Jim and Maggi are proud to announce that they have been appointed by a panel of expert artists/educators to the Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners roster. Our specialty category is "Professional Development."

Inclusion on this roster assures schools applying for our services through the MCC's Creative Schools Program will automatically receive the maximum score for artist quality, giving them "a competitive edge in this grant application process."

In addition, we may be asked to present at MCC's conferences, workshops, and other events.

Comments from the panel which reviewed our work and interviewed us included:

"Noteworthy passion for artistic aspects of the work as well as scholarly parts"

"Work retains exceptional vigor despite years in the profession"

"Ability to assess student and educator learning strong" "Well-honed assessment strategies apparent"

"Significant teaching ability in the work and in disposition as artists and scholars evident"

"Incredible range of activities evident"

"Highly proficient and accomplished work reflects many years experience"

and

"Well-trained and qualified exemplars of teaching artistry"

The MCC's Creative Teaching Partners program is a selective statewide roster of artists and we are completely humbled and thrilled to be included. This is an honor we will cherish as professionals, and personally.

We are, indeed, passionate about the centrality of music, in particular, and all the arts and humanities -- to education at every stage of life. We believe, and have seen, that the arts are as vital as air, water, and physical nourishment are to the life of the human mind, body, and spirit. Although we have faith in that truth, we have years of experience to confirm it.

At this moment, we want to warmly thank everyone through the years who has supported us as concert artists and as educators.

You have taken our classes and attended our performances (without you, no music can be made!), you've believed in our mission, and it is because of you we continue our dedication to be the best musicians, historians, educators, and scholars we can possibly be.

25 years and more in the profession feels like just the beginning of an exciting adventure because of YOU.

Jim and Maggi Dalton are honored to have been selected for the following artist/scholar rosters:

New England States Touring (NEST) artists

Venues and Sponsors who hire us in the New England States, exclusive of Massachusetts, may apply for grants covering up to half our fee through this program.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners artists

Inclusion on this roster assures schools applying for our services through the MCC's Creative Schools Program will automatically receive the maximum score for artist quality, giving them "a competitive edge in this grant application process."

In addition, we may be asked to present at MCC's conferences, workshops, and other events.

Our New Book, First in A Series! Clik on the Cover Photo below for more info and/or to purchase.

Click Here to take survey YOUR VOTE COUNTS WITH US! HELP US DECIDE WHAT TO RECORD NEXT, AND HOW TO DELIVER IT TO YOU... TAKE A QUICK SURVEY AND HELP US OUT.

ORDER JIM'S BOOK HERE.... Jim's book, Mandolin for Beginners, has been published by Alfred Publishing (and National Guitar Workshop) We're happy to say it is selling very well! It's available online and in retail stores both nationally and internationally. You can learn everything from how to hold/ tune a mandolin, how read tablature and strum -- to reading music, tremolo techniques, improvising. Jim packed it full of interesting tunes and practical advice...and his trademark mellow humor shines thru, too. There's a CD in it, so you can hear as well as read all the good stuff in the book. 48 pages Book & CD Order it online: NGW Store

Visit Maggi's new business, which saw its "debut" at the December 9 2007
Salem Open Studios show,
Old Town Hall, Salem, MA.
Thanks to all of you who helped launch our little venture!

WWW http://singingstring.org