04 July 2015
Article

Two New Arrangements

  Lately I have been concentrating on music for the Christmas season.   I have a classical and jazz background, however, lately I have been concentrating my efforts in the area of jazz. My most recent arrangement,  “Jolly Old St. Nicholas”   is a completely jazz effort.  I started the arrangement in a bluesy fashion that evolved into a soft, laid back jazz sound with a walking bass accompaniment. I finished out the arrangement with a stride bass.  The styles are ... 
14 May 2015
Article

Improvising in Music

Improvising in Music Improvising in music has a long history.  For example, in the Baroque, it was standard practice to improvise a repeated section.  The important point to keep in mind when improvising on a written piece of music is to maintain the basic integrity of the written music.  Improvising music is to make the music your own.  That is, to express your thoughts and feelings about the musical subject through your interpretation. Here are four basic ways you can ... 
29 January 2015
Article

Ocean Voyage

I am currently finalizing a new piece for string orchestra - Ocean Voyage.  It should be ready shortly.