Leah’s Blog
Breathe, and then let’s learn something together. I’m a music educator, sound healer, immigrant, and mother to an autistic child. If you like what you read, consider joining our mailing list. Click this link.
Earworm – The benefits of singing a song on repeat
Your brain likes predictability and self-soothing. And the brain loves melody and repetition. So when you sing or repeat in your mind a snippet of a song over and over it is super soothing. You can reverse engineer this to purposely sing a simple melody with a positive message when you are struggling and your brain isn’t coping. You can move the energy because emotion is just energy in motion. Move your body and let that song flow through you. Whistle a tune and sing out loud and share your voice.
Calming with the wind: music as a healing tool
https://youtube.com/shorts/H9tRA08whdc?feature=share Yoik of the Wind by Sofia Jannok, Sung by Leah Irby A bird knocking on my door I was sitting in my favorite recliner chair in the living room, gathering my thoughts for the day, when I heard what sounded like a...
Video Exchange or Online Sessions: Violin/Viola Lessons, Creativity Coaching
Different ways to access music lessons and creativity coaching when you don't live in my town (Herräng/Hallstavik Sweden). 30-minute sessions cost $45 USD (425 SEK) When you contact me via the website contact form, we can schedule a time to either A) Meet via Zoom...
4 Myths about transgender and nonbinary preschool children
(And how to show support for your young child if you think they are trans or non-binary.) Has your child started to tell you that they are a different gender than you thought? Or has your child asked to use a different pronoun than what you have been using or...
Set boundaries with kids without the word “No”
When a child is naturally curious and wants to do all sorts of interesting things, can you find a way to stop them without using the word "No"? When you start by yelling at your child, "No! don't touch the lamp above the kitchen table." The thing that your child is...
Let kids wear what they like, even if it goes against gender norms
There is a long patriarchal tradition that says that appearing as female is not acceptable if we think you might be male. But, years ago, we accepted that women and girls can wear pants and suits. But, somehow, it is not ok for men and nonbinary folks to wear a dress...
Is It hard to play the Violin, Viola, or Cello? (How to Choose an Instrument)
When working as an orchestra teacher for more than 15 years, I often got asked by kids and parents, "Is it hard to play a stringed instrument?" "Which instrument is easiest to play?" The answer to this question is that some instruments will be harder for some people...
Lesson Guidelines For Violin, Viola & Cello in Herräng
Welcome to Leah Irby’s Music Studio! If you need help with choosing an instrument or finding the right size online, check the link provided, otherwise keep reading: 1) Certifications As the music instructor, Leah Irby, I am a certified music teacher in the state of...
My inspiration for the Gender Rainbow series
As I have been writing about my first children's book which was published in December of 2021, people have been asking what inspired me? So I wanted to take this chance to explain a bit more about the story behind the first story and who the characters are that make...
Buying A Violin Or Viola Online & A Sizing Chart
When you are looking at instruments, especially string instruments it can be a daunting task. You realize that you or your child want to play and you think it will be simple to get started, but there are a lot of decisions to make. 1. Online String Stores In the...