Bird and Byrd on the Value of Voice Lessons

The other day I found a perfect excerpt to share with you.  In my beloved Weiss & Taruskin textbook from college lie some words as true today as they were when written 425 years ago. William Byrd, who I like to believe is one of my husband’s ancestors, was a 16th century English church composer and…

Daily Practices Toward Peace and Creative Improvisation

I’m a fan of vocalist and improvisor Bobby McFerrin. The year after I graduated from my community choir, the group attended a choral festival for which Bobby McFerrin was one of the clinicians: 0ne more reason to consider flunking senior year. But alas, I did not, and have never seen the man in person. I’m not even sure how I…

Have Snow Will Sing: Another Writer Looks at Minnesota’s Thriving Art Scene

reblogged from my post at Arts America —– I love Minnesota. Really I do.  Despite the first couple years of my life having been in sunny Puerto Rico, I somehow ended up developing a tolerance for our bitter cold weather. Granted, I am writing this in the middle of a gorgeous spring afternoon, so it’s…