Composed by Philip Parker
Performed by Ashley Rescot on Violin and Valerie Sullivan on piano
Merry Music, Duet for Violin and Piano
Vive La Musique Française!
Today, in honor of the French holiday Bastille Day, July 14, 1789, I wanted to share music by a couple of the lesser-known French composers, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Joseph Bologne (1745-1799). Thank you again to all my French listeners! After living in France, your country will forever hold a special place in my heart.… Read More...
Merci! Late On The Draw-Hamildrop (Audio Version)
I wanted to say a quick thank you to my podcast listeners! Like you, I’m an audiophile myself. I don’t know what I’d do without my favorite podcast creators and music playlists!
I especially wanted to say “merci” to all my fabulous French listeners!… Read More...
Protected: Late on the Draw-“Hamildrop”
Parlez-Vous Français? Debussy Violin Sonata
As an aficionado of French and Music, it doesn’t get much better than Debussy!
Claude Debussy wrote his Violin Sonata in G Minor in 1917, near the end of his life. The unusual harmonies deviate from his earlier impressionistic works, like the famous piano Arabesques composed during the Impressionist era.
I hope you enjoy this little taste of French music composed during the early twentieth century!… Read More...
Surface Pressure Viola Cover, from the Movie Encanto
If your house is anything like mine, we’ve been OBSESSED with the recent Disney feature film Encanto. As a Spanish teacher, musician, sister, and mom, I loved it!
The perennial theme of family and how different people find their place within their family really resonated with me. I liked that the three sisters each possessed their own distinct personalities, while still learning to get along with each other.… Read More...
Author Esther Pannebaker: Finding Joy in the Fermata
I had a wonderful time speaking with author Esther Pannebaker about the role music has played in her life. She particularly emphasized the importance of the pauses in music, which can make the difference between a mediocre performance and a stellar, emotionally satisfying experience.
The Divine Fermata
f r m d /fermata
noun MUSIC
- a pause of unspecified length on a note or rest.
The Art and Music of Books
Today, we’re looking at how art and music play a huge role in books. If you haven’t already, take a listen to artist Heather Deiter’s interview about her role as a cover designer and illustrator!
For music, Christian Inspirational Author Esther Bandy shares how hymns have influenced her faith and writing.… Read More...
Rarely Too Young, and Never Too Old
Chapter 14-Auditions (And Thank You Mug Giveaway Winners!)
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...
Labor Day Book Baby is Here! Early Paperback Release
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...
Music in Story-Telling, with Author/Educator Amy Walsh
Interview with Author Amy Walsh, from Walsh Mountain Publishing
Hello Amy, I’m thrilled to have you on the blog today. What inspired you to become a writer?
As far back as I can remember, I loved reading about imaginary worlds and creating my own. My brothers and I grew up without a television, so we spent our days playacting indoors and out. … 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...
What is Music Fiction?
Have you ever wondered what music fiction is? Why would anyone write it? This week, I’m excited to be featured on author Deena Adam’s blog All Things Bookish. Enter her giveaway for a chance to win a FREE paperback copy of my book The Chronicles of Music Majors!
An author herself, Deena seeks out authors whose message is one of hope in spite of formidable circumstances.… Read More...
Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary
To close out the year, I thought it fitting to honor one of the greatest composers of all time. This month, classical music aficionados around the world are celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
I was thrilled to be featured by Applause to the Musician for Beethoven’s Duet in C Major with cellist Chet Lord-Remmert.… Read More...
From Book to Ballet: The Story of St. Nicholas
This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Eric Elder: author, musician, composer, and director of The Ranch ministry!
Several years ago, he wrote St. Nicholas: The Believer, about the man now known as Santa Claus. The book really touched me as I read about the saint’s treatment of the sick during the plague.… Read More...
What Does it Feel Like to Be a Classical Musician?
This week, I was thrilled to speak with Jerry Pollio from Applause to the Musician about the wonderful profession of being a classical musician. We delved into many of the career opportunities it affords, as well as how to keep it relevant and thriving in our 21st-century society.
I hope you’ll check it out, and please share feedback with more ideas on how to make classical music accessible for listeners today!… Read More...
My Story Behind the Music
Music has played a significant role in my life since before I can remember, weaving its melodies into the fabric of my identity. My mother, a violinist and singer by trade, began to teach me violin at the age of two. She taught my four younger sisters to play the instrument at a young age as well.… Read More...