bookalicious-blog

Back to School with Music Education from the Royal Conservatory of Music

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 14:30:47 +0100

Sponsored by The Royal Conservatory of Music

My parents tell me I spent a great deal of my toddler years making music with wooden spoons, pots and pans. By all accounts my music appreciation started early, and by the time I was in grade one my wooden spoons were traded in for piano keys. My father has always had an appreciation for classical music. My mother was a former school teacher who used music as a teaching tool. Both of my parents recognized the developmental benefits of music lessons as part of a child’s overall education and I appreciate them for acting on this knowledge. My parents sought out a music teacher who could help me channel my musical energy and hone my piano playing skills. They found Dr. Frazer who was an accomplished piano instructor with The Royal Conservatory of Music.

The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, teacher certification, and arts-based social programs. The mission of The Royal Conservatory – to develop human potential through leadership in music and the arts – is based on the conviction that the arts are humanity's greatest means to achieve personal growth and social cohesion. Advancing the transformative effect that music and the arts have on society lies at the heart of everything The Royal Conservatory does.

My weekly lessons with Dr. Frazer concentrated on learning classical music compositions. My 5 years of piano instruction included daily home practice, weekly in studio lessons, recitals and competitions. Over the years I benefited greatly from my music education and related piano lesson experiences. My music lessons helped me to gain confidence and pride through participation in recitals and competitions. My daily piano practices, weekly lessons, and music studies developed a skill set that led me to become a more efficient and dedicated student in the elementary and secondary classrooms.

To find out where you can locate a private music instructor for your child please visit the Royal Conservatory of Music’s online National Music Teacher Directory.

Music lessons provide many benefits to children, and enhance the areas of intellectual, social, and creative potential. The benefits of music education include improved language abilities, and an increase in the areas of emotional resilience, empathy, attention span, focus, and self-confidence. Music education has also been linked to a higher IQ and academic performance.

Learn more about the benefits of music education from The Royal Conservatory of Music’s study, “The Benefits of Music Education: An Overview of Neuroscience Research”.

Finding a qualified music instructor can be a daunting task when you’re considering music lessons for your child. If you’re wondering where to start your search The Royal Conservatory of Music can assist you with a list of RCM certified instructors in their National Music Teacher Directory. I urge you to encourage your child’s musical side and find a music teacher to help bring out the best of your child’s musical ability and expand their education to include music appreciation.

Check out The Royal Conservatory of Music for more information and visit their National Music Teacher Directory to locate instructors available in your area.
Follow @the_rcm and the #MusicIsaMindBulider hashtag on Twitter and connect with The Royal Conservatory on Facebook.

Main image © Can Stock Photo Inc. / balaikin

Q&A With 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie' Author Kimberley Nadine Knights Plus International Giveaway

Tue, 24 May 2016 17:51:39 +0100

Q & A and International Giveaway featuring a limited edition 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie' Tote Bag + $25. Amazon Gift Card

‘The CilantroIn Apple Pie’ by Kimberley Nadine Knights
Publication date: May 5th, 2016
Ravenswood Publishing: Howling Wolf Imprint
Genre: YA/New Adult Contemporary
Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 978-0692657027

Read the book blurb for 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie', watch the official book trailer movie, and visit the Author Kimberley Nadine Knights website for more details on the novel.

1. ‘The Cilantro In Apple Pie’ is an intriguing title. How did you come up with the name for your YA novel?

It’s all about contrasting personalities that click the same way contrasting flavors work well together (sweet & sour chicken, cardamom chocolate or sea salt ice-cream). I’ve never actually tried cilantro in apple pie, but who knows. It may be a culinary breakthrough!

2. If 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie' was made into a movie who would you like to play the roles of Rubie and Gil?

Very good question. For Rubie I would cast Nathalie Kelley. She would be the ideal Rubie.

For Gil? Cillian Murphy. He has that slightly creepy, stoic face with the brilliant blue eyes.

3. Staying with the movie theme, what artists or bands would you like to provide the soundtrack for 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie'?

Definitely these artists:
CHVRCHES

ED SHEERAN

KINGS OF LEON

MACHEL MONTANO



TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

4. Did your world travels inspire you to write the novel?

The people I met inspired my novel because it was a new experience for me. I covered Sweden, Estonia, Russia, Finland, France, Denmark, Alaska, Scotland, England and US cities, New York, Miami and Seattle. Each country was an eye opening and memorable time.

5. Since this novel is part 1 of a 3 part series, where can the reader expect to see Rubie and Gil going and growing in book 2 and 3?

