<![CDATA[Music & Language Learning Center - Blog]]>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:50:42 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[10 Cool Latin American Spanish Phrases Every Learner Should Know]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/10-cool-latin-american-spanish-phrases-every-learner-should-know
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Learning a language can be very difficult due to new grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. However, when you are learning a language, you are also opening yourself up to new cultures and ways of communicating. Speakers of any language rarely speak in "textbook" form. Their unique cultures shape their language, creating regional slang and expressions.
There is a lot of variety across Spanish-speaking regions, so when traveling or speaking with different Spanish speakers, there are many slang terms to become familiar with. Below are ten Latin American Spanish phrases that will help you sound more natural and confident while traveling or speaking with native speakers.

1. ​“Me pica el bagre”

Argentine Spanish speakers use this phrase to express intense hunger. It directly translates to “the catfish bites me,” which humorously suggests that your stomach is being tickled with hunger. You may hear or use this phrase often in Argentina, especially if you’re adjusting to local meal schedules. Lunch and dinner are typically much later than in many other countries, and sometimes people don’t eat until nine or ten at night.

2. ​“Está camote”

Bolivians use this phrase to say that someone is deeply infatuated or in love with another. You can use this phrase to speculate about someone else or even describe yourself when gossiping with friends. It’s a playful and expressive way to talk about romantic feelings. ​

3. ​“Buena onda”

This is a Chilean compliment to refer to a person you like the energy of. Use this phrase when describing someone who gives you a nice feeling. It directly translates to “good vibes.”

4. ​“Hazme un fa”

This phrase is mainly used in Colombia. If you are familiar with Spanish, you may recognize the informal command of hacer, meaning “to make” or “to do.” One of the most common Spanish words, por favor, literally translates to “by favor.”By shortening favor to fa, Colombians casually ask for a favor in a friendly way. Colombians are known for being very polite and warm, especially toward service workers or foreigners. 

5. ​“Lengua larga”

Dominican people often use this term to refer to someone who talks too much or sometimes spreads rumors. It translates to “long tongue,” suggesting that someone who is always talking can’t keep their tongue still. This is similar  to the English expression “having a big mouth.”

6. ​“Policía acostado”

Ecuadorian Spanish speakers use this word to describe speed bumps. Its literal translation is “policeman lying down,” adding humor to an everyday object. It’s a great example of how creative and playful slang can be. 

7. ​“¡Échale ganas!”

This phrase is commonly used in Mexico to encourage someone to put more energy or effort into what they are doing. A close English equivalent would be “give it your all” or “put some pep in your step.” This phrase can be heard all over Mexico, from households to dance halls. ​

8. ​“No hay bronca”

In Mexico, this phrase is used much like “no problem” in English. The word bronca refers to a problem or conflict, making this a useful phrase to recognize in casual conversation. 

9. ​“¡Órale!”

 This is another Mexican phrase that people use to express their excitement or admiration. It is similar to the English word “wow,” but depending on the context, it can also be used to hurry someone along, show disappointment, or even greet someone. ​

10. ​“¡Esta Pelú’o!”

In Venezuelan Spanish, está pelú’o is a lighthearted way to say someone is in trouble or facing a difficult situation. It’s similar to the playful reactions children make when they realize someone has gotten into trouble.

Conclusion

All of these Spanish phrases will help you in whatever country you are visiting or whoever you may be speaking to. Slang is a fun and important way to deepen your language skills and move beyond beginner-level Spanish.

Want your child to learn Spanish with a real teacher? Learn more about our course offerings at the Music & Language Learning Center. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this language learning journey together!
​​

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[ABRSM Theory Resources for Exam Preparation]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/abrsm-theory-resources-for-exam-preparation
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The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Music Theory exams can be challenging for students. Whether you're preparing for lower grades or higher grades, these tests can feel daunting if you don't know where to find good resources. 
If you're a parent whose child is taking these exams but you haven't taken one yourself, it can also be difficult to guide them. Check out this week's blog for some of the best ABRSM Music Theory resources to help you prepare and ace your exam!

