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The biggest barrier to learning to juggle, in my experience, is control. You need to learn to control with great accuracy the trajectory of every toss, so that the juggling balls fall predictably. Without control, you end up chasing your juggling balls around the room and quickly dropping one or […]

In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. I […]

The best ensembles I know are the ones where all the individuals involved willingly sacrifice a little bit of their musical freedom and personal choice to follow their director and create something more harmonious and powerful than anything they could do on their own. That just crossed my mind.

In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. Lewis […]

It’s time for my fourth Flash Mob Friday! Gigging musicians and artists have been and will continue to be disproportionately hit by the COVID-19 closings, so each Friday I’m going to point you towards a musician, artist, or organization I think is worth your support. It’s my hope that together […]

These are my mantras as I move through these strange days: Stay positive. Practice self-care. Make. Actually, those are pretty good mantras even when you’re not living through a global pandemic.

In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. To […]

There is an overwhelming urge as I near the end of a writing project: the urge to not make decisions. Decisions like dynamic markings, articulations, cutoffs. “Let the performers decide,” I say. “Wait till you’ve heard a rehearsal.” “Wait till you’re sure.” But all of them are false arguments against […]

In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. The […]

Michele Weir is remarkable. She’s a remarkable singer, a remarkable improviser, a remarkable arranger, and a remarkable educator. She’s been building an online platform of courses aimed toward vocal jazz and vocal music educators, with great, great content. (She’s also built the fabulous Scatability app…). I just want to amplify […]