I can't give away too much because then why would you buy the books lol. But all I can say is that their bond will continue to grow in numerous ways. :)

BUY THE BOOK

'The Cilantro In Apple Pie' is available in paperback and digital format from these book retailers:
Paperback
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
iBooks

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

Check out the exclusive Bookalicious international giveaway featuring a limited edition 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie' tote bag plus a $25. Amazon gift card!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Check out the Author Kimberley Nadine Knights website

Watch the official book trailer video for "The Cilantro In Apple Pie'

TWITTER: follow @Knightsley and the team #AuthorChestBump hashtag

FACEBOOK: like the Author Kimberley Nadine Knights Page

GOODREADS AUTHOR: follow Author Kimberley Nadine Knights
GOODREADS BOOK: add 'The Cilantro In Apple Pie' to your to-read list

Nathalie Kelley image credit: Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift
Cillian Murphy image credit: dailymakeover.com

Giveaway: Pair of Passes to Toronto's Green Living Show 2016

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 15:49:48 +0100

The Green Living Show is celebrating 10 years as Toronto's premier eco and healthy lifestyle event and this year they are boasting the biggest and best show to date! At the Green Living Show attendees can find the latest in sustainable products and healthy lifestyle options from a variety of exhibitors. I'm always open to learning about new ways to keep me and my family healthy and happy without compromising the health of our planet in the process. What about you?

The Green Living Show will be open to the public from April 15 - 17 at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. You can check out the main stage for the lineup of stellar speakers like nutritionist and author Julie Daniluk, visit the interesting and creative wares featured at the many booths such as My Color By Amber, and enjoy delicious fare from the fabulous food vendors like celebrity Chef Rodney Bowers from the Marilyn Denis Show. Eco auto fans will get an up close and personal look at the 2016 Canadian Green Car Award's 6 finalists and the winner on display at the Green Living Show. Visit EnviroDad.com to learn more about the Canadian Green Car Award initiative and judging process.

GIVEAWAY

Bookalicious is giving away a pair of passes to the Green Living Show 2016 courtesy of Green Living Enterprizes! Enter HERE for tickets for you and a friend to attend the event from April 15th - April 17th, 2016.

Get social with the Green Living Show and event attendees using the hashtag #GLS2016 and connecting with Green Living Page on Facebook, @GreenLivingPage on Twitter, @GreenLivingPage on Instagram, and Green Living Page on Pinterest. On Friday afternoon I plan to take in some presentations and check out as many booths as I possibly can. I hope you will take the opportunity to attend the Green Living Show as well!

CBC Books Canada Reads 2016 Shortlist

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:55:18 +0100

Heads up #CanLit fans! There’s 5 books flying your way and they’re all vying for top position on your TBR pile! The Canada Reads 2016 shortlist contenders and their defenders have been announced. The 5 books picked from the Canada Reads 2016 longlist of 15 are:







Starting on Monday, March 21st you can tune in to Canada Read s events watching live online, listen to the radio broadcast or check out the podcasts on CBC Radio. Gill Deacon is replacing host Wab Kinew who had to bow out due to his recent decision to enter politics.

I'm pleased to see "The Illegal" on the list but I haven't read the other 4 books. If I only have the time to read one, which book should I choose? Maybe the video below will help me make that decision. Check out CBC Radio Q's video reveal of the shortlist contenders and defenders and read on to find out how you can get tickets to a live Canada Reads taping!

The Canada Reads debates will take place from March 21 - 24, 2016. This battle of the books promises to be extra entertaining with the addition of social media panellist, Azita Ardakani founder of Lovesocial. Check out the Canada Reads writeup on CBC Books for more info on the books and their presenters. If you wish to attend a Canada Reads 2016 live taping in Toronto you can get a free ticket or 2 via EventBrite. I plan to attend the March 22nd Canada Reads taping and will update this post with some insider info!

Main image credit: cbcbooks.ca

CBC Books Canada Reads 2016 Longlist

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:12:44 +0100

It's that time of the year #CanLit book lovers! Yes, it's the release of the Canada Reads 2016 Longlist and wow, what a fine list of 15 contenders it is! This year the Canada Reads theme is "starting over", featuring stories surrounding change, transformation, and second chances. I'm pleased to see a few of my faves making their way to the top of the pile: "The Illegal", "All The Broken Things", "Sweetland", and "Station Eleven". I'm sure all 15 titles on the longlist are worth a read which is part of the reason why my to-read list keeps growing!

Last year I attended a live tv taping of a Canada Reads debate from the CBC broadcast building and I'm pleased to see Wab Kinew is back as the #CanadaReads host this year. I found his pensive nature brought some balance to the discussion table of earnest celebrity book defenders. I'm looking forward to following the Canada Reads 2016 "battle of the books" to see the 5 finalists and panellists picked for the shortlist on January 20th and eventually, the winning book to take the Canada Reads 2016 title on March 24th!

