Growing up, I always enjoyed hearing my mother Allison Peterson sing this modern classic. This year we collaborated to share it with you all, with violin obbligato.
Mary Did You Know
What Child is This?
Mary, Did You Know?
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O Come All Ye Faithful
This beautiful 18th-century hymn was written by British composer John Francis Wade around 1743. I had the privilege of recording this inspiring hymn with several friends!
Laura Fliege (organ), Tim Fliege (trumpet/bass)
Roger Schlicting (tenor)
Amy Lakeman (trumpet/alto)
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus is a beautiful 18th-century hymn written by Charles Wesley. As we look forward to Advent, we anticipate the birth of Christ who releases us from our sins and fears.
The featured artist for this rendition is rock star-turned pastor, Rev. Paul Hemenway. I was honored to collaborate with him on this song as we both prepare for the upcoming busy Christmas season of ministry in our church.… Read More...
Holidays with Uptown Violins
Deck the Halls
It’s time to decorate for Christmas, and what better song to listen to than Deck the Halls?
The lyrics to this 16th-century tune were written by Thomas Oliphant in 1862. For this particular recording of the song, I drew largely from the two violins/piano arrangement written by my uncle Philip Parker, composer and music professor.… Read More...
Prepare with Faith, Family, and Friends
The traditional 18th-century Advent hymn, “Prepare the Royal Highway,” includes lyrics that point to both Christ’s coming to earth, as well as his Triumphal entry. Both of these events are critical moments in the life of Christ and in the Christian Church Year.
One of the most enjoyable parts of this holiday season is preparing for the festivities with family and friends.… Read More...
O Little Town-It Takes a Village
Everyone needs a group of friends they can share life with, and these ladies are like my local family. In fact, one time I accidentally crashed their family reunion. Thirty-minutes into the party, someone finally asked how I was related and I was the party-crasher. However, rather than ask me to leave, they said I could pretend to be their long-lost cousin, and we’ve considered each other practically family ever since. … Read More...
Our Christmas Tree
My family is fortunate enough to live just minutes from an incredible Christmas tree farm. Every year, we drive to the quaint, family-owned agro-tourism destination to pick out, and chop down, our favorite bushy evergreen. Afterwards, we love grabbing some hot cocoa and popcorn in the festive-themed barn before taking our tree home to decorate. … Read More...
It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!
Hello Music Friends!
I know it’s been awhile, but I wanted to let you know that fun music is on its way! I’ve been working hard on curating, recording and editing the 2023 Christmas album. I’m thrilled with the many guest musicians who are collaborating with me for this album!
Can you guess which 12 songs will make the “nice” set list this year?… Read More...
Merry Christmas!
I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas season! I’m enjoying celebrating at home with my family. We have performed a lot together this month! I’m so proud of my son and daughter for carrying on this treasured family tradition.
Don’t forget to listen to my Christmas Album: Classic Christmas Carols for a little holiday cheer!… Read More...
Our New Sister Album Release: Uptown Violins-Together For The Holidays
This past weekend has been especially wonderful for me because I had the chance to travel back to my hometown in Kansas to be with my family. All four of my sisters, their husbands, and children came back to stay at my parents’ house so that we could celebrate Thanksgiving together.… Read More...
My Classic Christmas Carols Album is now available!
My First Christmas Album: Classic Christmas Carols
Hello Music Friends,
I apologize that it has been a few weeks, but I’m excited to announce the release of my first Christmas album! This has been one of my dreams ever since I was a little girl, and it’s finally coming to fruition! If you get the chance, I hope you check it out for a little holiday cheer.… Read More...
Vive La Musique Française!
Today, in honor of the French holiday Bastille Day, July 14, 1789, I wanted to share music by a couple of the lesser-known French composers, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Joseph Bologne (1745-1799). Thank you again to all my French listeners! After living in France, your country will forever hold a special place in my heart.… Read More...
The Star-Spangled Banner
La Musica de 5 de Mayo
Happy 5 de Mayo!
This year, I am celebrating again with piñatas, chips and salsa, and Mexican music as I teach foreign language at my children’s school! I love to see the joy in the students’ faces as they discover different cultures.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download… Read More...
Christmas Carols Winner and The Strings of Sisterhood
First of all, I wanted to thank you all for being incredible supporters of me this year. It’s been incredibly busy, with the release of my first two books, The Chronicles of Music Majors in the Spring, and A Change in Tune in the fall.… Read More...
