Music and Much More
Hello Music Friends. I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your Fall Season! I realize it has been awhile since I’ve written to you. Sometimes life is so busy, but it is beautiful, filled with a lot of good things.
… Read More...My life has been the poem I would have writ
But I could not both live and utter it.
Cellist Jerry Chang is bored in class due to the repetitive nature of his music. What’s the point in playing an instrument if he’s stuck accompanying Franklin, the uppity first violinist? Even the second violinist and violist, the pretty Pearson sisters, seem ready for a change in tune. When Jerry suggests they play a song by the Romantic composer Borodin, the girls jump at the opportunity.… Read More...
In 2013, the film The Devil’s Violinist portrayed the life and career of Niccolò Paganini, the famous 19th century virtuoso whose compositions are so challenging even the devil might have a run for his money! He had a disease that caused his fingers and limbs to be exceptionally long. Paganini’s intense popularity, bravado, love of violin and guitar, and lascivious behavior made him the rock star of his century, earning him the title “the devil’s violinist.”… Read More...
I’m curious to see which cover you guys prefer, the existing one, or this original one that features more of the red? Or do you prefer the cartoon style like The Chronicles of Music Majors?The Red Violinists was also my originally working title. This chapter shows why…
I was also inspired by the movie, The Red Violin.… Read More...
I find luthier shops to be very fascinating. They’re the string doctors of my profession. If a stringed instrument needs fixed or adjusted, this is who to visit.
I’ve visited a number of luthiers over the course of my career, and they’ve all had a big thing in common. Their shops always look like a set out of a Hoarders show!… Read More...
Several years ago, I found out that my musical heritage dates back to my Grandpa Scheer’s grandfather. Apparently Granfather Panter McIlvain played the fiddle in a country band, performing for dances and parties in his town. He passed on his violin to his grandson, Harold, who gave it to his own children to learn.… Read More...
After a half-year hiatus, I’ve finally released my Enneagram 2 skit: The Helper Musician. It was fun to tap into violin teacher mode. I hope you enjoy it!
Stay tuned for my music video for my Enneagram 1 character, coming 2022!
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I’m sure you’ve all been waiting on the edge of your seats for this chapter, lol. Do Jerry and Victoria finally get together?
Listen to find out…
Chapter 21
Today’s episode is sponsored by Jerry Chang’s super suave collection. Who doesn’t love the hunky hero of the novel?… Read More...
First of all, I wanted to thank you all for being incredible supporters of me this year. It’s been incredibly busy, with the release of my first two books, The Chronicles of Music Majors in the Spring, and A Change in Tune in the fall.… Read More...
I know I’ve been a little post-happy this season, but Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year! And I figured some people need more fun music and podcasts to listen to while holiday baking, cleaning, and traveling! (And when I say some people, I’m including myself. So if you’re a musician or podcaster, send your posts my way!… Read More...
Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Last year, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...
Jerry lifted Victoria’s chin with his finger. “You need to embrace your family.”
She reached out to stroke his cheek. “And maybe you should stand up to yours.”
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In spite of it being Monday night, people crammed into every corner of Café Chocolat. A strong scent of espresso filled the air. Victoria glanced at the stage where the guys were setting up. The guitarist, Matt, wore a checkered flannel shirt and cowboy boots, while Eddie sported a T-shirt and jeans.… Read More...
In the dingy hallway outside the audition room, Victoria slipped on gloves to keep her fingers warm. The orchestra auditions were running forty-five minutes late, which allowed too much time for her hands to grow cold. The committee had decided to hear the violins last. The cellists had finished hours ago.… Read More...
My favorite composer of all time is Romantic-Era Frenchman Camille Saint-Saëns. The storytelling nature and emotive quality of his works have always resonated with me.
In my book A Change in Tune, protagonist Victoria finally decides to compete with the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor (1880).
Today, I’m excited to share with you the LIVE VERSION of my 18-year-old self’s performance of the Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto, accompanied by my high school Youth Symphony!… Read More...
