… and chamber music is good… so good for teens.

The video will air on the SAA website sometime in late January or February. I’ll keep you posted.

I wrote a new essay this week- or at least I got it started. I’m a woman of many drafts…

All of my writing comes out of my life experiences. It’s like I’m viewing my life through a crystal. When I look through a different facet of that crystal there are more or more stories hiding in there. I wrote a story about my own life this week, but I also know there are new folk tales in there too. I know this because I’m starting to get hung up on a universal human flaw, and that’s when the stories start to form.

I’m thinking about pride, the dark side of human pride that keeps us from reaching out for help. I’m concerned about our world community, be it the Japan nuclear crisis, global warming, or aspects of the Occupy movement. I think a story about pride is on its way…

As classical musicians, we spend years developing our note reading skills. It’s ironic that in the end we would always prefer to perform without music, whenever possible. Music gets in the way, especially that big black music stand plunked right down between you and your audience. Yuk. From the audience’s perspective- who wants to watch someone “reading” on stage?

Tatu Mianzi, our family chamber group, has been working to learn tunes completely “off” the page. No music. We learn all the parts by ear, then make a plan as to who plays what, and when. We spend time exploring many different artists and interpretations.

We really listen…

… and when we play together, it sounds different. I can literally hear the difference with pieces we use music for and pieces we don’t. The tunes without music sound free. As a group we instinctually respond to each other in bringing out the melody. Our notes have more shading. We breathe together, naturally.

The music we make- it’s organic.

We are just beginning this intensified “learn by ear” process as a group. It’s really exciting. Stay tuned for further discoveries.

Hi Folks,

Thank you to all who have purchased Susan Reed books and CD’s for the holidays. Your 10% donation to Heifer International is greatly appreciated.

Update- we almost have enough to buy a goat. Yea! Keep at it! Spread the word! We’re going for the whole cow!!!!!

MOO!!!! Starting this November through New Years, 10% of all book an CD sales bought via susanreed.com will go directly to support Heifer International, helping to change the lives of families in need.



Download this pdf for more information… Heifer 2011- Final …or just start shopping.
Shop! Shop! Shop! Go team, go! Stay tuned for updates. 

Discovery comes when you least expect it.

In my music room, I leave all my instruments out, all the time. Often I’ll just grab one and noodle for a few seconds, or a few minutes. This morning I reached for my violin and started chopping my way into a blues progression. I had loosened my bow the night before, forgot to tighten it before I began, but I was already playing. Who can stop?

“Hmmm,” I thought, “Chopping is much easier today.” Aha! A looser bow definitely helps a chop get chopping!

Discoveries. Keep ‘em coming.