What does your music say?

Often when we are tired, the music disappears from our playing.

Don’t drown out the organist!

This, for me, is right up there with “Don’t shoot the piano player!” Background Often when people get together for a church service, they are seeing each other for the first time in at least a week. It’s only natural that they want to greet each other and catch up. At the church where I [...]

Ideas that define me

Thoughts such as these need our attention from time to time. Integrity Being clear about the reasons I accept each gig Preparedness Learning the music before the first rehearsal Engagement Interest in the rehearsal, listening throughout Current knowledge Listening to what’s out there, reading articles and reviews Current skills Practicing to maintain an edge Life [...]

Working with the choir and congregation for the 1st time

My first Sunday in my new Director of Music position was January 29th.  To get started, the choir came early so we could talk about what we wanted to do together. And it was the choir’s suggestion! On February 5th, this past Sunday, the choir sang during the service. We had a brief rehearsal, which [...]

My new Director of Music position!

I have a new job!  I’m so excited about it!  The position is Director of Music at Christ United Methodist Church in Northampton, MA. A surprise email response It must be Karma.  Just after applying for an office job online, I alerted my references by email.  The minister of the church is on my list. [...]

A successful New York concert

All the details: week before, trip, warmup, concert, audience comments, friends, trip back.

This audience can sing!

How asking the audience to participate breaks through off-putting formality in a concert.

Why practice?

Do you make progress when you practice?

What Irene can teach us about learning music

How prepared were you for Hurricane Irene? How do you prepare for the unexpected when you practice?

When All Systems are NO: Now What?

Sometime in July, I concluded that, without a doubt, something needed to change about the way I book my own concerts.  Nothing was happening! The Problem After considering everything I could think of, including the thought that maybe people don’t like my playing, the reason became clear.  Many venues in which I’ve played are having [...]