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Espie Estrella

Music Education

By Espie Estrella, About.com Guide since 2005

Christmas Songs Quiz

Tuesday December 21, 2010

There are many songs written for or about Christmas and these songs have become a part of our celebration. Here's a quiz that will test your knowledge of some of our favorite Christmas songs. Also, don't forget to check out day 21 of our countdown.

More Christmas Music Trivia

Monday December 20, 2010

Do you hear what I hear? Yes, carols are being played over the airwaves and people are getting into the spirit of Christmas. Here's another fun quiz that will test your know-how of some of our well-loved Christmas carols.

Christmas Countdown: On the 20th day of Christmas, let's hear the angels sing, watch a movie based on a novel and more!

How well do you know your Christmas carols?

Sunday December 19, 2010

We have all heard and sung Christmas carols since we were little kids and surely we have our own personal favorites. Carols make the spirit of Christmas come alive and our family gatherings more memorable. Here's a fun quiz to test your knowledge about some of our well-loved Christmas carols.

Christmas Countdown: On today's countdown, listen to a hauntingly beautiful carol, meet a composer and music executive, watch one of of Elvis Presley's classic movies and a gift suggestion for music teachers.

Sarah Vaughan

Saturday December 18, 2010

Just as other blues singers before her were discovered, Sarah Vaughan entered the Amateur Contest at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem and won first prize. Incidentally, singer Billy Eckstine was there to witness Vaughan's performance. Later on, Sarah would join the newly formed Eckstine band before deciding to go solo.

Christmas Countdown: We're now on the 18th day of our countdown; check out the carol and movie of the day, plus our composer profile and gift suggestion.

Bessie Smith

Friday December 17, 2010

Bessie Smith's parents died when she was 9 years old and so her older sister, Viola, was the one who raised her. Bessie sang and danced on street corners to help with the family expenses. She went on to become one of the highest paid African-American artists during her time.

Christmas Countdown: On the 17th day of our countdown, learn about a carol that appeared on a book published in 1739,  get to know one of the greatest composers of the Classical period, watch another timeless movie and a gift suggestion with a personal touch.

Ma Rainey

Thursday December 16, 2010

At 14, Ma Rainey worked as a singer and dancer of "A Bunch of Blackberries," a talent show held at the Springer Opera House. When she was 16, she heard a blues song for the first time and was so impressed by it that she started to include blues music in her repertoire. She went on to become known as the first great blues singer, earning the title "Mother of the Blues."

Christmas Countdown: The 16th day of Christmas brings you another well-loved carol, a composer who helped promote the importance of music education, one of the best musicals ever made and a personalized stocking stuffer.

Peggy Lee

Wednesday December 15, 2010

In 1941, Peggy Lee replaced Helen Forrest as a singer in Benny Goodman's band. This proved to be a turning point in her singing career. While in the band they produced several hits like "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good" and "Blues in the Night." She left the band in 1943 and would later on sign with Capitol Records.

Christmas Countdown: Today's countdown features a carol that was originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh," a jazz musician who passed away on this day, a movie musical for the whole family and a gift suggestion with a personal touch.

Billie Holiday

Tuesday December 14, 2010

Billie Holiday didn't have any formal vocal training. Nevertheless, she would soon become one of the greatest blues singers of her time. When she was 18, she was discovered by John Hammond while she was singing at a Harlem club.

Christmas Countdown: We are into the second week of our countdown. Today's carol is believed to have been based on a famous composers' oratorio. Also, find out which composer passed away on this day. Plus, your daily movie recommendations and gift suggestions.

Ella Fitzgerald

Monday December 13, 2010

In 1934 Ella Fitzgerald had the opportunity to showcase her talent during Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre. Originally, Ella planned to dance but changed her mind at the last minute. This proved to be a huge turning point in her career as the audience loved her singing. Incidentally, Benny Carter, an arranger and saxophonist, was in the audience. Benny befriended Ella and would later introduce her to people in the music industry.

Christmas Countdown: It's day 13 of our countdown. Learn about another all-time favorite carol, a music-related fact that happened on this day, a suggested movie and another gift suggestion.

Dinah Washington

Sunday December 12, 2010

Dinah Washington grew up amidst the sound of church choirs and gospel music. Thus, it is no wonder that at an early age she developed a love for singing. She was eventually discovered by Joe Glaser who referred her to Lionel Hampton, who in turn hired her as vocalist for his band. When Dinah decided to go solo and left Hampton's band in 1946, she had already attracted a loyal following.

Christmas Countdown: On the 12th day of Christmas let's listen to one of the most played carols, meet a composer from the Renaissance period, watch a Gene Kelly classic and learn about a toy that creates music as you color.

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