"Honor Those Who Made A Difference in Your Life" by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM

When did you last say thank you to a friend, teacher, coach, mentor, parent, or another relative? It’s never to late to say thank you and show some gratitude.

Zig Ziglar said, “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more things you’ll have to express gratitude for.” He also said, “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.”

As a new high school violin student in the 11^th grade, arriving in the second semester at the North Carolina School of the Arts, NCSA, in Winston-Salem, I attended my first music theory class on my first day of school. The teacher said to me, “There is no way you will pass my class!” After classes that day, I was quite depressed and went back to the dorm. That was the day I met my neighbor, Lois Artis, a wonderful trombonist, marvelous academic student, with a positive motivating attitude, always willing to help others. We talked for a few minutes and I told her what the teacher had said to me. Lois replied, “I will help you and you will do well in her music theory class.”

Lois patiently helped me understand the material, while doing laundry, so that I did well in the class! She knew, even at that young age, how to “lift” others up to realize their potential. She was a leader even in high school and understood how to develop a team.  I will forever be grateful for her help.

In Mr. S’s English class in high school at NCSA, I met Bruce Lemerise, a terrific artist, and illustrator, with a brilliant mind. We enjoyed discussing the assigned books and plays by Shakespeare that we read for class and our collaboration produced the top grades in this class.

We would discuss the psychological dimensions of the characters and write thoughtful papers on our discussions. Bruce went on to study art in New York City and I went on to the Juilliard School and we continued our friendship and our discussions on books, art, music, and the theater.

When I played my graduate recitals at Juilliard, Bruce said, “How you walk on and off stage is really important.” So he made sure I practiced walking on and off the stage with my shoulders back and my head held high and balanced on my spine walking with my viola and my music. He also had a friend who did stage makeup show me how I should properly make up for the stage. Bruce knew how important first impressions were and wanted me to make a great one.

Bruce later worked as an illustrator/artist for Pepperidge Farm, Nestlé’s, Ogilvy & Mather, Avon, Durkee Spices, MGM/UA, Western Publishing, Woman’s Day, Ogilvy & Mather, Country Time Lemonade, and other companies. He did Broadway posters, and greeting cards.

Bruce Lemerise also wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “Sheldon’s Lunch” dedicated to his mother, Marie Lemerise. He illustrated A Golden Book, “Can I Get There From My Room?” and “The Big Little Golden Book of Funny Poems”. Bruce sent copies of these books for my children to enjoy.

In 1988, Bruce Lemerise died. He was a wonderful person who cared about his family, his friends and loved to draw and do illustrations. I think of him often and am so grateful that he was my friend.

As a student at the Juilliard School in New York City, I met Karen Iannotti, a remarkably gifted pianist. She was a beautiful young women, inside and out, with a warm personality always willing to help others. We lived at the Coliseum House in New York City on 228 West 71^th street. We were neighbors and became good friends and enjoyed playing concerts together.

A writer friend of ours had written a one act play which he premiered at Sardis in New York City for backers and Karen and I played the background music for the play. One of the pieces was “Saber Dance” by Khachaturian which Karen and I wrote a marvelous arrangement for viola and piano. We had a wonderful time making music together and helping out our writer friend with his successful “One Act” play.

Karen Iannotti performed at Carnegie Hall in 1979 in a piano concert sponsored by Carnegie Hall, Inc. to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the birth of composer/pianist Louis Gottschalk. She also performed as a guest artist/pianist for the opening of the workshop and executive offices for Jim Henson Associates, “Moppet Show”. She was also the Musical Director and pianist for the “Bel Canto Opera Company” of New York City’s production” of  “Prince Igor” by Borodin. During this time she taught many students and they learned the joy of playing the piano.

Karen was a well-known accompanist for singers in Sara Lee’s Studio in New York City. When I wanted to study singing she suggested, “Study with Ms. Lee she’s the best voice teacher in New York City.  She taught Todd Duncan who sang Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”.” Karen played for my lessons with Ms. Lee. We had a terrific time. In 1983, Karen Iannotti passed away. She brought such joy to her family, friends, relatives, and students, by her warm caring personality and her beautiful piano playing. She was one of the finest people I have ever known and I like to think she’s up there playing piano for the angels.

  

So what are the 3 things you can do to say thank you to the friends, teachers, coach’s, mentors, parents, or relatives who have helped you?

