arrange • compose • conduct
You can toil for hours over a section that will take three seconds in performance; then in a few minutes you can write a few bars of a slow movement that will last for half a minute. Even with notation software playback, it’s important to step back and recognize the […]
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 […]
Just a quick reminder for the many friends working from home these days. As someone who has worked primarily from home for many years, I have learned the hard way that a bigger challenge can be NOT working from home. When your workspace is your homespace, it’s easy to not […]
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 […]
It’s time for my second 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 […]
My composition student said today, “I’m about a minute in and I feel like I’m running out of ideas.” We went on to discuss how the best pieces aren’t special because the composer never ran out of ideas – they are special because the composer knew how to shape the […]
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. For […]
“The best camera is the one that’s with you” Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis, the photographer and entrepreneur behind CreativeLive, has often repeated the above quote. His message is simple – when the opportunity presents itself, the camera on the iPhone in your pocket is vastly superior to the DSLR camera […]
The Michigan Choral Commission Consortium is a labor of love, and its mission is integrally wedded to creating choral experiences for Michigan singers and choirs. So about a week ago I decided to create a Virtual Choir to offer something to singers over during this unprecedented statewide shutdown. I’m hopeful […]
Social Distancing for me will include some extra time to arrange music, and I’m incredibly excited to get started on some new vocal arrangements thanks to the new class of public domain songs in 2020. If you’re an arranger, I encourage you to do the same – check out this […]