Sometimes the best way for me to emote is through sound. When I listen, I may have tears of joy from Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," mind-bending from Schnittke's choreographed dissonance, or delight from Shem's Disciples' layers of rap, reggae, and prayer. As a pianist, I prefer chamber music because it is an opportunity to commune with other people through sound, whether it is a worship band in Madrid or a Mozart woodwind quintet in Nashville. I compose because I often have more to say than what I could express through playing Beethoven sonatas or Shostakovich preludes and fugues. The result is a collection of works that include a percussion duo that progresses from confusion to meditation, a trio for clarinet, viola, and piano that is based on spirituals, and a piece for voice and mixed ensemble that dramatically renders poetry of John Donne.
For me, studying Spanish unlocked a world of dance, poetry, and percussion integrated with music and community that I experienced first-hand through an internship with Philharmonic Orhcestra of the Americas (POA) and that I continue to investigate in my doctoral studies.
I believe that music--as well as the rest of the arts--is for everyone, from the person who cannot afford lessons or concert tickets to the person who has no experience but has an interest in learning about it. For this reason, I teach piano, chamber music, and theory to students of all ages, using my own CD collection to instigate others' passion for music.
I understand more than you may ever know, Krys. The end of it is, with everything being measurable - even happiness - what can you do to make yourself happier, for a longer period of time ? I'm afraid there are no easy answers, but, I don't know that I would prefer them to be so.
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Philemon 7 Keep shining for Jesus! <3 Christie
I just wanted to let you know that you can now get a new scripture posted on your profile everyday. Hope this feature serves as an ongoing encouragement to you! You can download it now on my profile.
I awoke today with a melody being played. It was a story of life progressing & playing out through a man's reminiscing. I wondered what joy it must be to get up and play these melodies.
