So if you are a completely talkative person, it is often nice to discover that the talkative person in fact has another voice. For me, that voice is the piano. Whatever I am playing, on any given day, the music speaks the words, I somehow cannot say.
The other evening, I was playing two of Bach's little preludes, 4 and 6. 4 has always been my favorite. My husband Mark, had just lost a dear co-worker, and I think playing both of these little works, allowed me to express the profound sadness I have been feeling since she died on August 12. Sometimes crying only takes you so far, but when playing music, any music, you can bring sort of an order to your grief. It gives you a chance to say, for this song, this minute, this day, I am going to play with feeling, and think about the profound worth of this person.
About three months ago, I bought the piano music to the Broadway musical Beautiful. The musical showcases the works of Carole King. In looking at the book, it is still amazing to realize what a prolific songwriter, and composer she is. The first song in the book is So Far Away. Of course that song is not too challenging to sight read, so that is a good thing. I think when I play that ballad, it allows me to focus on the fact that one of my children, Sarah lives out of state, and my other child Michael, is considering and is close to move out of state as well. The song sort of laments about the fact that people don't stay in one place anymore. That very idyllic existence that was part of my parents' world, and even mine for the first 31 years of my life has changed. Growing up in northwest Detroit in the 1950s and 60s, everyone was from Detroit, and everyone seemed to stay in Detroit.
But with the 20-something-early 30 something population, moving on is the order of the day. So Carole King's lamenting So Far Away, addresses both the concerns you have when your children move on, but also addresses the profound love you have for those who are no longer physically close.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Can the piano lift you from grief?
So when someone dies suddenly, like my husband's co worker, about two weeks ago, how does one create order out of the chaos of sadness and grief? I am not sure I can speak for any one else but I find, I turn to my music, which means turning to my piano.
There has never been a difficult time in my life, where I have not grabbed the piano, and for lack of a better term, hugged the instrument. Once when I was in law school, I was lamenting to my mom, that I was too busy too play, what with work and night classes. My mom looked up from what ever she was doing, turned to me and said, 'but there will be a time, when you will be so grateful that you can play, and that gratefulness will be the reason you will start playing and will continue to play."
Truer words were never spoken. After I married and moved to Columbus in 1987, it was several years, perhaps about 8 of them, before my mom and dad moved the family piano down to our house.
It was at that time that my mom's words started to come true. I found myself playing a lot of children's music in those early years of the piano re-entering my life, and when my children were in later grade school, I started taking lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, and again, I started to understand what my mom was talking about, in terms of the piano.
For a talkative person like myself, you would think that it is easy to find my voice. However, with my husband's colleague/co-worker's sudden death, it has been hard, hard to formulate any words. What do you say, when a wonderful colleague and friend dies, with an amazing husband and two beautiful children.? I answer that question with "I don't know."
So I have said to myself these past two weeks. As I play, I am going to pray, to pray for understanding, to pray for her husband and boys, to pray for me, my husband and his team not to lose faith. That in time, things may become clearer, That in time, folks won't think about the tragedy, but will rejoice in the fact that they got to know her, to learn from her to be her friend. I don't believe any of this right now, and I am sure my husband and his team don't either, but they are courageous, they are going forward and they are going to try.
So when you are all cried out, when words won't come, when I'm sorry doesn't seem like enough I turn to my 88 keys.
I play Bach, for order, for the fact that there are no pauses and you just have to keep going, mistakes and all, to try to play beautiful music.
I play pop culture music, right now that is Carole King's Beautiful musical music. So Far Away is a beautiful ballad, that puts your sadness down on the page, whether it's children moving away, a loved one dying, a transitional career move, I could go on.
I play standards, Blue Moon, Over the Rainbow, songs my mom danced to, because even though I am still profoundly sad about her death, I learned that I have been able to carry on, challenged, but still moving forward.
I play Peanuts, because my husband's co worker was a mom, and she would want all of us mothers to be joyous, because that is a large part of being a parent, joy. Take a moment to hear the Piano Guys rendition of Linus and Lucy on Youtube. It will make you happy even amidst the tears.
And I play church music, traditional hymns and those, that you find at a more contemporary Catholic Mass, because I do believe the words of these songs. I do believe that we will be with God someday, and that we will have those beautiful reunions with our loved ones. I go even further to say, that what if I get to meet Bach, or Beethoven or Mozart, or Horowitz, or Van Cliburn, or George Gershwin, I cannot handle the thought. And when I think in those terms, I can keep going forward.
