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...
Music Fiction Fridays: Discussion- A Change in Tune, Ch. 1
A Change in the Winds
Listening for next week: Dvorak Symphony No. 8
This week’s Music Book Club is sponsored by The Chronicles of Music Majors
Brandon clamped his large fingers around the thick neck of his six-foot upright bass.… Read More...
A Unique Wedding Present
Last weekend, I had the honor of celebrating my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, and later this month my husband and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. My youngest sister just got married a couple of months ago. Clearly, love is in the air!
As a surprise gift for my mother, my Grandma, sisters, aunts, and I displayed the beautiful wedding dress Mom and her sisters wore for their weddings, purchased by my Grandfather in Paris 50 years ago.… Read More...
Celebrate Bach’s Birthday!
Johann Sebastian Bach was born March 31, 1685. As one of the most prolific and renowned composers of all time, I figured today we’d celebrate his legacy. I had the privilege of performing a couple of movements of his Sonata No. 3 in C Major.
Sadly, I never performed the infamously challenging Chaconne, but I can’t wait for Jennifer Roig Francoli’s upcoming recording of the beautiful work!… Read More...
How Would You Rank Your Favorite Composers?: Tier List
A little late on the draw, but I had to jump on the internet bandwagon and create a tier list, this one based on my favorite (and a couple of not-so-favorite) composers.
Who would you put at the top? And at the bottom? Check out this tier list for my answers!… Read More...
Chamber Music of Secrets
“Chamber Music— a conversation between friends.” –Catherine Drinker Bowen
One of the advantages to being a professional violinist is its variety! I love to learn new material, explore multiple genres, and uncover old gems from centuries past. I enjoy playing in a variety of capacities, whether as a soloist or as a member of small ensembles.… Read More...
Married in Music: Composition and Music Education with Philip and Kim Parker
In this post, I’m thrilled to feature my uncle and aunt, fellow music educators Philip and Kim Parker! Visit their site at philipparkercomposer.com.
Phil, as a professor of music, what is the best advice you offer to students who want to pursue a career in music?… Read More...
Violinist Chenoa Alamu: Introduction to Black Classical Composers & Musicians
Chenoa Alamu resides in Springfield, is a violinist in the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Decatur-Millikin Symphony Orchestra. She teaches violin and viola privately, and is a Starter Strings Teacher through the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony programs and Springfield Public School District #186.… Read More...
Just Foolin’ Around
“All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.”
-Louis Armstrong
It’s April Fools Day! We could all use a laugh, now more than ever. Classical musicians like to play practical jokes as much as anyone, and several composers even wrote jokes into their works.
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) composed two works in particular that have entertained audiences for centuries with their humorous nature.… Read More...
So You Want to be a Music Major?
It takes a special kind of person to be a music major. And when I say special, I mean you can’t be embarrassed to clap rhythms in the hallway, singing “Queen of the Night” in your dorm room (much to the chagrin of your roommate). Or you realize that you should have clarified whether your 9 o’clock lesson meant 9 a.m.… Read More...
Romeo and Juliet: Film and Musical Adaptations
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, bringing thoughts of love and warmth to our cold winter. The love story we look at today is not as warm, but its longevity has stood the test of time. Written at the end of the sixteenth century by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet is arguably the most famous play of all time.… Read More...