Hello everyone!

Just a quick note to let you all know that I spent the last week of March at Jupiter Studios in St. Louis recording the Listen & Learn album (thanks to your generous donations). You can read a recap of all four days in the studio by following this link:

http://www.listenlearnmusic.com/search/label/Recording%20Studio

I have more exciting news about the CD, but I'll wait and post it separately. In the meantime, thanks again for your support. I'm really proud of how this project is shaping up, and I can't wait for you to hear the finished product!

Love,
Rachel

Hi everyone!

It's been a few weeks since you all helped me MEET and SURPASS my $2,000 goal (I'm still reeling over that) and I thought I'd let you in on the latest developments.

First of all, as I mentioned back in August, I found the perfect recording studio for my project, but waited until I knew the funding would be there to actually book it. I am thrilled to officially announce that I will be recording the CD at Jupiter Studios in St. Louis over my spring break, March 30-April 2.

And there's more exciting news! Kimberly Smoot, an amazingly talented local photographer, has offered to donate her services to the cause. The shoot for cover/insert photos will take place next Saturday, October 3 at her studio here in Springfield. You can check out some of her stunning work at www.kimberlysmoot.com.

As I've mentioned, this CD (in both physical and download form) will be given away to families of children with autism and other disabilities at no cost. While the money that you all have so graciously pledged will cover recording expenses, there won't be a whole lot leftover for production costs. So in these final 12 days remaining, could you please forward my project to others who might be interested in donating to my cause? Every additional dollar means another CD produced and given away for a child to enjoy.

THANK YOU, everyone, for your support and generosity. Obviously, I couldn't have done any of this without each of you!!

Love,
Rachel :)

Thanks to each and every one of you, I have exceeded my goal of $2,000 with over a month to spare. Yesterday morning, which just happened to be the one-year anniversary of my first blog post at Listen & Learn, I still had over $400 to raise. I posted a link to my project on Facebook, and by the end of the day, I was $133 over my goal.

Thank you so much for helping my idea become a reality! The project won't officially end until October 8, until which time pledges can still be accepted. But in the meantime, I will be busy choosing the songs for the CD and getting the ball rolling on the recording process. Look for updates in the near future, and thanks again!

Love,
Rachel

Thanks to all of you, I have raised $1,400 in just over a month! I am just about 70% of the way to my goal, and I have until October 8 to meet it (otherwise I don't get any of the funds already pledged). I still have 51 days left, and I'm really hoping to surpass the goal so that I can include more songs and distribute even more CDs.

After doing some research, I have chosen a recording studio and I couldn't be more thrilled! Jim Callahan, the owner of Jupiter Studios in St. Louis, MO, has agreed to take on the project. And not only that, but because he believes in what I'm doing, he is willing to make it work within my budget.

The generosity of my readers, friends and family has amazed me to no end, and there's just a little way to go. Only $600 left, which breaks down to $10 donations from 60 people. Is there someone you can pass this along to?

THANK YOU!

Love,
Rachel

Any Bon Jovi fans in the house?

Well anyway, the point of this update is to let you know that this evening, thanks to YOU, my project has reached the halfway mark towards my goal of $2,000. Wait, make that three dollars PAST the halfway mark :)

It's been a week and a half since I launched my project, and I am literally stunned at your generosity, especially those of you I haven't seen in years (thanks, Facebook!) or whom I've never met (thanks, internet in general!). I never imagined that I would have such support this quickly; and to think, I have until October to raise even more money so that I can pull out all the stops with this CD.

So basically, this is just one long thank-you note, and an invitation to pass this along to other people who might also want to contribute. Your kindness is much, much appreciated.

Love,
Rachel

Dear Everyone,

Well I kicked off my project a week and a day ago, and thanks to all of you I have already surpassed the quarter-mark! In fact, I am only $139 away from the halfway point of $1,000. I was hoping to reach that milestone yesterday, exactly a week after the launch, but it just wasn't in the cards :(

On the bright side, there are still 80 days to go! I have been amazed with the support I've received thus far, and I have no doubt that I will reach my goal. So thank you for YOUR contribution; and if you want to do more, you can send a link to my project to others who you think may also find it a worthwhile undertaking.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Love,
Rachel

Hi there, Im Rachel,
Thanks for stopping by.
I wrote this song and made this video
To explain the reasons why
You should make a pledge and be a part
Of this project that I hope to start
Its called Listen & Learn and its for
A different kind of audience who needs more

Autism presents itself
In more than one way,
Its a disorder that affects how children learn,
And communicate and play.
But music is a bridge that can reach inside
It lets a child connect instead of hide
And thats why I do what I do,
Why Im asking support from you.

Help me, help them
Give my gift of song.
Even if you pledge one dollar
Youll move this project along.
I write the songs but I need a hand,
To follow through with my grander plan
Which is recording a CD
Just for them, and sung by me.

I wanted to reach out,
So I started a blog to share
My music and thoughts with the people
Who could benefit out there.
They said my songs were part of the solution
So I want to make a bigger contribution
So please, if you feel inclined,
I hope that you will find that you can.