I tend to lean toward being charitable with parents of young children, especially when I read about seemingly preventable tragedies. We get parent-blaming stories about small children escaping adult supervision and getting onto a highway, lost in the woods, climbing into a hot car in their own home’s driveway and getting stuck, drowning in a […]
The age-old question of “inspiration”—where that music comes from—has always fascinated me. Paintings of angels hovering beside composers and dictating new music are common. Music’s origination is often attributed only to centuries-dead geniuses and divine inspiration, certainly nothing that happens now. Of course, as a child, I believed that. Fast-forward to my recent history. Since
Music from the Stars Read More »
It has been said that the price of a long life is outliving your loved ones. I’m realizing this is an extravagantly costly price. Processing the sudden loss of an age peer friend is beyond difficult. And as my age approaches the biblical three-score and ten, I suspect that losing family and friends will become
The Price of a Long Life Read More »
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Protected: No Good Choices (working title) Read More »
It’s clearly their own fault that they can’t get ahead. They’re lazy and stupid and just want a free ride. They’re a burden on others and failure’s their habit. Don’t notice their struggles for dignity, pride. The child in the ghetto deserved his harsh fate. His mom had no reason to yield to despair. His
It’s Their Own Fault Read More »
January 24, 2022 Rowen shivered in her hospital gown as she peered over her mask to survey the room. Pristine walls and cabinets glistened white against the spotless stainless-steel fixtures. The cryo vault door—also stainless-steel—loomed hopefully behind her. The only decorations were Dr. Emmett Cohen’s many degrees, fellowships, licenses: and posters depicting various aspects of
Decision in Cohen Clinic Read More »
Yes, it IS possible to learn how to play by ear and/or take music dictation, even if you don’t have perfect pitch. Are you or your students struggling with their ear training for music theory class or just would like to play that new pop song “by ear?” Are you wondering what to do when
Ear Training Hints Read More »
***** Footsteps approached precisely as a sunbeam crept through her window. Chrys cracked the door. He was blindfolded. “In here, Malliá,” she urged. She took his hand and led him to her shower. “I’ll turn my back so you can watch.” He slipped the blindfold off—and caught his breath. Chrys’s beauty was no filter; she
Alternate ending for Stony Gaze, Golden Touch Read More »
The last few years have shown us how now necessary a human support system is to our lives. We’ve discovered how much we crave physical contact with other humans—the risks we are willing to take, not just for sex, but for friendship, for meaning, for affirmation, for love. ******* Chrysós Softness. Chrys craved softness. The
Stony Gaze, Golden Touch Read More »
The score is not the music. Dear Performer or Director: If you have already performed my music, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Thank you for being progressive enough to consider performing new music. Thank you for spending the time practicing music that’s unfamiliar, that no one else has yet interpreted. Please realize that having you
Open Letter to Prospective and Past Performers Read More »