Swimming to Reggae Beach

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Last Friday morning at 7:00 a.m., I stood with my fellow Swimtrek swimmers—and new friends—on the shore of Oualie Beach on the island of Nevis and looked out across the channel to our swimming destination called  Reggae Beach on the island of St. Kitts, 2.5 miles across the water. In our five days of swimming, this would be our most demanding swim, as we would be encountering rolling waves (some as high as five feet) combined with a strong crosscurrent. Just before we entered the water, our trusty swim guide, Ricky Andrews, in his lively English accent, recited a Shakespeare quote from Julius Caesar:

“There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat;
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”

Ready to swim from Nevis to St. Kitts

The first group of three (the pink caps) reached the other side first; perhaps they were motivated by the small, curious shark that trailed them until the guide boat scared it away with a rev of the motor. My group (the yellow caps) included four very strong San Diego swimmers—used to swimming in the chop—and me. We made it in an hour and 40 minutes give or take. The orange caps arrived as the grand finale –to the sound of cheering and applause on Reggae Beach. You can see in the video below, that sometimes the swimming was one stroke forward and two strokes back! 

 

 

Zuzana and Laura happy after a big day of swimming

Our crossing was just one of six swims we completed during our trip.  All told, we swam about 21,000 yards (around 12 miles) in five days. We also enjoyed the natural tropical flora and fauna surrounding our hotel (including monkeys), shared delicious meals, relaxed, walked, and practiced a little yoga. The highlight for me—beyond the swimming—was the new friends. Shout-out to the world’s greatest roomie, Zuzana, who lives in Luxembourg!

Dinner at Turtletime

This year has been a bit of a challenge, with a big change in my personal life. However, just as we kept swimming to our destination on that long channel crossing–despite the rolling waves and strong current—in the water and in life—it doesn’t hurt to have strong people and trusty guides  around you. Did I mention those San Diego swimmers and their powerful poise in the water? Did I mention our motivating, enthusiastic, and incredibly experienced swim guide, Ricky?  And how about the  tranquil, patient, and wise local guide, Nedd? Applause, applause! (Nedd also manages a “learn to swim program” in Nevis called SwimRite. Check it out!)  And of course, thanks to the boat captains, the staff at Oualie Resort, and to  Sexy Taxi for airport transfers! 

SwimTrek is a UK company offering 50 different guided swimming trips around the world. Last year, I took a SwimTrek to Espíritu Santo in Mexico, and now I’m hooked. Now excuse me—I have to plan my next SwimTrek.

Simple Ways to Bring Peace add Light Into Your Life

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Finding Joy in Difficult Times
“We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”
— Maya Angelou


Many things in our world are out of our control, and sometimes the daily news cycle is enough to make us want to stay in bed with the covers pulled up over our heads. Rather than dwelling on what we can’t change, let’s turn our attention to the loved ones, activities, and rituals that add peace and light to our days.


Here are some of the things that are within my control—bringing me peace and joy this month:
* Long walks in the crisp fall air and beautiful fall color.
* Early morning swim workouts outside in the crisp fall air.
* Attending arts events such as the latest Seattle Opera Production—The Pirates of Penzance
* Purchasing tickets and making plans with family and friends for December Arts Events including: The Jazz Nutrcracker at Roosevelt High School, and Lessons in Carols with the Northwest Boychoir at Benaroya.
* Spending time with my daughter, Ruby.
* Outings and visits with friends.
* Cooking amazing healthy plant-based food to fuel my busy days and my new favorite cookbook-A Grain, a Bean, and a Green! by Gena Hamshaw
* Working on my old house- cleaning up the summer garden and winterizing the outside for the rains, wind, and cold weather to come.
*  Eating tofu and veggie Pho at our new new neighborhood restaurant, Am Nam Pho
* Reading poetry by Mary Oliver.
* Watching videos and dancing to the happy music of Benson Boone, singer and back flipper extraordinaire.
* Teaching and practicing in my studio.
* Preparing for upcoming concerts and gigs.
* Reintroducing my Play Piano Today- learn on your own time- piano course on the newly updated Teachable website. (Playing a musical instrument is an excellent way to bring peace and joy into your life!)