1. ​Practice Tests from ABRSM

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This may seem like an obvious one, but some people aren't aware that most testing sites, including ABRSM, offer practice exams and sample questions for free. The questions come directly from the people who wrote the exam, so they are going to be a valuable resource. However, since there are limited practice tests, it's important to create a good study plan and use them strategically at specific times when you're most ready.

2. ​Piano Star Theory and Violin Star Theory

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Piano Star Theory and Violin Star Theory books are also specifically recommended by ABRSM to prepare for music theory exams. Although they are geared more toward beginners and younger grades, they offer valuable lessons and are interactive in creative and engaging ways that make studying more enjoyable.​

3. MyMusicTheory.Com

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MyMusicTheory.Com website is not only free but also offers a variety of helpful lessons, practice questions, and practice tests. You can use their website to identify your current level and see where you're struggling, so you can study intentionally in specific areas rather than trying to study everything at once.​

4. ​Teoria

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Teoria offers both music theory and ear training exercises, which will be very useful when studying for the exam. They also offer references in all the keys that you can study offline, allowing you to brush up on your practical knowledge of music theory as you study.

5. ​OpusLab

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OpusLab is excellent for studying for the ABRSM exam because it includes a huge variety of practice papers and questions made specifically for the exam. The website is designed to give students an advantage in these exams.

6. ​MLLC Free Resources

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The MLLC offers free resources based on our curriculum to study for the ABRSM exam. The resources linked are mostly for Grade 1, but we have a curriculum to cover all of the exams. If you're interested in them, please feel free to reach out and explore our classes!​

Conclusion

While studying for these exams may feel stressful, and music theory may even feel pointless to some who are taking it for external reasons, it's important to remember throughout your studies that music theory is not meant to be soulless or to mechanize music.

It's meant to help you understand how music works in order to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of one of the most beautiful and soulful things on Earth.

Want your child to learn ABRSM Music Theory with a real teacher? Learn more about our course offerings at the Music & Language Learning Center. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this musical learning journey together!

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[Top 10 Books to Learn Brazilian Portuguese for Children]]>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/top-10-books-to-learn-brazilian-portuguese-for-children
Portuguese Children Books
Reading is one of the most effective and engaging ways to teach children languages. When children encounter stories they can relate to, or that spark their imagination, they become naturally motivated to engage with the language. They learn the language subconsciously as they work to understand the stories. ​
Below are ten children's books arranged by difficulty level that we've found particularly helpful for teaching Portuguese:

1. Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo by Ruth Rocha

Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo book is perfect for beginners learning Portuguese. The story follows a child named Marcelo who questions why we use certain words. For example, he asks why they call a table "table" instead of "chair" (all in Portuguese). 

Ruth Rocha is a best-selling Brazilian children's author, and she crafts a lovely yet simple tale with vibrant illustrations. This is one of the essential books for teaching children Portuguese.

2. Maria Vai Com as Outras by Sylvia Orthof

Maria Vai Com as Outras book is simple yet impactful. The title is actually an idiom meaning someone who doesn't think for themselves and just follows the crowd. The story exemplifies this by following Maria, a sheep who blindly follows her herd, leading her into various troubles. 

Orthof's most popular book, it offers accessible language with some more challenging vocabulary, and delights readers with its humorous illustrations.

3. O Pequeno Principe by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

While originally written in French, O Pequeno Principe classic's simple and timeless plot translates beautifully to all languages. If your child has already read this book in English or another language, reading it in Portuguese helps connect the story to their native tongue. 

The book features beautiful and poetic language that is both accessible and engaging for beginners seeking an enriching challenge.

4. Rose, minha irmã Rosa by Alice Vieira

This author writes many books aimed at children and young adults. Rose, minha irmã Rosa book covers daily vocabulary by centering on the birth of a sibling. This gives children something to relate to as they learn simple language that will be useful in everyday communication. 

