Playing With Wolfgang: Jesus Loves Me in Japanese
I remember clearly the day clearly. It was a big deal for us kids. We were going to surprise the whole congregation. We could barely sit still through the beginning…
Ode To My Central Sulcus
In my time, I’ve certainly been accused of being a little different. The exact wording usually goes something like, “I’ve never heard anyone play/think of/say it like that before,” or…
PA Shorts: Onwards & Upwards
Recently, while in the preparation phase of a presentation, I asked what some of our college students wished they had known before coming to study at a more advanced level. Some of…
Artist Portrait: Nathan Williamson
Nathan Williamson is a pianist, composer and conductor with ties to both the UK and the US. We chatted via email about his musical growing up, his musical mentors, balancing…
What I Did On My Summer Vacation
Wow! This is finals week. How exactly did that happen? We have a Mockingbird nest in our tree and have been amused as the parents have patiently enticed their little…
Artist Portrait: Ola Gjeilo
Say hello to composer and pianist Ola Gjeilo. Ola's concert works are performed all over the world and he recently finished a residency with the Phoenix Chorale. Both of his…
PA Shorts: On Forging A Personal Musical Connection
I'm always encouraging students to find something personal in their music—something from their own lives and experience. Often, they look at me like I have lobsters crawling out of my…
The Anti-Masterclass
Antimatter: Any substance that, when combined with an equal amount of matter, results in the complete and direct conversion of all substance to energy. () Anti-Masterclass: Any masterclass that, when…