Last week, when a group of musicians gathered to play together in a friend’s living room, I learned that some of my acquaintances get together every Saturday morning and play string quartet music. I was invited to join in, and in the process learned that the group was about to lose one of its viola players. At 93, she’s decided she just can’t keep up any more. Her departure is a blow, since viola players are traditionally in short supply. Continue reading
New YouTube Orchestra Announced
Australia will host the next edition of the YouTube orchestra, and musicians have until the end of November to submit their auditions. The Strad had an article announcing the competition. Selected musicians will play with Michael Tilson Thomas at the Sydney Opera House next spring (or is that fall down under?). Continue reading
Filed under Fun Stuff, Inspiration, Opportunities to Play
A Busy Day of Music
This past Saturday, October 16th, was a full-immersion music day, and boy, was it fun!
About two dozen musicians gathered at the home of Judy Moslak, one of the founders of the Orchard Lake Philharmonic Society. Judy has just obtained a beautiful two-manual harpsichord, and it sounded wonderful as the group played a number of selections from Bach. Continue reading
Filed under Fun Stuff, Personal Journey
Steve Richko: A Talent Gone Too Soon
One of the most truly gifted, unique piano players in Michigan is gone.
I first heard Steve Richko in the late spring, when he joined Tad Weed and Cliff Monear in a three-piano jazz extravaganza at the Steinway Gallery in Commerce Township. Steve had an incredible ear and truly spoke to your soul from the keyboard. Continue reading
Filed under Musicians of Note
J. S. Bach Goes Pink?
Just for fun. Johann Sebastian Bach meets the Pink Panther. Sort of. Continue reading
Filed under Fun Stuff, Inspiration, Musicians of Note
Coming Up For Air
It’s been a busy summer, and I’m just now coming up for air after spending a few months getting my new business going. This blog has been sorely neglected – for which I apologize. But along the way, I’ve made a number of very cool and fun discoveries, which I’ll be sharing with you over the next few weeks.
Filed under Personal Journey
Music And Aging, II
This hit my e-mail today. Music is just one of the arts encouraged here:
San Francisco – May 20, 2010 – Ever wondered why creativity and learning are so important for the older brain? National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) will answer this question and highlight innovative lifelong learning arts programs at the “NCCA-MetLife Foundation Creativity Matters: Lifelong Learning Through the Arts” symposium. The one-day event will be held in San Francisco, California on Tuesday, June 15 from 9am – 4pm at the Community School of Music and Arts Finn Center, and will focus on the benefits of utilizing arts programs throughout the later years of life, as well as how to develop lifelong learning programs in various art mediums, including storytelling, theater, and music.
Check out more details at http://creativeaging.squarespace.com/lifelong_learning/.
Filed under Events and Calendar, Music and Aging
It’s All About Makin’ Music
This past week, 60 Minutes did a piece on the new artistic director of the Los Angeles Symphony and his drive to bring more music into urban schools. There were a lot of claims made about music providing discipline, hope, and a way out for children who live in seemingly hopeless situations.
A quick search on the web turns up a lot of studies about the effect of music on older adults. One, published a few years ago jointly by professors at the University of Miami and Michigan State University, found that participating in group keyboard lessons caused Human Growth Hormone levels to skyrocket in older adults. HGH is one of the new “wonder compounds”, given credit for making people feel better, have better muscle tone, and fighting the visible signs of aging. Check it out at http://www.amc-music.com/musicmaking/wellness/hormone.htm. Now that’s a cheap alternative to plastic surgery!
If you are looking for more incentive, check out www.WannaPlayMusic.com, a website that defines midlife musicians like me as “recreational music makers” or people who enjoy “playing musical instruments alone or in a group without the goals of mastery or performance.” They have links to teachers and other resources to get your juices running.
The site is affiliated with Making Music Magazine, which has a pretty nifty website of its own at www.MakingMusicMag.com. Southeast Michigan’s own Mitch Albom is featured on this month’s cover. Be sure to check out their interactive map of summer music camps. Also, check out the Hollywood stars who are also “recreational musicians.”
And keep playing. The weather is better — so take it outdoors!
Filed under Inspiration, Music and Aging, Opportunities to Play
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