“Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” 

No one knows who said this, but it’s been attributed to Frank Zappa or maybe Elvis Costello or maybe Martin Mull or maybe Laurie Anderson. Nice quote, and to be clear, some cultures DO dance about architecture. But that’s for someone else’s blog or book.

There is no way to convey the power and beauty of music through words—you have to make music to really get it. Appreciate it. Love it. But talking about music and writing about it are two ways to share the love of music, whether we share that love with one other person—maybe after a great concert--or with a larger group like a music class or in a TED talk. Listening to music, learning a musical instrument, discussing music, and making music builds community around something everyone has opinions about.

In this blog I’ll be sharing my opinions as well as my stories about teachers, students, gigs, and concerts. I want to talk about the power of music, tell you about some cool musical things I know, and also dip into anecdotes, wonderings, encouragement, and questions. No criticism; there’s enough of that out there. I want to tell you about great books with musical themes, artists who have made me cry, and students who have inspired me to keep doing what I do for the love of music.

I’ll also tell you what I’m listening to or take off on an outraged missive or a wildly appreciative rant about goings on in my profession of music education. All of this and more, at least once a week. In one way or another, I’ve been in the music business since I was a kid honking on the oboe and I have lots to say about my chosen field and those people who populate it.

I invite your questions, and I hope to generate discussion if that wants to happen. Tell me stories about your elementary school music teacher. Tell me about the most amazing concert you’ve ever been to – I don’t care if it was the The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra or Lady Gaga or someone I’ve never heard of. What moved you to tears? What made you feel like you were connected to the entire cosmos? Tell me stories about music in your life. To some people like me, music IS life.

I am a lifelong musician: Oboist, music educator, co-founder of a wonderful community music school (centerformusicalarts.org), former professional player now retired and turned appreciative audience member. I have always been and will forever be mystified and moved by music, the sheer power of it, the absolute magic of it.

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