What books have you read or plan to read from the Canada Reads 2016 longlist? For more details click the books below and share your thoughts in the comments section to let me know!






Canada Reads Longlist image credit: CBC Books @cbcbooks

It's Giller Time!

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 03:56:46 +0100

SCOTIABANK GILLER PRIZE WINNER UPDATE

Congrats go out to André Alexis on his Giller Prize win!

The 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize celebrates Canada's best fiction with $100K up for grabs! The great Giller gala goes down in Toronto on November 10th with a CBC broadcast at 9:00 pm ET and hosted by the ingenious Rick Mercer! Can you tell I'm just a wee bit excited to watch and see who wins? I must say the 5 finalists are a smart looking bunch with 2 savvy short story collections and 3 intriguing novels that should be added to any #CanLit fan's reading list ASAP. I have a soft spot for short stories so ARVIDA and DAYDREAMS OF ANGELS already made it to my Kobo. I've included a few handy dandy links below because sharing is caring and I want to spread the book love with my bookish friends. Check out the 5 finalists and the Giller videos for more info and follow the Twitter #GillerPrize social stream to see what fans are saying!
ARVIDA by Samuel Archibald, translated by Donald Winkler
DAYDREAMS OF ANGELS by Heather O'Neill
FIFTEEN DOGS by André Alexis
MARTIN JOHN by Anakana Schofield
OUTLINE by Rachel Cusk

Watch the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize CBC Broadcast to find out who will win the coveted $100K Giller Prize.

Check out the Giller finalists talking adaptations. How would each author like to see their story come to life?

Watch the Between The Pages Livestream with the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize finalists! Skip to 11:26 to start the event.

Have you read or plan to read any of the 2015 Giller Prize shortlisted books? Do you have a favourite to win? Share your thoughts in the comments. Good luck to all the finalists!

Cookbook Review: COOKING LIKE A MASTER CHEF By Graham Elliot

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:21:43 +0100

I enjoy cracking open a brand new cookbook probably just as much as watching cooking shows, which has somehow become the default setting on my tv. Cookbooks and cooking shows inspire me to try new recipes and flavour combinations in my everyday cooking and occasional baking creations. Master Chef judge Graham Elliot's "Cooking Like A Master Chef: 100 Recipes To Make The Everyday Extraordinary" is basically the best of both foodie worlds! I'm a fan of the Master Chef and Master Chef Junior tv shows, so when Simon & Schuster Canada invited me to a cookbook event with Graham Elliot in Toronto I jumped at the chance to test out a few of his recipes ahead of time and MEET HIM IN REAL LIFE! Sorry, was I yelling? I'm still in awe that I actually met this chef extraordinare in person and I can tell you he is super friendly, wears a warm smile, and very generous with his time! He didn't even mind me staring at him like a dazed fan or that awkward time when I finally found my words and yelled goodbye to him as I was leaving the store. No, I was not being escorted out by security. Why would you even think that sort of thing? I will have you know authors and chefs happen to be my rock stars so being in a state of fandom is to be somewhat expected. Anyways, back to talking about the cookbook! I tried out a savoury meal and a dessert for good measure. Check out my take on Graham's Elliot's recipes:

Sesame Chicken Thighs With Bok Choy And Plums
Sugar Cookies

Plus a sneak peek at some delish COOKING LIKE A MASTER CHEF recipes and a COOKING LIKE A MASTER CHEF cookbook giveaway!

Bookalicious Pick 6 List - New Release Books Fall 2015

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:10:58 +0100

I'm eager to tell you about a select few new releases from last month just in case you might want to consider adding them to your to-read pile. I know, I know, you don't need more books and your book pile is already ready to topple over, wait... that’s my own story, but let’s not discuss book hoarding habits right now. Seriously though, you can never have too many books, am I right? Last month’s batch of new books made it difficult to decide on just 6 picks, but I did manage to narrow it down to the list of books featured below. If you read or plan to read any of them let me know in the comments below!

PURITY by Jonathan Franzen (Penguin Random House – Sept. 1, 2015)

UNDERMAJORDOMO MINOR by Patrick DeWitt (House of Anansi Press – Sept. 5, 2015)

WHY NOT ME? by Mindy Kaling (Penguin Random House Sept. 15, 2015)

BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR by Elizabeth Gilbert (Penguin Random House - Sept. 22, 2015)

THE HEART GOES LAST by Margaret Atwood (Penguin Random House - Sept. 29, 2015)

THE REASON YOU WALK by Wab Kinew (Penguin Random House – Sept. 29, 2015)