On top of learning a language, this book can be a lovely way to introduce children to the idea of having a younger sibling and what it means to no longer be an only child.

5. Chapeuzinho Amarelo by Chico Buarque

Chapeuzinho Amarelo story follows a girl who is afraid of everything, including her own shadow! However, her life turns around when she learns the word for wolf, lobo. This story presents a wonderful opportunity to learn the past and perfect tenses of Portuguese, along with some more complex vocabulary. This will be a wonderful and entertaining story to begin transitioning your child from easier stories to more intermediate ones.

6. O Gato Malhado e a Andorinha Sinhá by Jorge Amado ​

There are some complex, deep ideas featured in this story about forbidden love and the cycles of love. It comes off as a fairly simple, poetic story with accessible language and vocabulary. The added complexity of certain sentence structures can make the language a bit out of reach for some more beginner readers, and the deeper themes and social commentary may take more time and reflection for younger readers to be able to fully comprehend the book.

7. A Bolsa Amarela by Lygia Bojunga

If you are looking to expose your child to some deeper reflection while maintaining relatively accessible language, this book is perfect. Bojunga is known for this unique blend of accessibility and depth. A Bolsa Amarela follows a child named Raquel as she grows up and tries to navigate familial ties, as well as learning who she is as a person. These complex ideas, mixed with more advanced sentence structure, make this book perfect for intermediate learners.

8. Flicts by Ziraldo

​This book uses a lot of figurative language, such as metaphors, that evoke much deeper reflection than a lower-level short story might. It follows a color named “Flicts” that doesn’t feel as though it fits in. This allows the story to play with what it means to belong somewhere whilst simultaneously staying true to yourself. This book provides a wonderful opportunity for those wanting to expand their horizons of Portuguese language.

9. A Terra dos Meninos Pelados by Graciliano Ramos

Ramos is most often categorized as more adult fiction, but the story he wrote just after getting out of prison won him the Prêmio Literatura Infantil. This story follows a boy with physical differences from the rest of his neighborhood, which results in him being an outcast. He creates a world with characters that help him accept and embrace his own identity. 

A Terra dos Meninos Pelados book contains complex but common vocabulary and colloquialisms that will be difficult to understand without a native Portuguese speaker’s assistance, which makes it more targeted for advanced readers.​

10. O Menino do Dedo Verde by Maurício de Sousa

O Menino do Dedo Verde story follows a child named Verde who can make plants grow with just his fingers. There are deeper themes, such as nature and personal responsibility, woven into this tale that make it interesting for more advanced readers. The advanced, descriptive vocabulary is less accessible for intermediate readers and more suitable for advanced children.

Conclusion

Books can be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to learn a new language, so we hope these suggestions are helpful in your child’s language journey.

Want your child to learn Brazilian Portuguese with a real teacher? Learn more about our course offerings at the Music & Language Learning Center. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this language learning journey together!​

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[Tips for Parents: How to Keep Kids Motivated When Learning Spanish]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/tips-for-parents-how-to-keep-kids-motivated-when-learning-spanish
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One of the biggest challenges in learning anything is staying motivated, and this is especially true for children. Young learners can easily become frustrated when they are still developing communication skills—even in their first language. Short attention spans and fluctuating focus can make language learning feel particularly difficult at times.
These challenges can add up, but with the right approach, learning Spanish can remain engaging and enjoyable. Here are some effective ways to keep kids motivated and excited to learn:


Manage Expectation - Yours and Theirs
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Language learning is challenging for everyone, including adults. Make sure your child understands that progress takes time and that feeling stuck or slow at times is completely normal.

It can be reassuring to remind children that many people around the world only speak one language, and that learning a second language already puts them ahead. Reducing pressure helps prevent discouragement and keeps motivation intact.


