Autumn Songs
In October 2019 I heard a lovely piece on NPR, Chanson d’Automne (Autumn Song) by British composer Stephen Reynolds. I happened to …
Honey & Juba Dance
Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943) composed two pieces, Honey and Juba Dance, that intrigue me. Both are from a suite, “In the Bottoms,” published in Music …
Welcome to Ohio
Just as runaway slaves in the mid-1800s found refuge in Ohio, I found a warm welcome and relief from Florida heat with …
Nimble Feet
Florence B. Smith Price (1887 – 1953) was the first female African-American composer to receive national recognition. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, …
Evenings
“Momma, is it evening yet?” asked my 4-year-old daughter Lilli as we waited at the piano for Steve to come home from …
Artists & Musicians Matter
In my recent Self-Examination, I have come to realize how much Black artists and musicians matter to me. This poster by Romare …
Slow Tempos for Troubled Times
From my earliest days at the piano, I have preferred fast tempos. Music from my high school years is often marked “Don’t …
Musical Love Letter
Brahms’ Intermezzo in A major, is a piece I’ve played for the last forty-five years. Recently, with the help of Dr. Lisa …
Museums Matter
On March 9, 2017 I discovered how much museums can matter. At 6:30 that morning, I went online to get four timed …
Corona Comforts
Staying at home since March 15 has meant seeking comfort in every public facet of my life–Music, Art, Reading, Travel, History and …