culture
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Accompanist: Part 1
When I began to work professionally as a musician, the term “accompanist” was beginning to be replaced by “collaborative pianist.” This was intended to acknowledge pianists as equals with directors and soloists. I appreciated this shift, but, at the same time, was never ashamed of being an accompanist. In fact, as soon as I began Continue reading
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The Quiet Art of Reading Aloud
I remember reading in St. Augustine’s Confessions how he was astounded to see a man sitting before a book, his eyes roving back and forth across the printed page, and yet without uttering a sound. Could he be…reading? The very idea was shocking. I laughed at first, struck to think that reading silently was once Continue reading
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Desiring Disneyland
My university was situated within a short drive of Disneyland, a major selling point for many of us. I remember fellow students who were constantly complaining about tuition, but continued to spend massive amounts of time and money on Disney passes and products. Now, I enjoy Disneyland. Occasionally—because I am a musician and am sometimes Continue reading
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On Dying Arts and the Art of Dying
“Do churches even still have organs?” asked a woman yesterday when I told her about my job. I was unsurprised by her incredulity, for I am often struck that the work I do for a living is a dying art. My life, it seems, as an organist and writer, centers around such “dying” arts. The Continue reading
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Exchanging Rest for Restlessness
Recently, I was saddened to hear of yet another professing Christian artist, Audrey Assad, renouncing the faith she formerly professed. It seems that the past year has been something a winnowing fork, by which the winds of culture have threshed the proverbial chaff from the wheat (Matthew 3:12). Indeed, rather than settling into the solidity Continue reading
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“Jubilate”: A Joyful Noise for a Turbulent Time
Recently, I had the joy of reviewing an original folk album by pianist and composer, Mary Vanhoozer. My review can be read on the Transpositions site: “Jubilate” Review Continue reading
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Four Reasons Your Church Should Have a Choir
If you’ve read this blog at all, I’m sure you’ve noticed that I care deeply about choral singing, not merely because I enjoy making music, but because I wholeheartedly believe that singing together is foundational to human community and central to Christian communion. Singing together is foundational to human community and central to Christian communion. Continue reading
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Theology of Worship Panel – Part 1
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to collaborate with some fantastic musician-theologians to present a panel on theology of worship/music. Follow the link below to watch/listen and, as always, feel free to share your thoughts! We will be continuing our discussion next week at the same link. https://youtu.be/PVd4U9EmdCg Continue reading
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Wonderful: Preventative Grace in a Classic Film
As per tradition, my mom and I watched It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas day, cozy and sleepy after an early morning. Although I’ve seen this movie countless times, it struck me very differently than ever before. Perhaps it is because this year has been so turbulent, so full of disappointed hopes and thwarted expectations, Continue reading
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Christmas Fear
I love Christmas. I am one of those eternally annoying people who begins singing along to Christmas radio stations before my birthday (November 14th) and I remain fueled almost entirely by peppermint mochas throughout December. The lady in the video below is my hero. And yet, as I wholeheartedly throw myself into the kitschy joy Continue reading
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Echo (Chamber) and Narciss(ism): A Modern Myth
I value the old pagan myths, for they metamorphosize over time, developing alongside the human culture that created them. ‘Narcissus and Echo,’ the tragic tale of love and vanity, is one of the most renowned and relevant of these myths, imaginatively testifying to the real consequences of unrequited lust and self-deceiving admiration. A modern reimagining Continue reading
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Fashion Theology Review (Link)
Recently, I had the honor of reviewing a marvellous (and meticulously-researched!) new book, Fashion Theology, by a former professor of mine. The full review has been published by Transpositions, an online journal managed by students from the University of St. Andrew’s Institute for Theology, Imagination, and the Arts. My review can be read here and Continue reading
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