Today was weird. I was having a fine old day until all of a sudden I ran into a wall with my hearing. Comprehension decreased by so much that I could only get by with heavy lipreading. Sudden changes in hearing are distressing. It brought me back emotionally to the…
Today at private lesson, my teacher sent me on my way to the 2nd book of fiddle tunes! The Green Book! With even more fiddle tunes and more harmonies, double stops, and improvised harmonisations! I am a bit out of my depth but I'm excited to learn more!…
Last Thursday I went to an open mic hosted by close friend and music director of my choir Scott Pietrangelo. It was at a popular music bar with a regular open mic so the standard of performance was really high. There were lots of great voices, lots of familiar faces,…
Alison Krauss and Natalie MacMaster. My heros and keepers of memories from childhood and early adult years.…
Uncollected thoughts about recent playing. Two Sundays ago I said goodbye to a dear friend M: the soprano section leader at my choir. We never really said too many words to each other, but it's through the weekly act of singing and breathing together that we forged our…
Old-time music keeps me grounded. In the middle of a busy life, filled with desires, regrets, decisions on issues of health, love, and life, this keeps me here. When I listen to and play old-time music, I am no longer lonely.…
At the opening jam on Friday afternoon, Bruce announced to everyone to let go of any expectations we had about the weekend. Going into it I was just happy to finally get off the Greyhound bus. Over the next three days, I heard sounds I can honestly say I'…