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Welcome to Week 17 of The Definitive Version, a weekly feature of my website. You can read more about the project here and read all past entries here. Song: “But Not For Me” (1930)Composer: George GershwinLyricist: Ira GershwinForm: ABAB’Standard Key: E-flat Major. George and Ira Gershwin wrote “But Not For Me” for the musical […]

We don’t discover new musical artists because we stumble across them. Over and over, it’s because someone who loves the artist gets us puts the right song in front of us. Without the right song, we are not likely to keep listening. Without the right enthusiast, we aren’t likely to […]

Extreme sports are sports “taking place at potentially dangerous speeds or heights, or involving a high level of physical exertion, highly specialized gear, or spectacular stunts.” I think the beauty of great music-making is that they are un-extreme sports. Without any of the show, the physical risk, or special technology […]

Ask a teacher anywhere I teach, and they’ll tell you that Snow Days are not created equal. An unexpected day off, with sparkling snow and the chance to catch up with your family and maybe some grading or planning? Delightful. Six days in a row, unable to do the job […]

We are having a long-term snow day in my area. Specifically, the last day of school was last Thursday–we’ve had four consecutive snow days plus a weekend since school was held. I’ve done Snow Day recommendations in the past, but with the long-term nature of these Snow Days, I think […]

There are a lot of things you can do when not actively practicing in rehearsal. If the tenors are being drilled on their part, for example, what should you do to make the best use of rehearsal. There are a lot of options, but I think the best is to […]

As I watch the snow keep coming down, it’s hard to believe it, but it’s true: it’s time to think about Summer Music Camps. In particular, I’m thinking about camps appropriate for students interested in advancing their understanding of vocal jazz – as soloists, as ensemble singers, and as improvisers. […]

As I reflect a few weeks ago, the in-between moments really are the most valuable parts of a conference to me. What most struck me, at this weekend’s Michigan Music Conference, was how many times I ran into someone and had a quick chat that felt less like a catch-up […]

Let’s make our music-making lead with humanity. Don’t lead with challenging. (Although, you can find humanity in music of every difficulty level.) Don’t lead with cohesive. (You can find humanity in choirs who dress exactly alike, and those who dress individually or have creatively dyed hair.) Don’t lead with precise. […]

Love is lovelier the second time around.Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground. – Sammy Cahn, from The Second Time Around (music by Jimmy Van Heusen) The second time doing an event has a special place. In a few years, you’ll find yourself in traps of “we always do it this way.” […]