So right now, my husband and his colleagues are hurting, but there will be a point in time, where they will be grateful, they got to share a part of their lives with the life of Kim. Whether they express that gratefulness singing to the radio, or listening to tunes at the work out center, pulling out their long lost guitar, or God forbid, grabbing their fourth grade recorder, their gratefulness for sharing her life will come. Music will help that to happen, so don't turn your back on it, but instead believe in music's power. And if you play the piano, sit down, play a scale, take out the last piece you ever worked on, whatever, but make it part of you.
So now on some level you can understand, why when I am completely alone, I run to my piano, yes, it is mine, and grab it and hug it, because it has saved me, and will continue to save me through life's peaks and valleys!!!
There has never been a difficult time in my life, where I have not grabbed the piano, and for lack of a better term, hugged the instrument. Once when I was in law school, I was lamenting to my mom, that I was too busy too play, what with work and night classes. My mom looked up from what ever she was doing, turned to me and said, 'but there will be a time, when you will be so grateful that you can play, and that gratefulness will be the reason you will start playing and will continue to play."
Truer words were never spoken. After I married and moved to Columbus in 1987, it was several years, perhaps about 8 of them, before my mom and dad moved the family piano down to our house.
It was at that time that my mom's words started to come true. I found myself playing a lot of children's music in those early years of the piano re-entering my life, and when my children were in later grade school, I started taking lessons from Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, and again, I started to understand what my mom was talking about, in terms of the piano.
For a talkative person like myself, you would think that it is easy to find my voice. However, with my husband's colleague/co-worker's sudden death, it has been hard, hard to formulate any words. What do you say, when a wonderful colleague and friend dies, with an amazing husband and two beautiful children.? I answer that question with "I don't know."
So I have said to myself these past two weeks. As I play, I am going to pray, to pray for understanding, to pray for her husband and boys, to pray for me, my husband and his team not to lose faith. That in time, things may become clearer, That in time, folks won't think about the tragedy, but will rejoice in the fact that they got to know her, to learn from her to be her friend. I don't believe any of this right now, and I am sure my husband and his team don't either, but they are courageous, they are going forward and they are going to try.
So when you are all cried out, when words won't come, when I'm sorry doesn't seem like enough I turn to my 88 keys.
I play Bach, for order, for the fact that there are no pauses and you just have to keep going, mistakes and all, to try to play beautiful music.
I play pop culture music, right now that is Carole King's Beautiful musical music. So Far Away is a beautiful ballad, that puts your sadness down on the page, whether it's children moving away, a loved one dying, a transitional career move, I could go on.
I play standards, Blue Moon, Over the Rainbow, songs my mom danced to, because even though I am still profoundly sad about her death, I learned that I have been able to carry on, challenged, but still moving forward.
I play Peanuts, because my husband's co worker was a mom, and she would want all of us mothers to be joyous, because that is a large part of being a parent, joy. Take a moment to hear the Piano Guys rendition of Linus and Lucy on Youtube. It will make you happy even amidst the tears.
And I play church music, traditional hymns and those, that you find at a more contemporary Catholic Mass, because I do believe the words of these songs. I do believe that we will be with God someday, and that we will have those beautiful reunions with our loved ones. I go even further to say, that what if I get to meet Bach, or Beethoven or Mozart, or Horowitz, or Van Cliburn, or George Gershwin, I cannot handle the thought. And when I think in those terms, I can keep going forward.
So right now, my husband and his colleagues are hurting, but there will be a point in time, where they will be grateful, they got to share a part of their lives with the life of Kim. Whether they express that gratefulness singing to the radio, or listening to tunes at the work out center, pulling out their long lost guitar, or God forbid, grabbing their fourth grade recorder, their gratefulness for sharing her life will come. Music will help that to happen, so don't turn your back on it, but instead believe in music's power. And if you play the piano, sit down, play a scale, take out the last piece you ever worked on, whatever, but make it part of you.
So now on some level you can understand, why when I am completely alone, I run to my piano, yes, it is mine, and grab it and hug it, because it has saved me, and will continue to save me through life's peaks and valleys!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Stint as a church musician
I have always engaged in various musical activities besides taking piano lessons and playing the piano.
I am a member of my local parish, St. Peter in Columbus Ohio. I am also a member of the 930 am Mass Choir. Our choir is quite amazing, in that we have a very committed group of individuals, many folks who have been members of the choir for over 30 years.