What will you do today to add some joy to your November?

Living it up with Liam in Livingston

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Liam at the Yellowstone River
Bowling
windy
Train Depot
Laura Loving Livingston
Oh Deer
all dressed up
Can’t Think of Anyone Else to Blame by David Rathman
Art walk Trio
Downtown Livingston
hey sunflower
Big Sky Country
Scott, Gail, and Laura Dean
Scott and Laura

My nephew Liam and I recently spent a couple of days and nights in Livingston, Montana. Livingston is a historic railroad town near the North Entrance of Yellowstone Park. Many of the original buildings remain intact or have been painstakingly restored. The charming downtown area welcomes visitors with eclectic shops, bright flower baskets, and an artsy vibe. Liam and I visited the Railway Station Museum, bowled at the local bowling alley, walked along the Yellowstone River, strolled through Sacajawea Park, dined out, and explored many of the wonderful thrift stores and boutiques. We also joined an evening art walk where we saw several works by the artist David Rathman, who is originally from my hometown of Choteau, Montana.

After our Livingston segment, my brother and I drove from his home in Clyde Park (near Livingston) to Great Falls to visit my mom. The original Dean trio had a great time visiting the former homes of our beloved grandparents, reminiscing about our childhood, sipping afternoon coffee at the Buffalo Blanc coffee shop across from Central High, cooking dinner together, and swimming at my mom’s condo.

Liam loves music, records, and vintage finds. He introduced me to a song by the progressive rock band from the 1970s called England, and in particular, the song —“All Alone” from their album —Garden Shed. Liam asked me if I could play the piece. I failed to find the sheet music for this obscure track, but I composed something inspired by it…

Liam’s Prelude:

Liam’s Prelude played by Laura Dean

How Did It End? a scene, a goodbye, and a song

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Carrie Bradshaw Stories ...
How Did It End by Taylor Swift, played by Laura Dean

In a recent episode of And Just Like That (Season 3, Episode 9), Carrie Bradshaw—wearing a knockout “I just threw this on” kind of outfit—sat at a café table facing her longtime paramour, Aidan. And just like that….. their romance came to an end—in a swift heartbreaking scene.

After a short conversation about their insurmountable obstacles, Carrie and Aidan come to the conclusion: it’s over! After a goodbye embrace, Carrie turns on her heel and struts down the sidewalk (in her sky-high pumps, of course), away from Aidan, and into the next chapter of her life. Cue the Taylor Swift deep-cut slow burn, “How Did It End,” from her album, The Tortured Poets Department.

I’m a huge fan of And Just Like That, the sequel to Sex and the City. Decades removed from the original debut, the SATC characters—now in middle age, still in their fantasy footwear and otherworldly wardrobes—navigate real-life situations many of us “of a certain age” can relate to: aging bodies, adult children, career challenges, complicated relationships, and above all, the enduring power of friendship.

Haunted with the scene and the song, the next day, I watched the scene again and located the sheet music to “How Did It End” on Musicnotes.com. One of my favorite things about being a musician is the ability to get my hands on the sheet music and play something that resonates on a personal level. In this case, the inspiration was the perfect storm: a relatable story, a beautifully crafted scene, and an emotional song.

Taylor Swift’s lyrics for the first verse and chorus of “How Did It End”:

Come one, come all
It’s happenin’ again
The empathetic hunger descends
We’ll tell no one
Except all of our friends
We must know
How did it end?

We hereby conduct this post-mortem
He was a hothouse flower to my outdoorsman
Our maladies were such we could not cure them
And so a touch that was my birthright became foreign

If you’d like to explore the possibility of playing music that moves you—just like I did with “How Did It End”—consider signing up for my beginning piano course here.

Or perhaps you’re looking for elegant and timeless music for a special event or wedding. I’d love to be part of it.

