I have had a lot of vicarious exposure to handbell music. Both of my sons played handbells as they were growing up. We were blessed to attend Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, OH. That church had an outstanding music program for youth and adults. On occasion I would be asked to play a single bell … [Read more…]
March has been a very challenging month for me. There has been a lot of negativity coming my way from a lot of different directions. These are the times that finding happy things in the midst of all of the unhappy things makes a huge difference. So here is a list of my March Happy … [Read more…]
Autumn Mist is a piano composition I wrote in 2023 for the early intermiediate pianist. Although the initial key signature is C Major, it starts on an E minor chord, giving it a decidedly modal feeling. The opening section starts predominantly with block chords with the F natural characteristic of the key signature, but unexpected … [Read more…]
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…]