Ministry of Spontaneous Composition is comprised of free jazz explorations from members of the DC Improvisers Collective. These steller musicians Patrick Whitehead (trumpet and MfP member), Ben Azarra (drums), John Kammon (guitar), Jonathan Morris (keyboard) …
CD Review: Wild Plains
Josée Allard (classical pianist) met her muse when she was acquainted with Norman Nawrocki (Ukranian folk violinist). They originally met to play for fun yet unintentionally ended up creating a CD from their musical explorations …
CD Review: Ecstatic Dances
JoAnne Spies is a singer/songwriter and storyteller who creates stories and song wherever she goes, inviting the listener to join in. In her new CD, Ecstatic Dances, she delivers conscious thought and lessons through the …
CD Review: Earth Poems
In her Earth Poems CD, Betsy Bevan (pianist) has collaborated with Will Ridenour (kora) and Daniel Chambo (world flutes ) to create free flowing music for relaxation and introspection. The music moves the listener toward …
Listen – A Poem by Julie Cook
Listen Can you hear it? The sweetest sound comes near the end. Start with ears big enough to let in a river. After the first rush (if you are very still) you will hear it: …
Improvisation: Bridge to Our Inner Music
My husband is sitting at the piano, arms crossed, elbows to finger-ends pressing down the keys, forehead resting on his arms, dead tired after a long, stressful day. “That’s a great sound,” I say. “Do …
Creativity and the Process of Transformation
Mary Knysh wrote this article for the Fall 2015 issue of Connections where she shares how our participation in the creative arts can lead to both personal and creative transformation. Such an important topic that …
Book Review: The Fear of Singing Breakthrough Program
The Fear of Singing Breakthrough Program by Nancy Salwen is an accessible, user friendly, and inspiring book for those afraid to sing as well as experienced and professional singers. It is a remarkable guide through …
Unwritten Notes: Improvisation for Classically Trained Musicians
“That was fun!” “I never thought of improvising right along with my students—what a great idea!” “I’m going to make improvisation a requirement for my piano classes.” “I think it’s sad that in all my …
Bringing Music Home – Hosting Improv Gatherings
Connections featured this article which contained several useful suggestions for getting started hosting your own music gatherings. Core Group: Start with a core group of 2 or more people who have been to a workshop …