Wild about Barry

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Last Saturday, I attended the Barry Manilow concert at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. My memories of Barry go way back to the ’70s, when my mom would play his records while cleaning the house on Saturday mornings. I love playing his ballads on the piano, and I still remember the words to his greatest hits. I gleefully sang along with my fellow Fanilows to all the songs, which just kept coming all night—Mandy, Weekend in New England, Looks Like We Made It, American Bandstand, and many more, ending, of course, with the grand finale: Copacabana.

Throughout the evening, Barry—who is 82 years old, by the way—sang, played the piano, danced, changed costumes, and told stories about growing up as the child of a single mother in Brooklyn. In particular, he highlighted his special relationship with his grandfather, who encouraged Barry’s musical talent.

What a delight and inspiration to see this American treasure—a consummate professional—deliver such a joyful and entertaining concert packed with pizzazz, authenticity, musicality, warmth, gratitude, grace, energy, and compassion. For the hour and a half that he performed, we all forgot about what was going on outside the performance hall and enjoyed the “True Blue Spectacle” that is Barry Manilow.

In addition to his stellar performances, Barry’s legacy project is The Manilow Music Project, which, according to the website, “empowers underfunded school music programs to provide quality music education. By donating instruments and equipment and providing scholarships nationwide, the project gives disadvantaged young people the opportunity to experience community, passion, and creativity through the gift of music.” To date, the Manilow Music Project has given away approximately ten million dollars in instruments and scholarships.

At our Seattle concert, Barry honored Ethan Thomas, a music teacher at West Seattle High School. Barry had Ethan stand up and announced that he would be receiving $10,000 for the school’s music program! Bravo! In his tribute to Ethan, Barry commented, “Music will change a young person’s life.” Indeed!

Evan Visits Seattle

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Evan, my thirteen year old nephew, flew from Bozeman, Montana out to Seattle (on his own) to visit me during spring break. This was his first time on an airplane and his first time in Seattle. What a delight to show him around this beautiful city and to see it all through his eyes.

We used the light rail and our feet as our main sources of transportation for our iconic adventures. Our first full day together included a trip to Pike Place Market where we explored the flower stalls, fish counters, a gelato shop, and the corridor of shops that are nestled below the main market where we rummaged through vintage photographs and records.

From the market we made our way down to the Seattle waterfront where we hopped on the Bainbridge Ferry. During the crossing, we enjoyed our picnic lunch while taking in the sparkling views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline.

On our second day, we headed to the Seattle Center where we spent a good chunk of time at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop). Highlights at MoPop for Evan included the video game room, the Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix exhibits, and most of all, the hands on musical experience of playing guitars, drums, and keyboards in small practice rooms. Evan is very musical and he tried all of the instruments and he even let me jam with him. What a thrill to play music with my nephew!

MoPop
Pike Place Market
Bainbridge Ferry
Jam Room
Jamming at home
Aunt Laura’s Homemade Pizza

In the late afternoons and evenings, exhausted from our big adventures, we relaxed at home with games, tasty meals, and we played even more music together in the Yellow House Experience Music Venue.

On the final day, I drove Evan to the airport and accompanied him to the gate. I was sorry to see him go, but I know he’ll be back. It’s a reminder that connecting with family and spending quality time with those we love is truly priceless.

Here’s a piano version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana – played by Aunt Laura for Evan, who loves Nirvana.

What’s the Point?

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Last week, I wrapped up what I fondly refer to as “March Musical Madness.” This year, my March musical travels as a visiting artist took me to Kenmore, Mukilteo, Whidbey Island, and Everett.

As a visiting artist for the Washington State Music Teachers’ Association for the past five years, I’ve worked with students and teachers in a variety of locations across Washington state. Each student who signs up for the Music Artistry Event (called MAP) performs two pieces and receives feedback in the form of written comments and a mini-lesson with the visiting artist.

There are several visiting artists working across the state throughout the entire month of March. In all, I listened to, wrote comments for, and worked with approximately 150 students. Although the schedule is grueling – with long days and travel away from home – it is truly a privilege to work with these students and to meet so many dedicated teachers.