We also have a wide array of musical talent in the choir, including various instrumentalists, a wonderful amateur conductor, several incredible soloists/cantors, and even a member who has arranged music for our choir. Our able leader, is Debbie Brennan. She is an organist by profession, but also plays the piano. Quite simply, she is multi -talented, and is at home at the music studio, local restaurant and at the altar.
Debbie works around clock throughout the year. She has three Sunday masses as well as one on Saturday night. She rarely takes a break, but when she does, it is a "call to duty" for the amateur pianists in our group. We already have one seasoned pinch hit pianist Rosemary Billman. But Rosemary cannot always "fill in," so to speak. So Debbie approached me and I agreed.
I learned this from playing Saturday night mass on June 4. You may think you are ready, and you probably are. But playing with the congregation is an art, and as with any art, this type of accompanying must be learned. So one shot at this type of piano playing is not going to be enough.
I approached the whole effort with the idea, that if it went well, I would volunteer again. I think it went fairly well, except for my page taping snafu. So I am on the future calendar.
When they say don't shoot the piano player, that kind of expressed how I felt that night. I decided as Saturday evening got closer, that I should turn pages as little as possible. I taped the 4 page communion piece in a manner, that I would not need to flip pages at all. I thought to myself, this is all good. Well in my travels from the practice room to the piano in church, I somehow had folded that communion so it wasn't sticking out of my binder.
Now keep in mind that the evening was saved by one our glorious cantors, Pam Subler. She is a wonderful church musician, and brings a quality of singing, that is simply amazing. She also has a reverence about performing in church, which makes you feel this way: "Folks you are getting one hour of quality music, in the presence of our Lord"
So we get to Behold the Lamb of God. It's a piece I have sung and I am vaguely familiar with, so all is good. I am playing along, thinking prematurely, I am almost done with this service and I can coast tonight and watch HBO. Wrong. Somehow my taping and folding operation resulted in page 4 being taped to page three, and in my nervous nature, I could not located page 4. Pam continued singing acapella, along with my lovely husband Mark, and committed Saturday night church musician Gene. But I cannot improvise, and alas we scrapped the song for song 2.
Which brings me back to director Debbie Brennan. If Debbie was at the keys, she would have improvised her way through that hymn and saved the day, and probably saved our souls. That said, never take for granted the experienced church musician. They are creating an atmosphere, that might calm you down, cause you to re commit, and even change your life.
So in the end, I realized, one performance does not a church musician make. It is back to the drawing board, to learn first and foremost a better music taping system, and second, the realization of every pianist expert and amateur, I still need to practice more.
I would have loved to wow the crowd for the sake of the glorious Eucharistic celebration, but instead it was a realization that the collaborative musician qualities of Pam Subler, weres what wowed the crowd. She had her game face on, and quickly moved to the next song. St Pamela of Worthington would be an excellent name!
It gives me continued appreciation of the many musicians, who find themselves in a performance, and they screw up something, but they must find a way to continue. I think performance takes so much courage, and I think it gets easier the more you do it. I guess one final thing I can say about performance piano playing, is that you are there to share the music. Sometimes sharing the mistakes, simply confirms that you are human. But sharing the music, says that you have something to say, and you want to make a difference.
Still all said and done, I got in bed that night and said "OMG, but....thank God for Pam" and that is a prayer.
I am a member of my local parish, St. Peter in Columbus Ohio. I am also a member of the 930 am Mass Choir. Our choir is quite amazing, in that we have a very committed group of individuals, many folks who have been members of the choir for over 30 years.
We also have a wide array of musical talent in the choir, including various instrumentalists, a wonderful amateur conductor, several incredible soloists/cantors, and even a member who has arranged music for our choir. Our able leader, is Debbie Brennan. She is an organist by profession, but also plays the piano. Quite simply, she is multi -talented, and is at home at the music studio, local restaurant and at the altar.
Debbie works around clock throughout the year. She has three Sunday masses as well as one on Saturday night. She rarely takes a break, but when she does, it is a "call to duty" for the amateur pianists in our group. We already have one seasoned pinch hit pianist Rosemary Billman. But Rosemary cannot always "fill in," so to speak. So Debbie approached me and I agreed.
I learned this from playing Saturday night mass on June 4. You may think you are ready, and you probably are. But playing with the congregation is an art, and as with any art, this type of accompanying must be learned. So one shot at this type of piano playing is not going to be enough.