In spite of their rivalry, Victoria and Adrienne attempt to perform together like when they were little. Can they put aside their differences for a few minutes to play together? Or will the cat claws emerge?
The guys stir up trouble for Victoria as she broods on her current dilemma.
I’ve opened up my whole merch store for the holidays. I hope you check out the fun character designs!
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Victoria shares a sweet moment with Louisa as they try to decide what concerto Victoria should play for the competition. However, the sweetness is gone the next day when Adrienne barges in to borrow clothes, and Victoria makes a shocking discovery.
Last chance to get your Halloween merch!
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After the dramatic turn of events from the last chapter, the quartet reconvenes at the coffeeshop: Café Chocolat.
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Check out the list and descriptions of my favorite Halloween songs from my previous blog post!
Don’t forget to buy your Christmas gift for the cynical musician in your life!!!! LOL.
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This chapter was inspired by my mother’s real life collegiate concert. Apparently, it took place at midnight on Halloween. The conductor rose out of a coffin dressed as Dracula!!!
Here she is featured with three of her sisters. All four of them have been my teacher at some point in my life!… Read More...
Thanks again everyone for your incredible support this month. I couldn’t have had such an amazing book launch without all of you!
I had an amazing time at the Book Signing event last Friday with live music performed by my wonderful quartet: Blackwater String Ensemble.
I am still waiting for results from the JustRead Blog Tour, but I will keep you posted once I am notified of the winners, who will each receive a signed copy of A Change in Tune, as well as a copy of another violin-related novel.… Read More...
I was thrilled to have my family on the show to celebrate my new book, along with our amazing host Lindsey P. Brackett! Thanks to all of you who came and participated. I have been blown away by all of your love and support!
For more information about our family music business, check out Uptown Violins!… Read More...
When I’ve asked people their favorite scene from the book, this one tops the charts! It also happens to be my favorite as well…
Tonight, meet the real life Strings of Sisterhood! Click Here to attend on Facebook!
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Audio version
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Historical or Contemporary Fiction?
Classical or Pop Music?
Traditional or Contemporary Worship?
Conservative or Liberal?
This debate is centuries old, and pops up in almost every field.Where do you fall on the spectrum? And is there room for a middle ground?
Join me in celebrating book launch for A Change in Tune!… Read More...
Audiobook sample
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Do you want to be a performer or a teacher? Or both? The same applies to a scholar, a teacher, or both?
Reading for next week:
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After a long labor, I’m having a book baby! After years of waiting, multiple drafts, revisions, tears, and several days of nearly giving up, my first novel is finally here! And thanks to you all, it’s already the #1 New Release in the Teen & Young Adult Music Fiction category.
If you have enjoyed my work so far and you want to help share our love of music to others, please help me spread the word.… Read More...
Have you ever wondered the difference? It’s not the instrument; it’s the way you play it. Check out this video to see how!
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I’m so excited to share a sneak preview with you all of my upcoming release: A Change in Tune!
I hope you like it, and I can’t wait to hear your feedback. Enjoy!
Featured Listening for this Chapter: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major
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For more about my book A Change in Tune, check out my interview with Chautona Havig, the hilarious host of the Because Fiction podcast! Click HERE for the full post! (Please forgive the bad audio on my part! I was having mic trouble that day.)
With the approach of the new school year, as well as my upcoming book release, I am launching my own Music Book Club: Fiction Fridays.… Read More...
A Change in Tune:The Strings of Sisterhood, Vol. 1
Violinist Victoria Pearson dreams of attending Johann Conservatory of Music in New York City for graduate school. As the oldest of five sisters, she hopes to escape her Midwestern college town and hectic family situation to fulfill her passion in life—music. But when she decides to participate in Belton University’s Concerto competition to bolster her chances of acceptance, Victoria finds herself competing against her sister Adrienne and lifelong cellist friend Jerry Chang.… Read More...
Research from the Enneagram Institue
Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. … Read More...