With this in mind, you can imagine my surprise when I crossed paths with a former teacher at one of the events. While we were chit-chatting, I asked her, “Are you still doing any playing?”

She flatly responded with a question, “What’s the point?”

I was caught off guard. For once, I had no words. Her question was left hanging in the air as we parted ways. However, I was thinking of a response long after the conversation.

What is the point?

Well, let me count the ways……

Aurelia and Laura at the Seattle MAP 2025. (My own students also play in the Seattle MAP)

The point is connection. Music brings people together – of all ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints – around the shared goal of practicing, creating, and listening to music. Connecting with one another through music makes the world a more connected and humane place.

The point is healing. In my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier, I explore countless examples of how music in the 1800s provided solace, hope, and healing during difficult times. As people fought to hold onto their culture or made their way across the continent in covered wagons and set up homesteads in challenging landscapes, music was a touchstone, a candle in the darkness.

As in centuries past, music still heals. For example, in my own life, focusing on my musical studies and activities provided a comfort and grounding when my dad died in a car accident when I twelve.

The point is legacy. Music is a way of traveling through time. Every song, every piece carries echoes of culture, values, aesthetics, and history—the good and the bad. Music helps us make sense of the world we live in by creating, performing, and listening to works that reflect the spirit of their time.

Consider Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony, composed in 1893, which encouraged other leading composers to draw from homegrown musical traditions. What great musical work will our current moment in history yield?

The point is joy and celebration. Throughout history, we’ve turned to music to celebrate life’s big events as well as the small moments: births, friendships, weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, falling in love, the day to day workweek and weekends. Our lives are enriched by the joy of teaching, practicing, performing, listening, and dancing to music. Music brings laughter, delight, and lightness to our days.

The point is personal growth and discovery. As lifelong learners, teachers, performers, and listeners, music challenges us and expands our minds and hearts. As a devoted music student myself, I’m continually inspired to grow as a musician, teacher, and lover of music. The more I learn the more I realize how much there is to explore.

The point is inspiration. A treasured memory from this past month: I was working with an eight-year-old on Whidbey Island. After she performed her pieces, we worked together on connecting and shaping her legato phrases within her lovely melodic piece. When our mini-lesson was finished, I asked, “How do you think this sounds now?”

She beamed and responded, “I think I sound like an angel.”

Moments like this are the point!

ff you’re curious about learning piano, I invite you to explore my course Play Piano Today: An Introductory Online Piano Course. It’s a self-paced, elegant introduction designed to guide you along your own musical path. Learn from the comfort of home in your own time with an experienced teacher.

Rancho La Puerta 2025

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Bird of Paradise outside the administration building at Rancho La Puerta

Cardio funk classes with Milo Levell, nutritional talks with Sohailla Digsby RD, wellness talks by medical adventurer Dr. Brandee Waite, a mountain hike with friend and life coach, Emily Boorstein, time with my daughter, Ruby, swimming, visiting with old friends, and forging new friendships were some of the many highlights of my recent 2025 Rancho La Puerta trip. Rancho la Puerta, on the outskirts of Tecate, Mexico, is an expansive wellness resort that includes 4000 acres of hiking trails, gardens, gyms, yoga and dance studios, spas, swimming pools, a cooking school, an organic garden, and more. I first visited the Ranch in 2009 as a musical guest presenting a piano concert and singing classes, and have returned in the same capacity over a dozen times through the years. In fact, it is where I met my better half, Joe, who was a fitness instructor at the Ranch for some 30 years (that’s another story for another time).

Siempre Mejor, which translates to Always Better, is the motto of the Ranch. Indeed! Each visit provides opportunities for personal renewal and growth. At the end of the week, I ALWAYS leave with a feeling of gratitude and resolve that I am on the right path. My path includes the magic bullet of diet and exercise, self care, friendships, continuing education, travel, and meaningful work: teaching, studying, and performing music. As always, it’s good to return home, and as I look forward to a busy month ahead, which I refer to as “March Musical Madness.” In the next few weeks, I’ll work my own students in my studio as well as take to the road for work with a variety of students and teachers in the Western Washington region. As I step into March, I’m filled with energy, and a sense of calmness, ready to tackle what lies ahead. Siempre Mejor!