1) Start your day by remembering and writing down the people who have made a difference in your life. Write them a note or call and thank them. Think of one person who has made a positive impact on your life and do something nice for them. 

2) Honor a special person in your life on a weekly basis by acts of kindness to others.

3) Think of the people who have made a difference in your life and honor them in some way by sharing your appreciation by random acts of kindness to others.

"Of all the “attitudes” we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life changing."~Zig Ziglar

So start a notebook today and enter the names of your teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who have made a difference in your life and do something nice for them. Don’t wait. Do it now, before it’s too late!

Remember what Zig Ziglar said, “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more things you’ll have to express gratitude for.”

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM, John Maxwell Team Member, and Certified World Class Speaking Coach is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips Blog" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" available in print or as an e-book.

To contact Madeline for your next speaking engagement: mfrankviola@gmail.com

"In Step Teamwork" by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM

Andrew Carnegie said, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” Are you getting the most out of your team? Does each person on your team work well together?

How would you like to see an example of teamwork at its very best? If you were with me, as an audience member, during the live broadcast from Russia of the Bolshoi Ballet and Orchestra’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” at the AMC Theater, you would have seen the very finest example of teamwork in the world.

In the first scene the audience was transported to the Masked Ball in Verona, Italy where Romeo, Alexander Volchkov, a handsome young man and Juliet, Anna Nikulina, a beautiful young woman meet for the very first time and dance together at the ball. The couple were smiling and danced together with energy, enthusiasm and joy. When Romeo lifts Juliet in the air you felt her trust and passion for Romeo. She knew she could rely on Romeo to catch her. Their timing was impeccable.  It was as if they had been dancing together forever.

During this scene the Corps de Ballet, all handsome and beautiful dancers were smiling at their partners as they danced as couples with energy, commitment, and enthusiasm with impeccable timing.

Every gesture and movement of the solo dancers and the Bolshoi Corps de Ballet was done as a team with enthusiasm, conviction, and commitment. Each member knew their part, encouraging and supporting the other, and could be relied on to catch the other in a jump or any movement.  It was poetry in motion. A dialogue of dancing with gestures and facial expressions, without words.  

The audience witnesses the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet and their secret wedding with Friar Lawrence marrying them. The soloists and the Bolshoi Corps de ballet worked together as a team with the step-by-step choreography of Yuri Grigorovich from the original music score of Sergei Prokofiev's 1978 production.

During the intermission the audience was invited back stage to watch the soloists and Corps de ballet, dancers, practicing the sword fight scene and other parts of the ballet with their partners. Dancers were working together as a team concentrating on making each movement together so it was seamless. Dancers practiced with energy, enthusiasm and joy dancing together with their teammates. Their movements were fluid, in perfect rhythm and harmony. These are athletes of the highest caliber who enjoy their work.

The audience also saw during the intermission, the orchestra members practicing their parts with joy and enthusiasm. We heard orchestra sections practicing together and principle players playing their solos. Each musician was concentrating and working to do their very best work with their team members to make this “Romeo and Juliet” production special.

Throughout the entire ballet , each member of the ballet company worked as a team member and knew their part. Precision was in every scene including when Juliet takes the elixir to put her to sleep and the scene when Romeo thinks she is dead and takes poison to join her.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of playing in the viola section with the Bolshoi Ballet’s Orchestra when they came to play at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. They were a joy to work with as the Bolshoi musicians and dancers loved working together as a team to make the “Romeo and Juliet” Prokofiev production memorable , special, fresh and new for the audience.

What are the three lessons on teamwork you can learn from the Bolshoi Ballet’s production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”?

    1)  As a team have a clear vision and picture of what you want each member of your team to do and have a step-by-step plan to do it. Soloists and the Bolshoi Corps de ballet worked together as a team with the step-by-step choreography of Yuri Grigorovich from the original Sergei Prokofiev’s production of 1978. The orchestra also worked as a team with its Conductor Andrey Anikhanov, Concertmaster, and other principal players of each section of the orchestra working together with a clear big picture of how they wanted to play for their dancers.

    2)   Each member of the team has a job they are expert at doing, they know their jobs well, and they work with their teammates joyfully with precision.

    3)  Each team member can be depended on, is committed to doing their best, is encouraging, works with energy and enthusiasm to support their team members to reach their goals.

