Healing - Piano Improvisation

I recorded this today as I begin to recover from illness. When I play I feel the energy of music buoy me. I offer this to you as healing for whatever in your own life you hope to mend.

Simple Gifts

Nearly every Saturday, I play at Chocolate Springs Cafe in Lenox, MA. On the beautiful, state-of-the-art Yamaha digital grand piano, amidst people whose enjoyment is buoyed by the world-class, hand-made chocolates, I perform my favorite pieces, from the sacred to the secular, from Gregorian chant to the Dave Matthews Band, with lots in between! Last week, I recorded this version of the Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts." Every weekend I'm there, I'll endeavor to create at least one new piano video to post on my blog, Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to sharing the music with you!

"Light Born of Light" - The Majesty of Sacred Music

I'm starting work on my next piano CD, which will feature sacred music arranged in medleys and combinations that inspire the spiritual journey. In preparation, I've been listening to everything from Gregorian Chant to the work of Morten Lauridsen, particularly his "Lux Aeterna." Lauridsen is perhaps the finest contemporary composer of liturgical music.

Here is one of my Lauridsen favorites: "O Nata Lux" ("Light Born of Light"), performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. I plan to include a piano version of this beautiful hymn.

A Measure of Us All

I believe that the "center of gravity" of an entire culture/country can be determined by the treatment received by it most vulnerable citizens--by "the least of us." When people with disabilities are treated inhumanly, the society—in ways that may be less than visible—is stifled. Similarly, when the true, creative human "VOICE" of someone with a disability is allowed to come forth, seen and heard, it ripples through us all and speaks of a NEW POSSIBILITY.

This year at the Oxford Round Table, I'm honored to be speaking about my work with people with disabilities. You can find more info here...

Here's an example of why I'm so excited about this presentation, and the potential that lies in this work!

Holiday Spirit!

My gifted student, Tanny Labshere was born blind. Her reality is darkness. And yet, with the love of her family, the care she receives at Riverbrook Residence for Women in Stockbridge, MA, and through her piano music, she brings light to all who hear her play. Tanny has performed on three occasions for Governor Deval Patrick.

In the spirit of Light and Hope, Tanny and I offer you this duet. We wish you a Wonderful Holiday and a New Year filled with Health and Happiness!

"In My Dreams" - The Experience of Freedom in The Piano Duet Paradigm

This video is a kick-and-a-half...and it's revelatory! It took place in one of my workshops. Mary Cunov was discouraged from playing by her early piano teacher. But Mary's dad was a Dixieland trumpet player. She LOVES Boogie-Woogie.

In improvised duet with me, for the first time she had the opportunity to let herself "go." As we played together, her creativity becomes obvious. Finally, the music that's always been inside of her came out!

WHATEVER your experiences have been--both in music and generally--KNOW that there's a FREE spirit inside you, READY to be released!

"A Duet is Something You Feel" - A Student Reflects On His Experience

Tyler Henry, my young student, reflects on his experience of playing music in duet at the piano.

"For people who are listening, the first thing I want to say is that (when you perform on the piano), it's not about the attention that you get, it's about playing for the people, for you...A person has different emotions, happy, sad. So, find an emotion that you have now and just start to play..."

Inspiring advice for us all!