I approached the whole effort with the idea, that if it went well, I would volunteer again. I think it went fairly well, except for my page taping snafu. So I am on the future calendar.
When they say don't shoot the piano player, that kind of expressed how I felt that night. I decided as Saturday evening got closer, that I should turn pages as little as possible. I taped the 4 page communion piece in a manner, that I would not need to flip pages at all. I thought to myself, this is all good. Well in my travels from the practice room to the piano in church, I somehow had folded that communion so it wasn't sticking out of my binder.
Now keep in mind that the evening was saved by one our glorious cantors, Pam Subler. She is a wonderful church musician, and brings a quality of singing, that is simply amazing. She also has a reverence about performing in church, which makes you feel this way: "Folks you are getting one hour of quality music, in the presence of our Lord"
So we get to Behold the Lamb of God. It's a piece I have sung and I am vaguely familiar with, so all is good. I am playing along, thinking prematurely, I am almost done with this service and I can coast tonight and watch HBO. Wrong. Somehow my taping and folding operation resulted in page 4 being taped to page three, and in my nervous nature, I could not located page 4. Pam continued singing acapella, along with my lovely husband Mark, and committed Saturday night church musician Gene. But I cannot improvise, and alas we scrapped the song for song 2.
Which brings me back to director Debbie Brennan. If Debbie was at the keys, she would have improvised her way through that hymn and saved the day, and probably saved our souls. That said, never take for granted the experienced church musician. They are creating an atmosphere, that might calm you down, cause you to re commit, and even change your life.
So in the end, I realized, one performance does not a church musician make. It is back to the drawing board, to learn first and foremost a better music taping system, and second, the realization of every pianist expert and amateur, I still need to practice more.
I would have loved to wow the crowd for the sake of the glorious Eucharistic celebration, but instead it was a realization that the collaborative musician qualities of Pam Subler, weres what wowed the crowd. She had her game face on, and quickly moved to the next song. St Pamela of Worthington would be an excellent name!
It gives me continued appreciation of the many musicians, who find themselves in a performance, and they screw up something, but they must find a way to continue. I think performance takes so much courage, and I think it gets easier the more you do it. I guess one final thing I can say about performance piano playing, is that you are there to share the music. Sometimes sharing the mistakes, simply confirms that you are human. But sharing the music, says that you have something to say, and you want to make a difference.
Still all said and done, I got in bed that night and said "OMG, but....thank God for Pam" and that is a prayer.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Aaron Diehl at the Lincoln Theatre!
Is the music scene in Columbus, Ohio unbelievable or what? Well it is!
Last Saturday evening I had the good fortune to hear Aaron Diehl and his trio at the Lincoln Theatre here in Columbus. Mr. Diehl was honoring the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. As a former alumni of this amazing group, Aaron Diehl brought class and elegance to this wonderful celebration of 25 years of the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra.
I thought I had died and gone to heaven with all of his selections. He plays with great feeling, and of course incredible technique. Aaron performed an amazing Philip Glass etude number 16. It was beautiful. Again a beautiful jazz rendition, but honestly he mentioned that he has played it at jazz vespers in NYC. Is this guy the man or what? I've heard around town that Aaron is described as the real Diehl, so so appropriate.
And digressing from the piano and Mr. Diehl, I must comment on his trio. Lawrence Leathers, on drums. Well first off, the man is from Lansing, Michigan. As a Spartan, well what can I say but the man is unbelievable. Very smooth, and full of surprises. You have to be ready as there was one selection last night, where there was a long pause, and when Mr. Leathers jumped back in with very loud percussion, I almost jumped out of my seat seriously. Job well done last night!
And Paul Sikivie, bassist, well I don't believe I have ever heard anyone become one with their instrument quite like Paul. It seemed like Mr. Sikivie was breathing as if he were attached to the bass. It again reminds me of Yo-Yo Ma, the hallmark of his cello playing is oneness with the instrument. Again, I have never seen anything like it. So incredible, and such great control of such a large instrument. Very fine playing last night and Paul Sikivie's facial expressions confirmed he was having a very good time.
The second half of the concert was music performed by the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. Amazing playing by so many talented high school students. Aaron Diehl came back to the stage to perform Duke Ellington's Cottontail with the students. I cannot imagine looking up from the drums like Rhys Washington did, and realize, "hey I'm playing with Aaron Diehl." Quite amazing.
