Perhaps the sector most affected in these times in America, besides healthcare, is music and the performing arts. It almost feels unfair. Many of Europe’s orchestras are actually holding performances this fall. Arts organizations in some other countries are slowly making their comeback. Yet when it comes to classical music in the US, the pandemic […]Read More
Music theory – one of mankind’s greatest achievements – ranges from the simple to uber difficult. WITHOUT Google Searching, can you answer the questions on this IMPOSSIBLE music theory quiz? Sure, we won’t be surprised if you get a few right, however getting all 10 right truly means your study of music is unparalleled. Let’s […]Read More
Random rewards are an oft-studied psychological phenomenon. Humans and animals do not find themselves attracted to the predictable, but rather, the unpredictable, where sometimes they are awarded nothing, and sometimes they win big. Think about gamblers, for example, addicted to the on/off rush of win-big-or-go-home playing. Lang Lang has always been that pianist for me […]Read More
When you think of the classical era, the period of music between 1750-1825, you might be thinking of Beethoven and Mozart. Surely, these three composers represent the pinnacle of the era, becoming immortalized within classical music canon. However, much likeable music written by other composers is abundant in this era. And, it’s about time the […]Read More
Negative harmony is one of those rare, ultra-heady theoretical concepts that has found favor among even mainstream musicians in recent years. The unusual spark in interest in such an advanced theoretical concept has traceable roots; in 2017, jazz musician Jacob Collier discussed negative harmony in a widely viewed YouTube video. At the time, many just […]Read More
It is high time classical music recognizes the works of Black female composers more. In the wake of the Black Lives Matters movement, many musicians on Facebook and social media are learning more about music written by living Black composers, as well as their musical contributions. Black composers offer a unique artistic insight through their […]Read More
Did YOU know Appalachian Spring won the Pulitzer Prize? Many of our country’s most lauded composers were awarded the Pulitzer Prize: Barber, Copland, Corigliano, Reich, and Adams are just some of the names who have taken home America’s most iconic prize. Taking a look at the list of winners is a who’s who of contemporary […]Read More
Max Richter was never supposed to be here. Here is a composer whose music, if observed in a notated score, would seem utterly simple, devoid of creativity and ingenuity. This is music based on simple chords, predictable voice leadings, and basic piano patterns. Such compositional tropes would, in the hands of nearly any other composer, […]Read More
Classical music is frequently associated with the most basic of human emotions: Joy, sadness, excitement… Passion, anger, love… And, darkness. What is it about classical music that can evoke the mystical, wonderful and…dark? Well, it comes down to many things. First off, the composer’s intentions are important. Musical texture, harmony, melody, orchestration, tempo… And of […]Read More
Today, you are facing an impossible challenge – guessing composers based on memes and images! You’ll see pictures of cooking appliances, rocks, and shoes… And guess who the composer is based on the image! Be sure to get through the entire quiz! At the end, you’ll learn how good you really are at guessing musical […]Read More
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