So I finally return after so much time has passed...yet again!:) But I am making a promise to now be more consistent in my writing here. My friends who do it consistently say they all started out the same way...wondering what they might have to say, would it be worth reading for someone else, finding the time to write. But I was told that it is like writing in a journal. Just do it everyday and it gets easier, more relaxed. Of course I won't write here everyday. It would be a little too much, agreed(?:)
But here I am on this sunny warm day in mid-March...March 14, 2012 actually, and it is unseasonably warm for the climate and area of the country I live in. Winter was mild with very little snow, which for the State of Vermont is rare. We usually have more than we can deal with. Some say it's global warming causing our Winters to be warmer and shorter. There is truth in this, as witnessed by the maple syrup industry here, which used to be the largest in the world, shipping amazing tasting syrup of all grades world-wide. Now, Vermont has dipped to number three in production, with Quebec, which borders our state just north of my home here in the state capitol. But only last year there was alot of snow...I mean alot! And the year before even more. So nature creates changes all through every year and through all time, even though I do believe that the warming of our planet is a scientific reality. But this is for another time to write about.
Today, I am grateful for this warmth and sun. I like to sit on my porch to practice rather than in my studio. The sun and air are inspirational in their own way, and even when it rains I can be out there because it has a roof!:) People walk by on the sidewalk (many with their dogs:) and become quiet as they pass, listening to the sounds coming out of my guitar. Many give a nodding glance and smile, and some say hello and tell me how nice it is to hear live music being played in the open for all to hear. It is becoming more rare every year as the internet becomes the main vehicle for the experience of music, and art, and so much of culture. And as a working professional, I agree that it has changed the way we all experience music, life for that matter. But we are all here, and the positive part of it is that we now can communicate with other people we otherwise would never have the chance to meet because of distance mostly, but also because of social and cultural barriers that the internet seems to penetrate with ease, with click of a mouse or pressing of a few letter keys. Most of the people who are on my own 'friend' list on sites like Facebook and Google Plus, are musicians, artists, writers, even social activists, from all over the world, and with cultures and countries which would otherwise be impossible for us to enter or at least not without alot of work and trouble. I couldn't believe the day just recently when two professional classical guitarists...one from Paris and the other in Buenos Aires...heard and watched my "Zarabande" video I had posted on Google Plus, and each write to me asking if they could somehow get the score of the music because they want to play it in their concert repertoires. This made me so excited because this is exactly what I am hoping for. So I am seeing the benefits of this social connecting:) And this subject brings me to my experiencing yet new experiences in my own musical life.
One reason I have neglected my blogging is that I have spent much of the past few months completing my studio in a way I've always wanted to, but neglected or shied away from for many years. My studio has always been a haven for practice, composing, and teaching, with shelves of books, music, and necessities for doing all of this. But what has been lacking is the ability to record my music. Now, I have made the investment in state of the art recording software and hardware, making it possible for me to record at any moment what I am working on, and save it until enough material is accumulated to then begin a process of putting into professional recorded format. This way I can be working on several projects at once which are very different from one another musically. The idea of thinking in a linear way to work only on one project for a long time. sometimes (many times) because of knowing that paying for studio time in a professional studio can be costly, and you have to be able to gets chunks of time to work on specific parts of the recording. Unfortunately this can put other creative ideas on hold. But that will be different now, and this is great! I will also be able to share music as I am in progress working on it, even if it it is not yet in it's final form. I like this idea to keep it fresh for the listeners. In addition, I have invested in video equipment, software and a camera, which allows me to shoot live playing videos both in my studio alone, and in a concert setting. This is an exciting prospect. All of this studio "construction" is close to being completed, and then it will be time for the learning process(!?) This will take a while I know, but it is exciting. And I will be sharing things as I create new work. So, this is also a big reason my blogging and communication has fallen off. My mind and energies have just been involved elsewhere, places which are necessary for artistic development, and better communication.
Meanwhile, I have created a new video to another piece called "Intencion" from my CD "Between Silence: Poems for Solo Guitar." I love doing this. It is a completely creative process unto itself choosing artwork from so much great art to make a statement that works with the music. I hope you enjoy it, and see you next time. I'll be back in two weeks, which is my plan. And it's on my calendar to write a piece here twice a month on a peaceful Sunday morning.