25 Days of Christmas Carols: Week 4
It’s our final week of Christmas Carols! I hope you’ve enjoyed this musical journey with me this season. It’s not too late to enter for a chance at the giveaway! Just subscribe to Rescot Creative and let me know which Christmas carol you enjoyed the most on one of my socials!… Read More...
Music of the Harp-Interview with Bestselling Author Angela Breidenbach with Full Series Christmas Giveaway!
Bonus Holiday Episode! Listen to our interview where Angela shares how music has played a role in her family and fiction!
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Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana at Christmastime to expose the plight of street urchins.… Read More...
Christmas Glee Club-El Club Glee de Navidad
Sophia, the lead soprano of the Belton Glee Club, faces losing her celebrity date to the sorority formal due to a required concert for the university donors. When the lead tenor falls sick with laryngitis, Brett fills in for his role as Santa. Can Sophia and Brett pull off the concert together at the last minute?… Read More...
25 Days of Christmas Carols: Week 3
Ready for Week 3 of Christmas Carols? This week features some of my favorites!
If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to subscribe and comment on one of my socials for a chance to win the I LOVE Christmas sweatshirt. And you’ll receive more fun music and fiction posts, of course!
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O Holy Night-Special Edition
Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Last year, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...
25 Days of Christmas Carols: Week 2
I hope you’re enjoying your daily dose of Christmas music. Click this post for access to the full week of carols!
December 8: I Want A Stradivarius for Christmas
December 9: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
December 10: Deck the Halls
December 11: What Child is This
December 12: O Christmas Tree
December 13: Czech Carol (Bells Ringing in the Tower)
Don’t forget to let me know your favorite carol on one of my socials for a chance to win a I LOVE CHRISTMAS sweatshirt!… Read More...
25 Days of Christmas Carols Contest!
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
Now that it’s December, join me for 25 Days of Christmas Carols! Each day I will feature one of my favorite Christmas songs. Tell me which ones you like best on one of my socials (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube) for a chance to win this fabulous sweatshirt!*… Read More...
Interview with Santa: His Surprising Reading List and Knack for Checking Things Twice
Black Friday Sale! Great Deals this Week!
Santa’s Top 3 Favorite Books of All Time (He’s read each of these multiple times.)
Santa’s Current Read: The Last Book of the Poldark Series
Santa’s Favorite Poems: YouTube Playlist: Some A Bit Spooky!
Santa’s Role as Proofreader for A Change in Tune (He’s checked it more than twice!)… Read More...
The Spookiest Classical Music
Check out the list and descriptions of my favorite Halloween songs from my previous blog post!
Don’t forget to buy your Christmas gift for the cynical musician in your life!!!! LOL.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download… Read More...
Chapter 9: The Halloween Concert
This chapter was inspired by my mother’s real life collegiate concert. Apparently, it took place at midnight on Halloween. The conductor rose out of a coffin dressed as Dracula!!!
Here she is featured with three of her sisters. All four of them have been my teacher at some point in my life!… Read More...
Villainous Violinists
While violinists may often portray angelic voices, this isn’t always the case. Consider Niccolo Paganini, the infamous Romantic era rock star who allegedly sold his soul to the devil! Or Satan himself when he takes on Johnny in “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Fortunately Johnny wins!
In this week’s Fiction Fridays, I focus on my villain, violinist Franklin Curtis.… Read More...
“Bach” from the Grave/ “Bach” de la Tumba
It’s October!!! Are you in the mood for some spooky classical music?
This week’s sponsor is my new Merch store on Zazzle!!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download… Read More...
Happy Easter!
Hymn: I Know that My Redeemer Lives
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears,
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.… Read More...
Is “No Strings Attached” a Good Thing?
I realize this phrase doesn’t always have the purest connotations, but as a romance writer, parent, and teacher I decided to read a couple of books on the topic. In an age when the marriage rate has plummeted and many are simply not getting married, how can we encourage people to date and eventually marry in healthy ways?… Read More...
Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary
To close out the year, I thought it fitting to honor one of the greatest composers of all time. This month, classical music aficionados around the world are celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
I was thrilled to be featured by Applause to the Musician for Beethoven’s Duet in C Major with cellist Chet Lord-Remmert.… Read More...
From Book to Ballet: The Story of St. Nicholas
This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Eric Elder: author, musician, composer, and director of The Ranch ministry!
Several years ago, he wrote St. Nicholas: The Believer, about the man now known as Santa Claus. The book really touched me as I read about the saint’s treatment of the sick during the plague.… Read More...
O Holy Night: A Change of Heart
Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...
