At David Darling’s recent Celebration of Life, Alexander Merz invited everyone to join him in a daily toning ritual. The exercise, he explained, fosters a sense of community among Music for People (MfP), whose members …
Remembering David Darling (1941-2021)
Friends and colleagues reflect on the legacy of the GRAMMY-winning cellist who co-founded Music for People. David Darling, the GRAMMY Award-winning cellist and composer who co-founded the pioneering arts organization Music for People, died on …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Music Educator, Entrepreneur Jan Magray
After retiring as a hospital chaplain in 2009, Jan Magray responded to a chance opportunity to bring music to children via an afterschool program in St. Petersburg’s underserved Midtown neighborhood. From her first visit to …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Therapeutic Teaching Artist Steven Hosking
More than a decade ago, Steven Hosking was just another struggling actor in New York, chasing down a dream. Only his dream turned into a nightmare when chronic anxiety and fear took hold of him, …
David Darling (1941 – 2021) – Passing of Music for People’s Co-founder
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of David Darling, co-founder of Music for People (MfP). The GRAMMY Award-winning cellist died peacefully at home on Friday, surrounded by members of …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with MfP Board Member Alison Weiner
Leave it to Alison Weiner, a self-described “improvising musician,” to debunk any misconceptions about “free improvisation.” In fact, the North Carolina-based pianist avoids using the term altogether, claiming it to be misleading. “‘Free improvisation’ suggests …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Canadian Singer-Songwriter Jane Lewis
With her trademark curls and gutsy stage presence, Jane Lewis is often compared to the legendary hitmaker Carole King. “I take it as a compliment,” says the Canadian singer-songwriter, whose own material exudes a certain …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Acclaimed Montréal Pianist Josée Allard
Proof that Josée Allard is not your run-of-the-mill pianist can be found on the homepage of her website. About halfway down it is a quote by jazz legend Miles Davis. Even though the words are …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with multi-instrumentalist, MLP member Liz Lulu
Liz Lulu was 26 when she first picked up bass guitar. That she did so while auditioning for a local rock band is beside the point. “I asked them, ‘How do you hold this thing?’” …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Native American Style Flutist Ami Sarasvati
Ami Sarasvati traces her interest in the Native American style flute to a small bookstore in Colorado, where she first heard R. Carlos Nakai’s landmark album, “Canyon Triology.” “I immediately fell in love with the …