Katie Flannery

content writer | copy editor | university professor

Writing Samples

Misconceptions About Music Education

Music educators often grapple with the misconception that music education lacks value or practical applications. Some may argue that it’s an extracurricular rather than a crucial component of a well-rounded education. Research consistently highlights the multifaceted benefits of music education. It goes beyond creating musicians, fostering skills like teamwork, discipline and creativity. The online Master of Music (M.M) in Music Education program from Lamar University fosters a belief in the sig...

7 Roofing Scams That Cost Homeowners Thousands of Dollars

A: Hiring the right roofer can be challenging under the best circumstances. However, knowing that bad roofing contractors are out there can make the process even more stressful. Many homeowners have heard of storm chasers, who go door-to-door soliciting roof work in areas impacted by severe weather. Once hired, these contractors may do shoddy work and leave town, and some may even take their clients’ deposits and fail to complete the job. Other dishonest roofers might pressure homeowners to sign...

Disturbing the Status Quo: Pete Seeger at 100

The songs of Pete Seeger surrounded me during my childhood: “If I Had a Hammer,” “Little Boxes,” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.” I didn’t know what these songs meant – all I knew was that they were catchy and fun to sing. As I grew older and dove into the study of American music and important American musicians, my re-discovery of Pete Seeger and his music touched my soul. His importance in folk music looms large and his role as a social activist is legendary. He was brave in a time when many were not: during the anti-Communist hysteria of McCarthyism and the Red Scare. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Pete Seeger’s birth on May 3rd, it is important to look carefully at his music and to realize that he may be gone, but his generation-spanning message still resonates today.

Why Study Music Theory?

Music education can result in better outcomes for the development and growth of students, in school and beyond. Aggregate research demonstrates that learning about and playing music can be beneficial to a child’s social, emotional and academic development. In the area of neuroscience, studies often investigate the connection between music, neural functioning and neuroplasticity, with implications for addressing cognitive difficulties, trauma and more. By enrolling in the online Master of Music i...

Think You Can DIY It? Every Reason Why the Cost to Regrout a Shower Is Worth Paying

Cracked or moldy grout in the shower is a good indication that it’s time for a good regrouting project. Regrouting is the process of removing old grout and replacing it with fresh grout to improve the appearance and functionality of the shower. According to Angi, the cost to regrout a shower ranges from $600 to $2,500, with the national average around $1,500. Some factors that can contribute to variations in cost include the size of the shower, the condition of the existing grout, and the type of tile.

How to Recognize and Nurture Gifted and Talented Students

To help gifted and talented students succeed, educators need to be able to recognize their unique characteristics and modify their approach. The online Master of Education in Elementary Education – Teaching and Transforming Advanced and Gifted Education program from Texas State University makes teachers more knowledgeable about these students. Giftedness is not just high scores on tests. It can be thought of as exceptional ability or potential in one or more areas. These can include intellectual...

Professional Growth in Teaching English as a Second Language

Teaching multilingual leaders (ML) involves more than speaking English well. It requires an understanding of how people learn languages, sensitivity to different cultures and effective teaching methods.Those interested in pursuing a career in this field may want to consider earning an online Bachelor of Science in K-12 Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) degree from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). The program teaches educators how to effectively support multilingual learner...

Why a Master's in Mass Communications?

Mass communication involves the creation, purpose and process of relaying a message via print, digital media, radio, television or social media. It is a broad, multi-disciplinary field that intersects various domains such as journalism, marketing, politics, healthcare, broadcasting and more. Professionals in this field use their strategic knowledge to develop and share effective messages to targeted audiences. A Master of Science (M.S.) in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Rela

Album Review: Gregory Alan Isakov, That Sea The Gambler

Gregory Alan Isakov’s latest release That Sea, The Gambler is a superb example of modern folk musicianship. The sparse yet tasteful instrumentation is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of over-done, over-polished album production. Isakov’s flawless choice in backing musicians reinforces the overall melancholy mood of the songs. The inclusion of the banjo on the majority of the tracks introduces a unique and contrasting instrumental timbre without sounding overtly bluegrass or country-esque. Isakov’s one-of-a-kind lyrics are powerful and introspective – delivered in a subdued, hypnotic fashion.

Album Review: Pat Bianchi, East Coast Roots

“Have you ever heard of Pat Bianchi?” I asked my boyfriend. “Oh yeah, you mean that badass B3 Hammond organist? He’s great,” he replied. I looked at the album in my hand and opened the case to take out the liner notes. The name sounded familiar to me, but I knew I had never heard him – or had I? Since I first saw the cover of the album, I had developed a special affinity for the title of the album, East Coast Roots, as I’m a transplanted east coaster myself. I popped the album into the player and it hasn’t left.

Accessing the Spiritual Through Music

The spiritual power of music permeates cultures around the world. Music simply by itself, as well as within the context of religious rituals, provides individuals of all cultural and religious backgrounds a unique and experiential pathway to the sacred. Phish fits into the category of a religious/spiritual phenomenon. Discussion of the Grateful Dead and sociological research that has been done in the Deadhead community is used as a parallel for this argument. The subculture that surrounds Phish, the community, its members, the social stratification, its myths, rituals, and the sacred space created by the music are explained.

How You Can Improve Workplace Culture with a BS in University Studies

Every workplace culture is unique. According to Harvard Business Review, a workplace, or company culture, demonstrates the company’s values, set of assumptions, belief systems, attitudes and group norms. Workplace culture includes several factors within the business including management styles, work environment, core values, mission statement and ethics. Workplace cultures that encourage a high-stress, ultra-competitive environment have hidden costs, with employees paying the price through heal

Why Use Ultrasonic Examination Testing (UE)?

Many industries use compressed gas cylinders to store substances such as oxygen, propane, acetylene, or fire suppressants. Structure flaws in a cylinder can turn dangerous resulting in leaks, ruptures, or even deadly explosions. How can this be avoided? Hire trusted and trained professionals to use ultrasonic examination testing for your cylinders. B-Lann Equipment is the only fire and safety business in the New York Capital District that offers ultrasonic examination testing. Read on to find

How Much Does Window Replacement Cost?

If the windows in your home aren’t opening and closing like they used to or if they’re letting in the cold air, it may be time for replacement windows. Knowing the overall cost of window replacement can help keep you within the project’s budget and avoid any surprise costs down the road. The typical window replacement cost is between $200 and $1,800 per window, and the national average is around $100 to $650 per window, depending on window frame material and glass type, among other factors. Labo

Take a Trip with Harmonious Junk

When I received a message from former James Brown guitarist Damon Wood predicting a “funk throw-down” at Herb’s, I knew I had to attend. The house was packed and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. The night of May 25th was one to remember. Sitting in with Harmonious Junk was long time bassist for the James Brown Band, Fred Thomas. Thomas laid down the funk and took over on vocals from time to time. Joining the band during the second and third sets were two more Brown alumni: Jeff Watkins on saxophone and Hollie Farris on trumpet.

Solved! Why Is My Dishwasher Not Getting Water?

Q: Help! I started my dishwasher and discovered that it’s not filling with water. I thought the door wasn’t completely closed and made sure the door was latched tightly, but that didn’t work. Why is the dishwasher not getting water? A: Making sure the door is completely shut to activate the door switch is an important step to ensure a dishwasher fills with water. The problem can be a malfunctioning door switch, but unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to why this happens; there
Load More Articles