Christmas Glee Club
Sweet Contemporary Romance: FREE through Friday, December 11, on Amazon Kindle! I am offering $5 Amazon gift cards to the first person in each language to send me a message with their comments. I am especially interested in whether or not you like the content, and what you thought of the AI translation.… Read More...
Get a “Händel” on It: Audiobook release!
Now that Christmas season is here, I wanted to release the audiobook version of my previously published short story “Get a ‘Händel’ on It.”
Stay tuned next week for my newest short story, “Christmas Glee Club!”
I Want to Write, but Where Do I Start?
Many people want to write, whether it’s a blog, a book, a musical composition, or an annual Christmas letter. But where do you begin?
This week I had the privilege of serving on an author roundtable for the podcast The Daily Writer, hosted by Kent Sanders.
Kent, Eric, and I are all musician/authors, and we were joined by my fellow inspirational author Mary Felkins.… Read More...
I Got a Hippopotamus for Christmas…
“Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat. Please do put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do, if you haven’t got a ha’penny, God bless you!”
-Traditional Christmas Carol
Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. With Halloween, my November birthday, Thanksgiving, and my daughter’s birthday, I always have so much to celebrate!… Read More...
I Want a Stradivarius for Christmas. A Stradivarius is all I Want…
“… I don’t want Amati, a Stainer or a toy. I want a Stradivarius to play with and enjoy. I want a Stradivarius for Christmas. Only a Stradivarius will do. No French Vuillaumes, or Guarneriuses. I only like, Stradivariuses. And Stradivariuses like me too!”
If you know anything about violins, you’re probably aware you can’t go wrong in buying your sweetheart violinist a Stradivarius for Christmas.… Read More...
The Violin: A Devilish Instrument
“Death at midnight plays a dance-tune, zig, zig, zig, on his violin.”
“Danse Macabre” by Henri Cazalis (French symbolist poet: 1840-1909)
The haunting month of Halloween is upon us, and I couldn’t help but revisit my favorite ghostly violin music. Over the past couple of centuries the violin has had it’s bout with the devil, from Berlioz’ Symphanie Fantastique (1830) and Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre (1874), to Mussorsky’s Night on Bald Mountain.… Read More...
“Bach” from the Grave
Check out the music playlist!
Freshman bassoonist Adam Heckel faces hazing in the music fraternity at Belton University while organist Miguel Guzmán struggles to overcome the pain of his past while preparing music for All Saints Day. When the two friends cross paths in an eerie locale Halloween night, will they finally find the brotherhood they both desperately need?… Read More...
The Music of Fireworks
“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” –Francis Scott Key
Happy Independence Day! Growing up, I loved celebrating the 4th of July with my family. We had a great view of fireworks from our elevated back porch, so we often invited other family members to our house.… Read More...
Music Mom
I don’t want this music to die. The older people are passing it on to the younger generation so the younger generation can pass it on to the next generation.
-Vy Higginsen
I hope that all of you moms enjoyed Mother’s Day this past weekend. As a mother of two young children myself, I am fascinated by the family life of composers.… Read More...
Happy Cinco de Mayo
“An hour of hard practice is worth five hours of foot-dragging.”
-Pancho “Segoo” Segura
Cinco de Mayo is here, and although we may not be able to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurants this year, we can still order takeout!
I had the privilege of collaborating with Paris-residing Mexican composer Esteban Zuñiga, recording with him and giving the premier of his excellent work for violin and piano based on Proverbs 19 in both the United States and in Paris, France.… Read More...
Get a “Händel” on It
My short story “Get a ‘Händel’ on It” from The Chronicles of Music Majors series is available today on Amazon!
I hope you check it out on Kindle. If you don’t already have Kindle, you can download the app on any device, including your phone. This will allow you to see the music links which I include to accompany the story.… Read More...
10 Things to Know if You Date a Violinist
Happy Valentines Day! If you’re like me, you enjoy all things Romantic, and I’m not just talking about the musical time period! I recently read a post called “8 Things You Need to Know Before Dating an Organist,” which served as my inspiration for this post.
1. You’ll eat late: Dinner starts whenever we have finished teaching our students, practicing, or meeting with prospective clients.… Read More...
Romeo and Juliet: Film and Musical Adaptations
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, bringing thoughts of love and warmth to our cold winter. The love story we look at today is not as warm, but its longevity has stood the test of time. Written at the end of the sixteenth century by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet is arguably the most famous play of all time.… Read More...
Poem of Christmas Carols
Merry Christmas! I’m having an amazing time celebrating with my whole family. We don’t all live in the same city, so it is such a joy to be together. While here at my parents’ house I ran across a poem I wrote 15 years ago that combines several famous Christmas songs.