Take care and peace to everyone.
But here I am on this sunny warm day in mid-March...March 14, 2012 actually, and it is unseasonably warm for the climate and area of the country I live in. Winter was mild with very little snow, which for the State of Vermont is rare. We usually have more than we can deal with. Some say it's global warming causing our Winters to be warmer and shorter. There is truth in this, as witnessed by the maple syrup industry here, which used to be the largest in the world, shipping amazing tasting syrup of all grades world-wide. Now, Vermont has dipped to number three in production, with Quebec, which borders our state just north of my home here in the state capitol. But only last year there was alot of snow...I mean alot! And the year before even more. So nature creates changes all through every year and through all time, even though I do believe that the warming of our planet is a scientific reality. But this is for another time to write about.
Today, I am grateful for this warmth and sun. I like to sit on my porch to practice rather than in my studio. The sun and air are inspirational in their own way, and even when it rains I can be out there because it has a roof!:) People walk by on the sidewalk (many with their dogs:) and become quiet as they pass, listening to the sounds coming out of my guitar. Many give a nodding glance and smile, and some say hello and tell me how nice it is to hear live music being played in the open for all to hear. It is becoming more rare every year as the internet becomes the main vehicle for the experience of music, and art, and so much of culture. And as a working professional, I agree that it has changed the way we all experience music, life for that matter. But we are all here, and the positive part of it is that we now can communicate with other people we otherwise would never have the chance to meet because of distance mostly, but also because of social and cultural barriers that the internet seems to penetrate with ease, with click of a mouse or pressing of a few letter keys. Most of the people who are on my own 'friend' list on sites like Facebook and Google Plus, are musicians, artists, writers, even social activists, from all over the world, and with cultures and countries which would otherwise be impossible for us to enter or at least not without alot of work and trouble. I couldn't believe the day just recently when two professional classical guitarists...one from Paris and the other in Buenos Aires...heard and watched my "Zarabande" video I had posted on Google Plus, and each write to me asking if they could somehow get the score of the music because they want to play it in their concert repertoires. This made me so excited because this is exactly what I am hoping for. So I am seeing the benefits of this social connecting:) And this subject brings me to my experiencing yet new experiences in my own musical life.
One reason I have neglected my blogging is that I have spent much of the past few months completing my studio in a way I've always wanted to, but neglected or shied away from for many years. My studio has always been a haven for practice, composing, and teaching, with shelves of books, music, and necessities for doing all of this. But what has been lacking is the ability to record my music. Now, I have made the investment in state of the art recording software and hardware, making it possible for me to record at any moment what I am working on, and save it until enough material is accumulated to then begin a process of putting into professional recorded format. This way I can be working on several projects at once which are very different from one another musically. The idea of thinking in a linear way to work only on one project for a long time. sometimes (many times) because of knowing that paying for studio time in a professional studio can be costly, and you have to be able to gets chunks of time to work on specific parts of the recording. Unfortunately this can put other creative ideas on hold. But that will be different now, and this is great! I will also be able to share music as I am in progress working on it, even if it it is not yet in it's final form. I like this idea to keep it fresh for the listeners. In addition, I have invested in video equipment, software and a camera, which allows me to shoot live playing videos both in my studio alone, and in a concert setting. This is an exciting prospect. All of this studio "construction" is close to being completed, and then it will be time for the learning process(!?) This will take a while I know, but it is exciting. And I will be sharing things as I create new work. So, this is also a big reason my blogging and communication has fallen off. My mind and energies have just been involved elsewhere, places which are necessary for artistic development, and better communication.
Meanwhile, I have created a new video to another piece called "Intencion" from my CD "Between Silence: Poems for Solo Guitar." I love doing this. It is a completely creative process unto itself choosing artwork from so much great art to make a statement that works with the music. I hope you enjoy it, and see you next time. I'll be back in two weeks, which is my plan. And it's on my calendar to write a piece here twice a month on a peaceful Sunday morning.
Take care and peace to everyone.
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