Make Spanish Cultural and Fun

Language is much more than grammar and vocabulary, and keeping this perspective at the center of your child’s learning can be very motivating. Culture includes food, music, traditions, and everyday experiences that children naturally enjoy.

Try cooking a meal together using Spanish instructions or ingredients, playing Spanish music in the car, or finding a Spanish-speaking artist your child likes and building a playlist together. Spanish is especially well-suited to this approach because it is spoken across many cultures, offering endless opportunities for cultural exploration.


Gamify Spanish Learning

Memorizing vocabulary and practicing conjugations can sometimes feel boring, especially for kids. Turning practice into a game rather than a task can make a big difference. There are many apps, websites, and interactive activities that present Spanish fundamentals in a playful and engaging way.

When learning feels like play, children are more likely to stay motivated and curious.


Keep Spanish Social

At its core, language is about communication. Multilingualism opens the door to connecting with more people, and this is an exciting idea for children. If possible, help your child practice Spanish with friends, relatives, classmates, or other learners.

Speaking Spanish with peers can feel like being part of a special club, and social interaction is one of the strongest motivators in any learning environment. Friendship can turn practice into something children genuinely look forward to.


Switch Up Practice Styles

Routines are helpful, but they should leave room for variety. Repeating the same activities every day can lead to boredom, and you never want children to associate learning with frustration.

Try rotating practice styles based on your child’s energy and mood. On days when motivation is low, watching a favorite movie in Spanish with subtitles or listening to music might be more effective than structured drills. Adapting learning to your child’s needs helps keep the experience positive and engaging.

Keeping learning fun and spirits high helps children stay motivated, even when the process feels challenging. These strategies not only support language learning but also teach children valuable skills about how to learn, explore, and persist—benefits that last a lifetime.

That said, language learning can still feel overwhelming without enough structure. ​Want your child to learn Spanish with a real teacher? Learn more about our course offerings at the Music & Language Learning Center. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this language learning journey together!

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[Top 10 Netflix Cartoons in Spanish]]>Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/top-10-netflix-cartoons-in-spanish
Top 10 Netflix Cartoons in Spanish
Learning any language requires significant time and dedication, regardless of the method you choose—whether studying abroad, reading books in the target language, or immersing yourself in music and podcasts.
The most effective approach combines multiple learning methods. One method that may sound simple but can actually be quite challenging is watching cartoons in Spanish.

This approach works for everyone from toddlers to adults because it offers numerous benefits. Watching cartoons teaches both language and culture effectively. Here are ten of the best Netflix cartoons for you and your children to watch in Spanish:​

1. Pocoyo

Pocoyo
This show is perfect for beginner Spanish speakers because it was literally created for them! It was produced in Spain for toddlers and young kids. That means the language is simple and the plot is easy to follow. The name is a made-up word in Spanish that combines “poco” (little) and “yo” (me) and follows a Spanish toddler. ​

2. Maya y Los Tres

Maya y Los Tres
Maya y Los Tres is a great window into Mexican culture as well as a fun show to learn Spanish from. It also gives you some Latin American colloquialisms that may help you improve your speaking with native people. ​

3. Hilda

Hilda
While this show was originally produced in English, it has a very high-quality Spanish version. It has very clear pronunciation and a manageable pace to follow. You may also find it helpful to hear both versions to see how Spanish sentence structure and vocabulary match up to the English language.

4. Chip y Potato

Chip y Potato
This is an adorable cartoon that follows a small dog on her journey through kindergarten. You will get a lot of vocabulary as well as great examples of friendships and learning in Spanish.

5. Little Baby Bum

Little Baby Bum
This show has a lot of nursery rhymes and songs, which will keep younger children engaged. The rhyming structure of the Spanish version will also help kids remember vocabulary and structure. ​

6. My Little Pony: La Magia de Amistad

My Little Pony: La Magia de Amistad
A lot of young kids in America have already watched this show in English, seeing the Spanish version may help cement grammatical structures and vocabulary in their minds as they connect that version with memories of the English one. 