So, remember to choose the members of your team wisely, make sure they are experts and enjoy working with your other team members. Make sure everyone on the team understands your organization’s vision and has a picture of what you want your goal or dream to look like. And also have a step- by- step plan of action  just like Yuri Grigorovich and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Zig Ziglar said it best, “You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM, John Maxwell Team Member, and Certified World Class Speaking Coach is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips Blog" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" available in print or as an e-book.

To contact Madeline for your next speaking engagement: mfrankviola@gmail.com

A Classical Deterrent to Criminal Activity by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM

What is one method that has been so very effective in stopping crime? What’s the key to unlocking the potential of today’s youth? 

Enza Ferreri wrote “Why criminals are afraid of Classical Music” that 7- Eleven stores in Canada, companies such as McDonald’s, shopping malls, transport authorities, and Co-ops around the world are playing “classical music to drive away teenagers who were loitering outside their stores.”

Jessica Duchen in her article “Mind the Bach: Classical Music on the Underground” said, “TfL did a survey of 700 commuters, “they overwhelmingly agreed that hearing classical music made them feel happy, less stressed and relaxed”.

Ms. Duchen also said in London,“Classical music has been part of Vauxhall station’s way of life for some time now, … to reduce crime and antisocial behavior by piping such music through stations has been so effective that it has been extended to ..locations across the network.”

I taught classes in a “Summer Intervention Program” for students, with potential who had made bad choices. I asked these 80 middle school and high school students the following question:

“How does listening to Rap music make you feel?”

A teacher in the classes stood up and said, “Tell her the truth!”

Then the students in the class said, “It made me angry!”

“It stresses me out!” “It made me unhappy!”

Some students had a lack of interest or concern and said, “I don’t care!”

During the classes I played excerpts on my viola from classical music and ask them, “Have you heard this piece before?

For example: When I played “The Lone Ranger Theme from the William Tell Overture” by Rossini, members of the class raised their hands and said, “They had heard this piece while watching cartoons.”

After they responded, I would then ask them, “Did you like the music?” The responses depended on whether they had heard the piece before.

“All the students liked Rossini’s “Lone Ranger theme”.

Each piece selected was played before re-telling the story of Alicia Keys, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Louie Armstrong, and others, who are such excellent role models for the students. The classical piece that I played was a favorite of each.

By the time the classes ended the students were smiling and getting ready to take their first step forward. Each student was full of hope for their future, armed with a Mozart or Bach CD, and a tool kit including my “Ten Secrets to Make Middle School and High School Students Smarter”. I asked each of the students to circle number 10 which said, “Dr. Frank asks her children to remember one thing “If I take this action will it make me proud?”

Student Homework after “Summer Intervention Program”:

Students were to put on their CDs in the background while doing their homework, while relaxing, working, or exercising for 30 minutes.

What does listening to classical music do for students?

The classical music relaxes its listeners, calms them down, and helps them to concentrate and think clearly by organizing and exercising their brains with this complex mathematical rhythm.

What does listening to violent Rap and Hip-hop music do to young people?

Because of the relentless beat and offending lyrics of Rap and Hip hop music young people become angry, stressed out, unhappy and no longer think clearly. This is when they get into trouble.

Evidence on listening to violent Rap music:

Harry Smith reported on Friday, Jan 18, 2008, on CBS’ The Early Show the first documented evidence of a young women, Stacy Gayle, 25, from Alberta, Canada having had as many “as 10 grand mal seizures a day” triggered by listening to rap music. She began listening to this violent Rap music when she was 21. The medication to prevent her seizures could not control them.

The seizures “became so bad she had to quit her job at a bank”.

She finally realized the rap music she was listening to  was triggering the seizures on July 2006 . The doctors at first “did not believe that a rap song could induce an attack so Gayle proved it. At the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Stacy had a video EEG” that showed she had “three seizures” triggered by listening to the rap song by Sean Paul “on her iPod”.

Medical Evidence:

Dr. Louis B. Cady, Psychiatrist and former concert pianist states: “Heavy metal rock music, the even more potent acid rock, and gangsta rap have insidious and devastating effect on the minds of young people. Most people don’t realize that youngster’s brains are growing and developing until they are at least twenty-one years old.”

“When kids and teens subject themselves to a constant “mental diet” of suggestions that sex, drugs, and criminal activities are not only acceptable but even desirable, they are actually accomplishing a sort of “self- brainwashing” where they begin to feel that even thoughts and feelings expressed in the lyrics of the music which they might initially not consciously believe begin to become the accepted way of thinking.”