I am now convinced that Aaron Diehl and his trio have a long musical career ahead of them. There is a class, and polish to Aaron Diehl, that seems a bit like that of a classical virtuoso. That being said, with his Juilliard degree to back him up, he could probably return to the classical vein if he so desired. But I am glad that he is playing jazz. He plays beyond all expectations, and you know that Aaron Diehl is aiming to surprise you every step of the way.
Absolutely beautiful music Saturday night. Aaron Diehl -simply one more way the piano never stops surprising me!
Last Saturday evening I had the good fortune to hear Aaron Diehl and his trio at the Lincoln Theatre here in Columbus. Mr. Diehl was honoring the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. As a former alumni of this amazing group, Aaron Diehl brought class and elegance to this wonderful celebration of 25 years of the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra.
I thought I had died and gone to heaven with all of his selections. He plays with great feeling, and of course incredible technique. Aaron performed an amazing Philip Glass etude number 16. It was beautiful. Again a beautiful jazz rendition, but honestly he mentioned that he has played it at jazz vespers in NYC. Is this guy the man or what? I've heard around town that Aaron is described as the real Diehl, so so appropriate.
And digressing from the piano and Mr. Diehl, I must comment on his trio. Lawrence Leathers, on drums. Well first off, the man is from Lansing, Michigan. As a Spartan, well what can I say but the man is unbelievable. Very smooth, and full of surprises. You have to be ready as there was one selection last night, where there was a long pause, and when Mr. Leathers jumped back in with very loud percussion, I almost jumped out of my seat seriously. Job well done last night!
And Paul Sikivie, bassist, well I don't believe I have ever heard anyone become one with their instrument quite like Paul. It seemed like Mr. Sikivie was breathing as if he were attached to the bass. It again reminds me of Yo-Yo Ma, the hallmark of his cello playing is oneness with the instrument. Again, I have never seen anything like it. So incredible, and such great control of such a large instrument. Very fine playing last night and Paul Sikivie's facial expressions confirmed he was having a very good time.
The second half of the concert was music performed by the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra. Amazing playing by so many talented high school students. Aaron Diehl came back to the stage to perform Duke Ellington's Cottontail with the students. I cannot imagine looking up from the drums like Rhys Washington did, and realize, "hey I'm playing with Aaron Diehl." Quite amazing.
I am now convinced that Aaron Diehl and his trio have a long musical career ahead of them. There is a class, and polish to Aaron Diehl, that seems a bit like that of a classical virtuoso. That being said, with his Juilliard degree to back him up, he could probably return to the classical vein if he so desired. But I am glad that he is playing jazz. He plays beyond all expectations, and you know that Aaron Diehl is aiming to surprise you every step of the way.
Absolutely beautiful music Saturday night. Aaron Diehl -simply one more way the piano never stops surprising me!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Matt Munhall- Gives new meaning to the TALENT in local talent
I'm blogging today about Worthington,Ohio pianist and musician Matt Munhall. As a former member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Worthington, Matt, his parents and his many siblings are members of St. Michael's parish.
Often when I am sitting in the pews after communion, I look like I am watching the various people headed to the altar to receive the Eucharist. In reality, I am often thinking about my music, either something I am currently playing, a song I heard on the radio, a post from a friend who is in the Harmony Project, or a video from renowned Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt.
At the 10:30 a.m. Mass I often see Matt headed up the aisle to receive Holy Communion. I often think to myself, "wow I hope Matt isn't giving up on his music Lord" And from the looks of his website at www.mattmunhall.com, he isn't!! It also gives me some degree of satisfaction as a parent, that there are children who commit to making music part of their lives. A million things can be wrong with the world on any given day, but all is right with the world, when you hear and know a wonderful musician like Matt. Just to catch a small glimpse of his work around town, makes me happy to know that someone else cherishes the piano as much as I do!!!!
I know Matt is a fine pianist because I have had the opportunity to hear him play at the Columbus Life Care Alliance, Big Wheels fundraiser. Chuck Gehring who is the CEO of Life Care and a former St. Michael's parishioner, has included Matt in many of the cocktail hours associated with the incredible dining fundraiser,that is Life Care's annual revenue raising event.
I love the way Matt plays. You can tell that he is comfortable in many genres, and in his bio on www.mattmunhall.com, you can see the full content of his amazing musical efforts over the years.
I like the way Chris Deville wrote about Matt in Columbus Alive. "Munhall is the kind of pop songwriter you and your parents can agree on. He's classy in many senses of the word - polite and well groomed, but also smart, sophisticated and capable of writing songs that bridge the generation gap. Munhall's skill as an arranger comes to the fore spectacularly on the album. Every sound gets its spotlight."