If they haven’t watched the show, it is just genuinely a good show with important values and messages in any language.​

7. Cocomelon: ¡A Cantar!

Cocomelon: ¡A Cantar!
Many kids have also seen Cocomelon in English, but the lessons the show gives in the Spanish alphabet and phonetics will be extremely useful, especially for beginners. ​

8. YooHoo al Rescate

YooHoo al Rescate
This is a fun show for kids to watch that follows a cat saving other animals. As he and his friends save other animals and problem-solve, you and your children will be able to work on your comprehension skills.

9. Pregunta a Los Storybots

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This show is perfect for expanding kids’ vocabulary because it is literally centered around teaching kids different lessons they are often curious about. Watching in English alone would be educational, but watching in Spanish will help comprehension, vocabulary, and general knowledge.

10. Los Tres de Abajo

Los Tres de Abajo
While most of the other cartoons are centered towards kids, this show is a little bit too scary for young kids. However, it does give a really good introduction to everyday conversation in Spanish as aliens are being taught human customs while also giving some good sci-fi vocabulary.

Final Thoughts

As you watch these cartoons, try to keep in mind what you’re already working on in your language. 

Do you want to increase your vocabulary? 

Better your understanding of grammar structure? 

Or just learn more about Spanish or Latin American culture? 

Try to be an active watcher rather than a mindless consumer to get the most out of this exercise. We know that sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint your own weaknesses, especially in language. 

Want your child to learn Spanish with a real teacher? Learn more about our course offerings at the Music & Language Learning Center. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this language learning journey together!

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[ABRSM Theory Resources for Exam Preparation]]>Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/abrsm-theory-resources-for-exam-preparation4695917
ABRSM Theory Resources for Exam Preparation
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Music Theory exams can be challenging for students. Whether you're preparing for lower grades or higher grades, these tests can feel daunting if you don't know where to find good resources. If you're a parent whose child is taking these exams but you haven't taken one yourself, it can also be difficult to guide them. Check out this week's blog for some of the best ABRSM Music Theory resources to help you prepare and ace your exam!
1. Practice Tests from ABRSM

This may seem like an obvious one, but some people aren't aware that most testing sites, including ABRSM, offer practice exams and sample questions for free. The questions come directly from the people who wrote the exam, so they are going to be a valuable resource. However, since there are limited practice tests, it's important to create a good study plan and use them strategically at specific times when you're most ready.


2. Piano Star Theory and Violin Star Theory

These two books: Piano Star, and Violin Star Theory, are also specifically recommended by ABRSM to prepare for music theory exams. Although they are geared more toward beginners and younger grades, they offer valuable lessons and are interactive in creative and engaging ways that make studying more enjoyable.


3. MyMusicTheory.Com

This website is not only free but also offers a variety of helpful lessons, practice questions, and practice tests. You can use their website to identify your current level and see where you're struggling, so you can study intentionally in specific areas rather than trying to study everything at once.


4. Teoria

Teoria offers both music theory and ear training exercises, which will be very useful when studying for the exam. They also offer references in all the keys that you can study offline, allowing you to brush up on your practical knowledge of music theory as you study.


5. OpusLab

OpusLab is excellent for studying for the ABRSM exam because it includes a huge variety of practice papers and questions made specifically for the exam. The website is designed to give students an advantage in these exams.


6. MLLC Free Resources

The MLLC offers free resources based on our curriculum to study for the ABRSM exam. The resources linked are mostly for Grade 1, but we have a curriculum to cover all of the exams. If you're interested in them, please feel free to reach out and explore our classes!
 

Final Thoughts

While studying for these exams may feel stressful, and music theory may even feel pointless to some who are taking it for external reasons, it's important to remember throughout your studies that music theory is not meant to be soulless or to mechanize music. It's meant to help you understand how music works in order to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of one of the most beautiful and soulful things on Earth. 

