accompanist
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A Sunday in My Life

When I first read the Harry Potter series, I tended to rush through the action-adventure scenes because I was so eager to get back to the going-to-school-in-a-magical-Scottish-castle scenes. I cared more about the “mundane” (yet still magical) lives of the characters than I did about their extraordinary adventures. I tend to be the same way Continue reading
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Gift Ideas for Worship Leaders/Musicians

Struggling to shop for the worship leaders or musicians in your life? As an organist, pianist, teacher, and music director, I’m here to help. Here are some gifts that will never not be appreciated by musicians and worship leaders of all styles, ages, and levels: 1. This portable music stand. (Finally, one that isn’t flimsy Continue reading
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Every Careless Note

Whenever I receive new music, I review the lyrics of the selected songs. Recently, I had to turn down a gig because it would have required me to perform pieces from The Book of Mormon. I am not Mormon and have strong disagreements with much of the Latter Day Saints doctrine; however, many of my Continue reading
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Frauenliebe und Leben: “Der Ring”

Nearly three years ago, I performed Robert Schumann’s stunningly beautiful Frauenliebe und Leben (translated “A Woman’s Life and Love”) for the first time. I say “for the first time” because this is a song cycle that I hope to perform over and over again for the rest of my life; composed to represent key moments Continue reading
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Extravagant: A Reflection on the Music of Dan Forrest

I adore playing the music of choral composer, Dan Forrest. An accomplished pianist himself, he knows how to fully engage accompanists, making them feel as if they are featured soloists and equal members of an ensemble rather than merely supporters. Even his simplest pieces cover the whole range of the keyboard and develop across glorious Continue reading
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“So you want to be a piano-ist?” and Other Responses to my Major
“What’s your major?” seems to be the question of the month and I am seriously considering giving false answers if (scratch that, when) I am asked this again because it is getting a little old. As a music major with an emphasis in piano performance, though, I have heard some terribly amusing responses to my answer to this Continue reading
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