Yes, it is in fact a very good song, if you and your parents can agree!I think that sums it up quite eloquently.
So I love Facebook, but it also drives me crazy. Yet, it is a wonderful tool to showcase what is happening with pianists around the world. Matt posted his recent song Walking to the Light from his new album. It speaks to me in a wonderful way. Perhaps with the challenges of adult children moving on, and thinking ahead to what is next after a long and interesting legal career, I think Walking to the Light, is quite inspiring. The video captures the journey Matt is on, and also shows some head shots of him, that reflect some type of injury he has had. The song contains a wonderful level of optimism, that says Matt is meeting his challenges.
Take a moment to listen and watch this amazing video! I think you are going to like it! And check out Matt's website to see his upcoming shows and residencies here in Central Ohio. The piano never stops surprising me, ever!!! But hopefully Matt Munhall is going to surprise you!!
https://vimeo.com/157234597
Often when I am sitting in the pews after communion, I look like I am watching the various people headed to the altar to receive the Eucharist. In reality, I am often thinking about my music, either something I am currently playing, a song I heard on the radio, a post from a friend who is in the Harmony Project, or a video from renowned Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt.
At the 10:30 a.m. Mass I often see Matt headed up the aisle to receive Holy Communion. I often think to myself, "wow I hope Matt isn't giving up on his music Lord" And from the looks of his website at www.mattmunhall.com, he isn't!! It also gives me some degree of satisfaction as a parent, that there are children who commit to making music part of their lives. A million things can be wrong with the world on any given day, but all is right with the world, when you hear and know a wonderful musician like Matt. Just to catch a small glimpse of his work around town, makes me happy to know that someone else cherishes the piano as much as I do!!!!
I know Matt is a fine pianist because I have had the opportunity to hear him play at the Columbus Life Care Alliance, Big Wheels fundraiser. Chuck Gehring who is the CEO of Life Care and a former St. Michael's parishioner, has included Matt in many of the cocktail hours associated with the incredible dining fundraiser,that is Life Care's annual revenue raising event.
I love the way Matt plays. You can tell that he is comfortable in many genres, and in his bio on www.mattmunhall.com, you can see the full content of his amazing musical efforts over the years.
I like the way Chris Deville wrote about Matt in Columbus Alive. "Munhall is the kind of pop songwriter you and your parents can agree on. He's classy in many senses of the word - polite and well groomed, but also smart, sophisticated and capable of writing songs that bridge the generation gap. Munhall's skill as an arranger comes to the fore spectacularly on the album. Every sound gets its spotlight."
Yes, it is in fact a very good song, if you and your parents can agree!I think that sums it up quite eloquently.
So I love Facebook, but it also drives me crazy. Yet, it is a wonderful tool to showcase what is happening with pianists around the world. Matt posted his recent song Walking to the Light from his new album. It speaks to me in a wonderful way. Perhaps with the challenges of adult children moving on, and thinking ahead to what is next after a long and interesting legal career, I think Walking to the Light, is quite inspiring. The video captures the journey Matt is on, and also shows some head shots of him, that reflect some type of injury he has had. The song contains a wonderful level of optimism, that says Matt is meeting his challenges.
Take a moment to listen and watch this amazing video! I think you are going to like it! And check out Matt's website to see his upcoming shows and residencies here in Central Ohio. The piano never stops surprising me, ever!!! But hopefully Matt Munhall is going to surprise you!!
https://vimeo.com/157234597
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Amateurs with musical interest
The amateur musician faces a certain dilemma, throughout their musical life.
The biggest dilemma is about this, do I play my instrument for sheer enjoyment, or do I continue to learn? Playing for sheer enjoyment for me, generally involves a trip to the local music store (in this case Graves or Stanton's) and picking up a piece that I have heard another play, or a song I heard on the radio or my Pandora account. Often I get a piece with high hopes, high hopes that I have had enough musical training thus far, that I can learn it on my own. Often my hopes are dashed by a single, solitary measure, and the realization that I still, still have so much to learn.
When one starts taking piano lessons, it is all about learning the notes, the clefs, the staffs. As a 7 year old I just longed for the gold star, the Beethoven or Mozart sticker, or the handwritten well done. I even had a a piano teacher, that gave you a statue of Beethoven or Mozart, when you memorized 30 pieces. I still have both statues, and they remind me of how far I have come even to this day.