If you're searching for more guidance and resources while studying for this exam, please feel free to contact us at the Music & Language Learning Center. We would be happy to offer you a free consultation to explore how we can help you!​

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[How to Learn a Language Through Song]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/how-to-learn-a-language-through-song
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Learning a language can feel overwhelming when it’s reduced to cramming vocabulary, sentence structures, and verb conjugations the night before a test.

​This kind of stress-based learning is often ineffective and discouraging. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that music offers a powerful alternative: learning language through song. Listening to music activates multiple areas of the brain, supporting memory, pronunciation, and comprehension.
Thanks to technology and globalization, music from many cultures and languages is now more accessible than ever. Using song as a learning tool can make language study more engaging, sustainable, and enjoyable.
​
Check out the different ways to learn a new language through song.​

Why Learning Through Song Words

Learning a language through music has many benefits. One of the most immediate is improved pronunciation. When songs get stuck in your head, you naturally mimic how the artist sings the words, helping you internalize more native-like sounds and rhythms.
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Music also introduces new vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural context. Even if music isn’t your primary learning method, it can make the process far more enjoyable and motivating.

Choose Songs You Enjoy

It may seem obvious, but many learners feel they need to choose songs that are “educational,” such as children’s music or very slow ballads they don’t enjoy. While these can be helpful for focused study, everyday practice works best when you genuinely like the music.

Choosing songs you enjoy increases motivation and makes it more likely that the lyrics will stay in your head. Studies also suggest that learners who regularly listen to music in their target language often develop greater confidence and fluency over time.​

Use the Lyrics Actively

Listening alone is helpful, but understanding what you’re singing makes the learning much deeper. Look up lyric translations or try translating them yourself. Printing lyrics and annotating unfamiliar words or phrases helps build vocabulary and grammatical awareness.
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Pay special attention to phrases you can use in everyday conversation, and keep a list to review and practice regularly.

Watch Music Videos

Music videos offer visual context that deepens understanding of both the song and its cultural message. Watching videos with subtitles turns the activity into both a listening and a reading exercise.

If you haven’t looked up the lyrics yet, try using visual cues from the video to infer meaning. This strengthens comprehension skills and encourages active listening.​

Be Consistent and Flexible

Music is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent with language exposure, even if it’s playing in the background. Aim to listen to music in your target language daily. Keeping songs downloaded on your phone or device makes this easier.

Not every listening session needs full concentration. Casual exposure still builds listening skills and prepares you for real-world situations, such as understanding announcements, fast speech, or strong accents.​

Divide and Conquer

Breaking a song into smaller sections makes it easier to understand and memorize. Focus on a verse or chorus at a time, ensuring you fully understand each part before moving on.
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Pop songs are especially useful for this approach because they often repeat key phrases. Taking things slowly ensures the learning sticks and remains meaningful.​

Find Other Music & Language Enthusiasts ​

Connecting with other learners or music fans in your target language can deepen understanding. Fan communities often analyze lyrics, word choice, and cultural meaning—even in their native language.​

Conclusion

These discussions can help you understand poetic nuance, slang, and cultural references that may not appear in textbooks.

Using songs to learn a language offers many cognitive, emotional, and cultural benefits. Like any learning method, it can still be challenging at times, and it’s important to choose songs that match your current level. Be patient with yourself and allow room to ease up when needed.

If you’d like to explore structured ways to combine music and language learning, the Music & Language Learning Center offers a variety of courses designed to support both. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this musical and language learning journey together!​

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[10 Cool European Spanish Phrases Every Learner Should Know]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/10-cool-european-spanish-phrases-every-learner-should-know
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Learning trending phrases that people of all ages use can help you find a sense of belonging in a culture you are new to. Expressions enhance your fluency and vocabulary while helping you sound more natural. Native speakers will appreciate your efforts to learn more, which makes experimenting with a new language more comfortable. If you're interested in sounding more local when speaking European Spanish, here are ten useful phrases to know

1. “En boca cerrada no entran moscas”

This phrase  translates to: “flies don’t enter a closed mouth.” This is the Spanish speakers’ funny way of saying “silence is golden.” It’s a playful way to remind your friends, family, or children that sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. It’s a lighthearted idiom that adds color to everyday conversation. ​

2. ​“Mil gracias”

Beginner Spanish speakers will often use the term "muchas gracias." However, mil gracias – meaning "a thousand thanks" – is a more casual, native-sounding way to express gratitude.

