Why would I start voice lessons at my age? I’ve asked myself that question over and over, and have been asked something similar by others. Eventually, after trying to come up with an answer that makes sense, I recognized that there are many factors involved. Lets start with the caveat of “at my age?” What … [Read more…]
It’s been a really tough month for finding things that make me happy. That may be a bit of an exaggeration but it is certainly true of the past 2 weeks. But, if I’m honest there have been some really happy things in February 2025. Most of them are related to music, almost none of … [Read more…]
In The Shadow of Your Wings is a song of praise and thanksgiving for God’s love, care, and protection throughout the challenges and mistfortunes of our lives. It acknowledges that we make it through those things because of God’s power. The lyrics are based on Psalm 63:7. Oh God, You have been my help. You … [Read more…]
Not all months are created equal. I can’t say that January 2025 was particularly better or worse than other other years, but it definitely felt more busy. I continued all of the things I normally do, but had the added stress of a new job. Much has changed since I did this particular job before, … [Read more…]
Fields of Gold was written (words and music) by Sting, and this arrangement for harp is by Christy-Lyn Marais at learningtheharp. An AI overview labels this as a reflective song about the uncertainties and eventual parting of a romantic relationship. In the book Lyrics by Sting, the “fields of gold” imagery was inspired by watching … [Read more…]
Grone Lunden is a traditional Swedish folk song and this arrangement is by Fabio Rizza @fabuiruzza.it. I’m playing this “easy” arrangement on a 33-string Jolie from musicmakers @harpkit.com. I happened to notice a video by Fabio Rizza on youtube and followed the link to his online store. I browsed the different selections and ordered a … [Read more…]
O Sing to the Lord is song of praise for 3 part mixed voice choir, piano, and flute. The vocal parts are composed in a traditional round form and the flute adds contrasting rhythm and harmony. While the three voice parts could be similar voices, I had intended that each of the parts would include … [Read more…]
The Prayer is a beautiful piece of music. I’ve heard it sung by many different artists, and now I get the chance to play it on my harp. Some of my favorite vocal performances are by Celine Dion, Andrea Bodeli, and Josh Groban. It was written by David Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, Tony Renis, and … [Read more…]
Choosing lyrics to begin a composition seemed like it should be the easiest part of the process. WRONG! I started out just looking at poetry or scripture that I liked. But sometimes the poem was too long to really work with. Other times it seemed too short. Then there is the issue of copyright and … [Read more…]
Winter Wind is a piano composition that captures the briskness, strong gusts, and periods of general ferosity that the winter weather can bring. I live high in the mountains and the wind is often more fierce than the temperatures or snow. In some passages I feel the plodding of a traveler trying to make forward … [Read more…]