In my case, there was a real lull in piano lessons in the early years of raising my children, who are 25 and 22 now. My mom did the most amazing act of selflessness, when she had the family piano, a little Baldwin spinet, moved down to my house in Columbus, Ohio from Detroit. I played the piano in those years, but it was tunes for my children, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey songs, Barney, and whatever Disney movie score was happening. I wanted to take lessons during that time but with mom hood and career, I always put it on the back burner.
I did get back to lessons at the end of my children's grade school years, but the busy- ness of high school and being a marching band mom, took over. So I stopped out from lessons once more. During those lesson years with Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, though I branched into chamber music, and actually performed in a trio. I think the most amazing part of all of it, was that my mom and dad got to hear me play that piece. I think they were amazed about what I had accomplished, and were impressed that I took time out for me to make it happen.
I actually am intimidated by performing, but at the same time, it is the performance that pushes an amateur to a greater level of excellence.
After that stint of lessons, I again returned to my treks to the music stores, again, picking out pieces I wanted to play, but not those I necessarily had the ability to play. I also found myself working up lounge lizard Christmas music as well to play for family and holiday parties.
I took lessons from my daughter's piano teacher (Madeline Karn) on and off for awhile, but took a hiatus because of work/career related commitments
I have been singing in my church choir for several years. Our director is an amazing jazz pianist, and she can improvise, and transpose like no one I know. When I hear her play, I find myself saying, I wouldn't mind doing that, or attempting to learn how to do that. I also find myself thinking it wouldn't hurt to try chamber music again, or find another pianist, I could duet with on a regular basis.
The problem with being an amateur, is that when you are not taking lessons, you reinforce bad habits picked up over years of mindless playing. You get trapped into the place of "I know I need to attend to that detail, but I just want to play it even if it is wrong rhythmically or melodically.
The only thing good about soul searching as a musician is that, one can come to the conclusion that it is okay to search, for the next exciting musical thing you plan to do. Tried to take on line music theory, but that was challenging for a dinosaur like me, not being physically in the professor's class room. That is an entry for another blog post.
In the meantime, I still plan to play my Bach inventions, play Czerny Number 5 and practice church hymns as I search for my next amateur move!
The biggest dilemma is about this, do I play my instrument for sheer enjoyment, or do I continue to learn? Playing for sheer enjoyment for me, generally involves a trip to the local music store (in this case Graves or Stanton's) and picking up a piece that I have heard another play, or a song I heard on the radio or my Pandora account. Often I get a piece with high hopes, high hopes that I have had enough musical training thus far, that I can learn it on my own. Often my hopes are dashed by a single, solitary measure, and the realization that I still, still have so much to learn.
When one starts taking piano lessons, it is all about learning the notes, the clefs, the staffs. As a 7 year old I just longed for the gold star, the Beethoven or Mozart sticker, or the handwritten well done. I even had a a piano teacher, that gave you a statue of Beethoven or Mozart, when you memorized 30 pieces. I still have both statues, and they remind me of how far I have come even to this day.
In my case, there was a real lull in piano lessons in the early years of raising my children, who are 25 and 22 now. My mom did the most amazing act of selflessness, when she had the family piano, a little Baldwin spinet, moved down to my house in Columbus, Ohio from Detroit. I played the piano in those years, but it was tunes for my children, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey songs, Barney, and whatever Disney movie score was happening. I wanted to take lessons during that time but with mom hood and career, I always put it on the back burner.
I did get back to lessons at the end of my children's grade school years, but the busy- ness of high school and being a marching band mom, took over. So I stopped out from lessons once more. During those lesson years with Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, though I branched into chamber music, and actually performed in a trio. I think the most amazing part of all of it, was that my mom and dad got to hear me play that piece. I think they were amazed about what I had accomplished, and were impressed that I took time out for me to make it happen.
I actually am intimidated by performing, but at the same time, it is the performance that pushes an amateur to a greater level of excellence.
After that stint of lessons, I again returned to my treks to the music stores, again, picking out pieces I wanted to play, but not those I necessarily had the ability to play. I also found myself working up lounge lizard Christmas music as well to play for family and holiday parties.
I took lessons from my daughter's piano teacher (Madeline Karn) on and off for awhile, but took a hiatus because of work/career related commitments
I have been singing in my church choir for several years. Our director is an amazing jazz pianist, and she can improvise, and transpose like no one I know. When I hear her play, I find myself saying, I wouldn't mind doing that, or attempting to learn how to do that. I also find myself thinking it wouldn't hurt to try chamber music again, or find another pianist, I could duet with on a regular basis.
