Three against Two and Two against Three
Rhythm patterns that cause tension when they interact can be a challenge to a performer. After performing them accurately numerous times there is a sense… Read More »Three against Two and Two against Three
sprungerron
Understanding Key Signatures
As a freshman theory student I was required to name all the keys signatures within a minute as my professor listened with stopwatch in hand:… Read More »Understanding Key Signatures
Shalom
Shalom means peace, and wholeness and joy are integral parts of peace. This arrangement of songs of the Christmas season opens with Shalom Chaverim, a… Read More »Shalom
An Adventure in Creating and Resolving Dominant 7th Chords
This engaging ear training activity is a challenge to anticipate and hear a chord resolution before playing. Hitting the pause button before the solution is… Read More »An Adventure in Creating and Resolving Dominant 7th Chords
Getting Your Ears in Shape
It good to know which keys to play on the piano, or the correct valve(s) on a trumpet, but it’s even better to hear pitches… Read More »Getting Your Ears in Shape
With What Shall I Come before the Lord?
Micah, the prophet approached God with questions that might be similar to ones you or I ask. How do you approach a God who is… Read More »With What Shall I Come before the Lord?
Now May the God of Hope
Hope is something all of us need, especially when circumstances seem overwhelming. This message from Paul’s letter points us to the One in whom we… Read More »Now May the God of Hope
The Beauty of God’s Creation
The author of an early hymn describes Jesus as the image, or the icon of the invisible God (see Colossians 1:15-20). Jesus has inspired song… Read More »The Beauty of God’s Creation
O Loving Father
Charles Gounod, a 19th C. French composer, selected Bach’s “Prelude in C” and added his own melody for “Ave Maria.” Many years later I was… Read More »O Loving Father
Chords in Action
One day as I was conducting a workshop on the topic, “Playing by Ear” someone commented, “You use chords as if they’re a language for… Read More »Chords in Action