3. ​“Ser un chaval”

If you're trying to describe a naive person in Spain, this is the phrase for you. It translates to "to be a kid," reflecting the idea of youthful inexperience.

4. ​“Estar como una cabra”

The translation of this phrase literally means "to be like a goat." Spaniards use this expression when people are acting paranoid or crazy.

5. ​“Se le fue la pinza”

This phrase also means someone is acting crazy. It is the Spanish equivalent of the English expression "to lose it." While used less frequently, it is still a nice phrase to recognize and use.

6. ​“Estar a dos velas”

This is Spaniards' creative way of referring to a person struggling financially. The phrase means "to be between two candles," suggesting a lack of money or resources.

7. ​“Ser mono”

If you're trying to compliment or flirt with someone in Spanish, this phrase will be useful. It means "to be a monkey," though people use it to say someone or something is cute.

8. ​“¡Qué fuerte!”

This is how Spaniards say "wow" or express surprise, excitement, or awe. You can use this phrase at football games, with friends, or even when reacting to food, news, or unexpected situations.

9. ​“Es la leche”

Spaniards use this phrase very flexibly, meaning either someone or something is positively or negatively "unbelievable." One important rule: even if the noun is plural, the phrase never becomes "las leches.

10. ​ “Ir a su bola”

This phrase is similar in meaning to the English expression "stay in your lane," as it literally means "go to your ball." Unlike the English phrase, this expression describes someone who is already minding their business and may even be too focused on themselves.

Conclusion

If you are traveling to Spain soon or planning to speak with Spaniards in the near future, these phrases will be very helpful to know. Spanish speakers are generally pretty friendly about sharing their language, so another helpful idea is to ask native Spaniards if they have any phrases they recommend you know.

Want your child to learn Spanish with a real teacher? Learn more about our course offerings at the Music & Language Learning Center. Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this language learning journey together!

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[Musical Movies That Teach Kids Rhythm]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/musical-movies-that-teach-kids-rhythm
Musical Movies
Music is one of the most enjoyable and productive ways children can build creativity and explore the arts. There are many ways to develop musical skills—through listening, learning notes, playing an instrument, or studying music theory. However, one of the simplest and most accessible ways to introduce children to key musical concepts is through movies and musicals.
Musical films often feature catchy, well-crafted songs that naturally introduce children to elements of music such as rhythm, tempo, and coordination. Below are seven musical movies that are especially effective at helping kids develop a sense of rhythm.

1. ​The Sound of Music

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Image from: https://www.academymuseum.org/programs/detail/the-sound-of-music-01981a0b-ec9a-72ba-c571-47d1d61e2231
The Sound of Music classic film is beloved by audiences of all ages and includes songs that explicitly introduce musical concepts. Its famous teaching songs encourage musical thinking and provide a gentle introduction to pitch and rhythm. The movie also highlights the importance of music as a form of expression, inspiring appreciation and joy.

2. ​Coco

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Image from: https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/coco-review-pixar-1202595605/
While emotional, Coco is deeply rooted in music and culture. The film features a wide variety of songs that emphasize rhythm and musical storytelling. It also demonstrates the powerful connection between music, memory, and family, helping children see music as something meaningful and expressive.

3. ​Mary Poppins

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Image from: DISNEY/Allstar
The playful and imaginative nature of this musical makes it especially engaging for young viewers. The film, Mary Poppins, introduces important musical ideas beyond lyrics, including tempo changes and dynamic contrast. The mix of slower and upbeat songs helps children begin to recognize different rhythmic styles.