The Piano Concert in the Oak Tree
Laura and Ruby
veggie entre
The activity pool for lap swimming
On the edge of the Ranch
Hiking with Emily
Hiking with Pal, Emily

Are you ready to study piano in 2025? Check out my online, and on your own music course.

On Demand Piano lessons with Laura Dean:

I Get By with a Little Help from AI

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Written by Laura Dean and Chat GPT

I just submitted this article to the Clarion, the bi-monthly publication of the Washington State Music Teacher’s Association, and I thought my readers may find it interesting. By the way, this is the first article I have written with the help of openAI.

Have any of you dipped your toe into the world of Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI?  I have. I have used AI to generate a set list for a Gen Z couple who hired me to play for their wedding ceremony and the cocktail hour. I’ve used it to create a short narrative about the major musical time periods for a concert that I’ve given featuring  composers from the Baroque to  the 21st Century. I’ve use it to find weekly music riddles for my students that I write on a white board at the entrance of my studio. I have embraced  ChatGPT  as a personal administrative and research assistant  who is available to answer my requests 24/7. AI has  saved me hours of time and energy, and I think we can all agree that time and energy are among our greatest resources. 

 AI is rapidly becoming a valuable tool for independent music teachers. While some educators may feel hesitant to embrace technology, AI can simplify many aspects of studio management and instruction. Here are a few practical ways AI can enhance your work life while saving hours of labor.

1. Music Theory Assistance

AI-powered chat tools like ChatGPT can generate explanations, exercises, and quizzes tailored to your students’ needs. If a student is struggling with key signatures, AI can instantly create customized drills or explain concepts in new ways.

2. Music History Insights

Need a quick historical background on a composer or musical style? AI can summarize key information, suggest repertoire based on a student’s interests, or even help craft engaging storytelling for lessons.

3. Organizing Your Busy Schedule

AI can help structure your week by generating lesson plans, reminders, and task lists. Tools like Google Calendar’s AI scheduling suggestions or Notion AI can assist in balancing teaching, practice time, and administrative tasks. AI-generated to-do lists can prioritize important tasks, for example, aiding in recital planning, student follow-ups, and lesson prep. 

4. Project & Recital Planning

AI can assist in creating structured project plans, timelines, and even recital programs. Tools like Notion AI or ChatGPT can generate theme ideas, student progress checklists, and repertoire suggestions based on difficulty level and performance goals.

5. Marketing & Social Media

For teachers looking to grow their studios, AI can help generate website content, write engaging social media posts, or draft newsletters. Canva’s Magic Write and ChatGPT can quickly create compelling descriptions for lessons, events, or studio promotions.

Getting Started with AI

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is available for free at https://chat.openai.com, with enhanced features available through a paid subscription. Other AI tools, such as Google’s Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, offer similar capabilities.

Embracing AI doesn’t mean replacing the human touch in teaching—it simply enhances our ability to be more efficient, creative, and responsive to students’ needs. By incorporating AI thoughtfully, independent music teachers can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focusing on what truly matters: making music. 

Now excuse me, what with all the time that I saved co-writing this article with ChatGPT, I’m stepping out for a long leisurely walk.

By the way, is 2025 the year that you’ve promised yourself that you are going to learn how to play the piano? You may be interested in checking out my online beginning piano course:

PLEASE VISIT ME ON TEACHABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP FOR  PLAY PIANO TODAY COURSE: AN INTRODUCTORY PIANO COURSE.

More news…I have a newish Youtube channel, and here you can find weekly videos including piano performances and piano tutorials. Be sure to subscribe on the Youtube site! I release a new video each week! https://www.youtube.com/@lauramusicstudio