Listening for Chapter 1
Fiction Fridays: First Reading
Discussion: Why Music Book Club?
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Reading for next week: 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...
Music Book Club: Fiction Fridays
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. Every Friday, I will post a short story or chapter from my novel to my Patreon page, and the following Friday I will post a book club video to discuss what you liked most from the story, as well as the featured music!… 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...
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...
I Want a Stradivarius for Christmas. A Stradivarius is all I Want…
“… I don’t want Amati, a Stainer or a toy. I want a Stradivarius to play with and enjoy. I want a Stradivarius for Christmas. Only a Stradivarius will do. No French Vuillaumes, or Guarneriuses. I only like, Stradivariuses. And Stradivariuses like me too!”
If you know anything about violins, you’re probably aware you can’t go wrong in buying your sweetheart violinist a Stradivarius for Christmas.… Read More...
The Violin: A Devilish Instrument
“Death at midnight plays a dance-tune, zig, zig, zig, on his violin.”
“Danse Macabre” by Henri Cazalis (French symbolist poet: 1840-1909)
The haunting month of Halloween is upon us, and I couldn’t help but revisit my favorite ghostly violin music. Over the past couple of centuries the violin has had it’s bout with the devil, from Berlioz’ Symphanie Fantastique (1830) and Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre (1874), to Mussorsky’s Night on Bald Mountain.… 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...
“Bach” from the Grave
Freshman bassoonist Adam Heckel faces hazing in the music fraternity at Belton University while organist Miguel Guzmán struggles to overcome the pain of his past while preparing music for All Saints Day. When the two friends cross paths in an eerie locale Halloween night, will they finally find the brotherhood they both desperately need?… Read More...