For your musical enjoyment, may I suggest...

Ah: the end of another week. So hard to believe that September is nearly gone and October is right around the corner! 

I decided to devote this blog to suggestions of music, for your enjoyment. Anyone who knows me is aware that I literally live and breath music. Well, it's true! I love it. :) 

So- if you enjoy music, and are tired of listening to the same thing over and over, here are some of my favorites that I frequently recommend to people. (especially light classical and easy listening.)

Spotify:  Free internet download (you have to have Facebook to get it), and allows you to listen to unlimited (with commercials) music. You can find virtually any artist or album by just typing it in the 'search' box. It's great!

Pandora Radio: Make an easy free account by simply using your email address, and create free online radio stations based on your favorite songs, albums, or artists. I listen all the time! 

Now, for a few musical recommendations: 

Andre' Rieu- Violinist from the Netherlands. His live DVD's are not only filled with beautiful music, but are also quite funny and very entertaining. My students (and I) love him! He plays music varying from light classical to Movie classics (Moon River, etc.). It's great relaxing music, and there are several of his albums on Spotify as well as Pandora. A few of my favorite albums: Romantic Moments, Dreaming, Homecoming, At the Movies, and Greatest Hits.

Canadian Tenors- Terrific guys vocal group; they sing light pop/classical. Really love their sound! On Spotify as well as Pandora. 

Straight No Chaser- 10-men from Indiana who sing amazing! I especially love their holiday/Christmas stuff. Check it out- it's phenomenal! 

Julie Andrews- No introduction needed. She's my favorite female vocalist of the light classical/Broadway genre, and is truly a legend. Her Christmas albums are especially beautiful, if you're not a fan of Broadway music. Pandora and Spotify.

101 Strings Orchestra- Really enjoyable, beautifully played light classical/easy listening orchestral favorites. Love them! Pandora and Spotify- and most libraries. Amazon has free downloads, sometimes.

Phil Coulter- Irish pianist who often collaborates with famous flutist Sir James Galway. His albums Celtic Horizons, The Celtic Minstrel, Winter Crossing, and Highland Cathedral combine piano light-classical feel with celtic-easy listening. Sounds strange, but it's beautiful. Check it out!

Jim Brickman- Pianist. I don't like all of his songs because they tend to be repetitive, but his Disney album is quite nice, as well as Picture This and his Christmas album, Joy is a favorite. His pandora station is my favorite! Really nice studying music, or anytime music. 

Mantivani Orchestra- Great easy-listening orchestral music. Everything they do is extraordinary and beautiful. See what you think! 

Secret Garden- European violinist/pianist husband/wife team. Their music has a beautiful instrumental (and some vocal) feel, and is extremely relaxing. He actually wrote the famous song "You Raise Me Up," as well as most of the songs on all their albums. Earthsongs is one of my favorite albums. Check it out on Pandora or Spotify! 

Kenny G- Goes without saying, he is one of my favorites! His Christmas music permeates our house year-round! Miracles, Faith, Greatest Christmas, and everything else is a favorite. My favorite non-Christmasy album is Classics in the Key of G. It's a balance between light jazz and easy listening.

Yiruma- An Oriental pianist with a unique playing style. I really enjoy the Yiruma station on Pandora; it's very relaxing and beautiful!

James Todd- A cellist who truly plays from the heart. I really enjoy his cd's! They are beautiful. Pandora station is nice, too. Check out the album "Forrest Cello." 

I hope you check out a few of my recommendations and let me know what you think!

To close this blog post, here is a video of a legend and fantastic singer- Andy Williams. The world of music is richer because of him, and he will be missed! Moon River is one of my favorite songs. Enjoy! 

Another favorite- Autumn Leaves, also by Andy Williams. 

Recipe for Apple Spice Bars coming soon to the blog...a Fall tradition in my house! 

Have a lovely September Weekend...