Lessons From Musical Icon Michael Jackson

I still find it hard to believe that Michael Jackson is gone, yet the reality of his absence has forced us all to reflect on what an amazing musical artist and human being he was. Michael Jackson was the epitome of a musical icon. He earned his iconic status through consistently being original, innovative, generous and resilient. Though he is now gone, everyone, especially business owners and leaders, can learn from his unforgettable style.

He Exemplified Originality- Michael Jackson was an original; he created music, fashion and dance trends. From his red leather jacket, the moon walk, to his heart felt lyrics; he was an original. Follow your own lead, copycats get lumped in with everyone else. Be original in your approach , services and delivery. Throw out the cookie cutter and be original.

Michael Jackson

He was Innovative- He was a forward thinking entertainer that had the ability to create music that set the standard for all others. Are you creating new ways to satisfy your customers? MJ's musical innovation earned him 13 Grammy Awards and 13 number one hits. Don't just think outside the box - implement out side the box. Innovation will keep the customers you have and bring in new ones.

Lessons From Musical Icon Michael Jackson

He was Generous- He was known for his generosity and compassion. In fact he was so generous that he obtained a Guinness World Record for the 39 charities he supported, which was more than any other entertainer or personality. You may not have the millions Michael Jackson had to give away, but start where you are. Give of your time, talents and whatever money you are able to give. Generosity goes a long way and it always comes back to you.

He was Resilient - We all watched during Michael's most difficult moments of humiliation on more than one occasion. His resilience was notable. Tough times will come; you'll be prepared for some, and others will catch you off guard. During challenging times, decide you will not give up and turn lemon into lemon juice. Remember: this too, shall pass.

May Michael Jackson's unforgettable legacy of originality, innovation, generosity and resilience live on as we conduct our lives and lead others to do the same.

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Learning to Play a Musical Instrument

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Learning how to play a musical instrument is not as overwhelming as it sounds. If you have the desire and motivation, you're already half way there. Most people who want to learn to play an instrument are overshadowed by self doubt. They think that if you were not born playing an instrument, you'll never grasp it. This is utter nonsense.

All you need is patience, time and a good instructor. You will also need to have your own instrument. It is pointless taking up the guitar, piano or drums if you have not got your own instrument to practice on.

It is also not true that you have to start taking lessons from an early age. You are never too old to learn something new. In fact, taking up a musical instrument, at any age, can be very rewarding. You don't have to be the next Kieth Richards. You just have to be as good as you want to be. As long as you are having fun and getting pleasure from what you are learning, then you are doing something correctly.

It is important to get an instructor who knows what style of music you are hoping to learn. You should also feel totally at home and comfortable with this instructor. Most of the time, instructors are willing to come to your house to teach you. Alternatively, there are smaller music academies that you can go. When you are buying your instrument of choice, why not ask the sales person who is assisting you for a list of music teachers in your area?

Once you have started taking lessons and learnt a few chords and tunes, you will need to practice if you want to be any good at what you are playing. If you are enjoying the instrument that you chose, practicing will not feel like a chore to you but something that you cannot wait to do at the end of a stressful day or as soon as you get out of bed in the morning!

Music is very therapeutic and good for your soul. So if you've always wanted to learn, do not waste one more day.

An EFL Teaching and Learning Tribute to Michael Jackson - Musical Genius

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Michael Jackson's Sudden Death a Shock

The sudden death of Michael Jackson has been a shock to almost everyone. Tributes and condolences to the family have poured in from around the globe from the White House to the Vatican. Few performers have touched so many from so many walks of life and so many countries, languages and cultures. His presence will surely be missed.

His legacy though, will live on. His contributions to the field of entertainment are profound, affecting global cultures and age groups from youth to the elderly. Many English language learners remember several of his many songs. These can continue to be useful in EFL language practice at any level of language learning. Students will be especially attracted to his songs now with their increased available and accessibility. Learners worldwide can also recall seeing a concert or televised special in many cases too. Likely a number of your EFL or foreign language learners have his songs and albums on CDs.

Perhaps even you have special memories or anecdotes you can relate of one of the world's most well-known and at times, controversial entertainers.

Try asking your learners to talk about:

What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

Mine are "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "ABC" from the Jackson Five's earlier years.

Which Michael Jackson is your favorite album?

Why "Bad", of course, for me. Yes, "Thriller" is excellent, but not my favorite.

Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson music video?

For me, "Remember the Time" gets the vote. The music video "Black and White" also gets a hearty vote from me with its introduction of "image morphing". Sometimes I used "The Way You Make Me Feel" in classes too.

Making Practical Use of Music by Michael Jackson

Don't pass up the chance to play a few of your learners' favorite Michael Jackson songs in class, but don't "veg-out" at just that. Do some of these exercise or activity types to add increased language learning and practice value to the songs:

o re-ordering activities

o cloze exercises or whip up

o some short, quick, true-or-false exercises based on the song lyrics

o why not stage a "performance" or presentation competition?

It's almost certain that I'll offer my EFL classes the opportunity to incorporate one or more of Michael Jackson's hits into a couple of language learning lessons or so. The English as a foreign language learners might also choose to:

o write an essay related to his music or his life

o try a "Concentration"-type series of class room activities

o demonstrate songs or videos as a short "performance"

Michael Jackson Will Continue to Live on in Our Hearts and Minds

Certainly, many of us will miss this great entertainer's contributions to the industry, but he will continue to live on in our hearts, minds and ears as we continue to enjoy his many musical creations. Musical entertainment genius Michael Jackson will undoubtedly continue to live on in our hearts and minds for many years to come.

How about you? How will you incorporate the legacy of this great performer into your EFL teaching and learning scenarios?