Contrast this to classical music, which relaxes its listeners, calms them down, and helps them to think clearly by organizing and exercising their brains with this complex mathematical rhythm.

What are the three benefits of playing classical  music to deter crime at your business?

1  1)   Classical music relaxes its listeners, calms them down, helps them to think clearly, and concentrate better. Psychologist Dr. Raymond Macdonald of Glasgow’s Caledonian University says, “When you look at brain scans of people listening to complex music the whole brain lights up like a Christmas tree.”

    2) Dr. Oliver Sacks, Professor of Clinical Neurology at Albert  Einstein College of Medicine, author of “Awakenings”, says classical music “has the power to organize” the brain.

    3)  Just as we do exercise for the body, classical music with its complex rhythms, mathematics, exercises the brain. The more complex the rhythm the better it is. Dr. Mike Lowis of Saga Health News says “In order to activate both sides of the brain, music needs to be complex.”

So if you are having criminal behavior outside your store try playing classical music to deter it and if you want to heal faster, concentrate better put on your classical music too!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM, John Maxwell Team Member, and Certified World Class Speaking Coach is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Businesses”. Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter “Madeline’s Monthly Article & Musical Tips Blog” and a monthly radio show “Madeline’s One Minute Musical Radio Show”. She has just published her new book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” available in print or as an e-book.

To contact Madeline for your next speaking engagement: mfrankviola@gmail.com

Emergency Driving Reminders: New Year’s Goal by Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM

You are in your car and it suddenly dies on a highway. Do you know what button to push in your car in an emergency? Is your car ready for a winter snowstorm? Have you decided on your "one" goal for the New Year?

Recently my almost 13-year-old car, “Little Red” died in the middle of the highway in rush hour traffic in early evening while the sun was still out. When Little Red suddenly went from the speed limit to 0, I immediately put my finger on the emergency blinker lights.

Cars were zooming around me at top speeds. I quickly called the Automobile Club on my cell phone and looked up my location on my I-pad to tell them what roads I was near so they could send a tow truck. I explained where I was and that I needed immediate assistance because of “Little Red” being dead in the middle of the highway.

As I was speaking to the Auto Club, a policeman knocked on my window and asked, “Why did you stop your car in the middle of the highway?”

I explained, “My car’s died.” 

He said. “Put the car in neutral and try it again!”   I did and it was still dead.

 He said, “You can’t stay here. Let me push the car to the right side of the high way. And he did!

Shortly after that the tow truck from the Auto Club arrived to tow “Little Red” to the dealer.

Thank heavens I remembered to push the emergency blinker lights “button”. It saved my life and all the other drivers speeding around me. The policeman was a wonderful person for helping to move “Little Red” out of the center of the highway.

I was thinking, “What if my car had broken down in a snow storm? What should you always keep in your car for all emergencies?

Experts say in addition to a full tank of gas, you should include the following in your Emergency Road Pack:

·      *Charged Cell phone: Cell charger

·      *Scraper with small broom

·     * Flash light with extra batteries

·    *  First aid kit

·      *Necessary medicine 

·     * Extra clothes, blankets, extra socks, gloves, hats, scarves

·      *Bottled water, snack food including energy bars, raisins, candy bars

·      *Road salt, Sand or Cat litter, (for extra traction), shovel

·      *Emergency flares and reflectors,

·      *Whistle

·      *Wind up radio

·      *Booster cables

·      *Emergency tire sealant

Now you know what you must have in your Emergency Road Pack in case of a snowstorm. You also know what "button" to push if your vehicle dies on the highway.

Have you finally decided on that "one thing" you want to accomplish as your goal for this New Year?

It is never to late to set your "one" goal!

Write your goal down; write down your plan of how you are going to accomplish it, and a date by which you plan to reach that "one" goal. Place that sheet in front of your computer where you can see it every day so that you can reach for that one goal.

I've decided my goal is to buy a new car that will last more than 13 years. I've already started looking for it and saving for it. I should have it in 5 months by May 1st at the latest!

So what's your goal and what date do you plan on reaching it? Get started today!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM, John Maxwell Team Member, and Certified World Class Speaking Coach is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips Blog" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" available in print or as an e-book.

To contact Madeline for your speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com

www.madelinefrank.com