The problem with being an amateur, is that when you are not taking lessons, you reinforce bad habits picked up over years of mindless playing. You get trapped into the place of "I know I need to attend to that detail, but I just want to play it even if it is wrong rhythmically or melodically.
The only thing good about soul searching as a musician is that, one can come to the conclusion that it is okay to search, for the next exciting musical thing you plan to do. Tried to take on line music theory, but that was challenging for a dinosaur like me, not being physically in the professor's class room. That is an entry for another blog post.
In the meantime, I still plan to play my Bach inventions, play Czerny Number 5 and practice church hymns as I search for my next amateur move!
Monday, February 1, 2016
http://cincinnatisymphony.org/stories/fanfare-cincinnati-articles/qa-with-leon-fleisher/?sourceNumber=15903
One of my former piano teachers, Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, posted an amazing article about Leon Fleisher. Maestro Fleisher is appearing this Saturday evening February 6th, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Suzanne was a student of Leon Fleisher, and that, simply says so much about her amazing ability as a pianist.
What caught me eye about the article was a question posted to Maestro Fleisher about what audiences should listen for in a piece, meaning Prokofiev's Fourth Piano Concerto. His response was simply put, that the audience "should just kind of relax and hear whatever it is they hear. The thing about great art and great music is that you can listen and re-listen endless times and you will hear new and different things_new and different relationships and colors depending on who's playing. And that's one of the great riches of great art. Just keep your ears open.
I add that, his response to that question is somewhat comforting for the amateur. I can attend a concert, and I don't have to analyze, I can just take the whole experience in, and enjoy. Who knows, I may come away with a small piece of something I can do to be a better pianist. Or I can come away with the thought, that hey, I'm never going to play like that, but I can watch a brilliant pianist, and perhaps learn how to phrase a measure better, or play with greater dynamics, or really play a soft passage softly. And in our crazy chaotic world, that just might be enough.
I remember Leon Fleisher speaking on National Public Radio after the tragic events of 9-11. He was asked what music he would like to listen to, during that difficult time frame. He responded with a simple "Beethoven's Ode to Joy." I have never forgotten what he said during that radio interview. That beautiful piece has always made a difference for me.
In this question and answer session (link listed above) Maestro Fleisher commented about challenges in his life, and concluded ....even in the darkest of moments, there is hope, and give it a chance to make itself apparent." so, so true. Well as Dr. Suzanne Newcomb says...when you attend a concert be inspired, and though I won't be there Saturday evening, his words in this interview are inspiring!!!
One of my former piano teachers, Dr. Suzanne Newcomb, posted an amazing article about Leon Fleisher. Maestro Fleisher is appearing this Saturday evening February 6th, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Suzanne was a student of Leon Fleisher, and that, simply says so much about her amazing ability as a pianist.
What caught me eye about the article was a question posted to Maestro Fleisher about what audiences should listen for in a piece, meaning Prokofiev's Fourth Piano Concerto. His response was simply put, that the audience "should just kind of relax and hear whatever it is they hear. The thing about great art and great music is that you can listen and re-listen endless times and you will hear new and different things_new and different relationships and colors depending on who's playing. And that's one of the great riches of great art. Just keep your ears open.
I add that, his response to that question is somewhat comforting for the amateur. I can attend a concert, and I don't have to analyze, I can just take the whole experience in, and enjoy. Who knows, I may come away with a small piece of something I can do to be a better pianist. Or I can come away with the thought, that hey, I'm never going to play like that, but I can watch a brilliant pianist, and perhaps learn how to phrase a measure better, or play with greater dynamics, or really play a soft passage softly. And in our crazy chaotic world, that just might be enough.
I remember Leon Fleisher speaking on National Public Radio after the tragic events of 9-11. He was asked what music he would like to listen to, during that difficult time frame. He responded with a simple "Beethoven's Ode to Joy." I have never forgotten what he said during that radio interview. That beautiful piece has always made a difference for me.
In this question and answer session (link listed above) Maestro Fleisher commented about challenges in his life, and concluded ....even in the darkest of moments, there is hope, and give it a chance to make itself apparent." so, so true. Well as Dr. Suzanne Newcomb says...when you attend a concert be inspired, and though I won't be there Saturday evening, his words in this interview are inspiring!!!
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