This day last week I wrote a blog about the various checks and balances you need to keep an eye on in order to keep life as… Read more “Music for the sake of it…”
Month: July 2019
When the last part of a job is the most irritating…
The thing about cutting hedges is that the easy and satisfying part comes first. The growl of the engine and the effortless way the hedgetrimmer scythes through… Read more “When the last part of a job is the most irritating…”
When you know you know…
When David Lynch was working on his second feature film The Elephant Man, he heard Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings on the radio one day and in… Read more “When you know you know…”
Comparing musicianship…
Sligo Jazz used to be my one of least favourite weeks of the year. It was the week where I got my yearly reminder that there are… Read more “Comparing musicianship…”
Religion, football and arguments
According to some estimates, there are over 4,000 religions in the world, all with different beliefs. Some diametrically opposed to others – so they can’t all be… Read more “Religion, football and arguments”
Bohemian Rhapsody III
It’s always the kids that let you know first. And they all want to learn Bohemian Rhapsody – which as far as I can see is in… Read more “Bohemian Rhapsody III”
Some wisdom from Quincy…
Whatever way you look at it, Quincy Jones has had a remarkable music career. The recent Netflix documentary on his life provided some wonderful insights into his… Read more “Some wisdom from Quincy…”
Do you want music to be your job?
A guy in his late 40s called to see me yesterday on the recommendation of a friend. He has what I’m guessing is a steady, well-paid job… Read more “Do you want music to be your job?”
When your students make you proud…!
It’s summer camp season, and I had the pleasure of once again spending a week at the Donegal Summer School of Music, now in it’s 20th year.… Read more “When your students make you proud…!”
When you’re weary….feeling small…
When you feel you’re not very good at something, especially if it’s something that is personal, or something at which you really want to be good, it’s… Read more “When you’re weary….feeling small…”