4. ​Annie

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​Annie musical is filled with energetic rhythms and creative movement. Characters often use everyday objects—such as broomsticks or desks—to create rhythmic patterns. This helps children understand that rhythm exists beyond traditional instruments and can be found everywhere in daily life.

5. ​Sing

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​Sing delivers an important message: music is for everyone. The film showcases characters of all backgrounds enjoying and creating music, reinforcing that musical participation is not limited to trained musicians. Its wide range of musical styles—from pop to classic hits—also helps expand children’s musical exposure.

6. ​Frozen

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Rhythm plays an important role in ensemble singing, and Frozen highlights this through its many duets and group numbers. Learning the rhythms of these songs allows children to sing along with others, making rhythm a shared and social experience that feels fun and natural.

7. ​The Greatest Showman

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The Greatest Showman film offers an exciting look at the process of creating and performing music. The songs feature complex rhythms and strong musical momentum, showing how different rhythmic elements work together. The energy and craftsmanship of the music often inspire children to explore singing or music lessons themselves.

Conclusion

These musical movies provide a fun and supportive way for children to begin developing rhythmic awareness while also fostering a love for music and storytelling. They create a safe, engaging environment where kids can experience rhythm naturally and joyfully.
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At the Music & Language Learning Center, we strive to offer that same supportive space where children can explore music with curiosity and confidence. If you or your children are interested in music education, book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this musical journey together!

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
]]><![CDATA[Top Online Resources for Conducting Practice]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.musicandlanguagecenter.com/blog/top-online-resources-for-conducting-practice
Conducting
Conducting is a complex art with a lot of moving pieces. You have to learn the score, indicate instrumental entrances, beat time, and understand the orchestra you are working with. That last one can be the hardest part when you are working with a new group so often.
However, it can be made infinitely easier when you have confidence in the basics of conducting. Practicing conducting alone online can help you master the basics, so when you have to face the challenge of working with a new group, it is not a lack of knowledge or skill holding you back. 

Here are some of the best online resources for practicing conducting:


1. ConductIT 
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There are four different spaces to explore in ConductIT. One of them gives you an introduction to conducting, the next lets you explore conducting techniques and skills, in another, you can learn about careers in conducting, and in yet another, you can examine case study documentaries that cover a variety of genres and styles.

This will give you a comprehensive overview of conducting and allow you to explore possible careers if you are passionate about it.


2. Conducting Artistry

Conducting Artistry website's mission is literally "to help you become the best conductor you can be." They achieve this through small pieces of teaching that you can implement easily into your conducting.

The idea is that enough droplets of water will eventually fill the bucket. When they do introduce a bigger idea, they break it down for you so you are not overwhelmed or unsure how to implement it. This will allow you to slowly but surely grow your abilities and end up a better conductor.


3. Vaia

Vaia offers a variety of flashcards and practice exercises that allow you to practice the most important parts of conducting. These include cueing, tempo setting, and expressive dynamics. This will allow you to master these skills for more effective communication with the performers.


4. Inside the Orchestra

Inside the Orchestra is a resource from a larger website that is less structured and more of an opportunity for you to quiz yourself. They created a playlist of different orchestras you can conduct. This will allow you to practice conducting music in 2, 3, or 4.


Conclusion

Conducting can be a very difficult thing to learn, but also just to practice. Some people assume they can only practice with their orchestra and that building the basics comes from simply reading and practicing scores on their own.  

While this may have been true before the age of technology, now there is a whole world at your fingertips that can offer really valuable ways to practice and measure your progress.

This extends to places like the Music & Language Learning Center that can offer you a structured curriculum and personalized lessons from professionals on how to improve your conducting. Want your child to learn Conducting with a real teacher? Book a ​free trial lesson with us today and let's embark on this language learning journey together!​

Kristine Dizon, PhD

Founder and Head Teacher
Music & Language Learning Center
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