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This month…
• new free piece
• new music for guitar ensembles
• new album update
• Grammy® thing
• some recommendations
Free Piece
This month's piece, “New Leaf”, is a short little melody in C major with a bit of a pop vibe in its simple harmonization. This tune came out on one of the first mornings back in my classroom. Being back at school means returning to my early morning writing sessions at my desk, and that feels good.
I recently submitted two new classical guitar ensemble pieces for publication through Guitar Chamber Music Press.
“Four on the Road” is a quartet that I wrote for the 2026 New Jersey Guitar Orchestra Youth Ensemble. It has a syncopated groove in guitar 3 & 4, while guitars 1 & 2 play melodies/harmony that utilize most of the fretboard. I am really looking forward to conducting this at their spring performances.
“Clouds and Cathedrals” is written for guitar trio. It has a moody chordal accompaniment in part three while there is some nice rhythmic play between guitars 1 & 2.
These pieces are good for intermediate/advanced students as well as professionals.
I mentioned last month that I had spent a few days with Tom Eaton at his Sounds & Substance studio. We used the three sessions to lay down the foundation for a new album. This project is still in its incubation stage, but I am extremely excited about what it is growing into.
I can't say anything else about it yet…but it's going to be very different and it sounds AMAZING. Stay tuned. It will be well worth the wait!
Grammy® FYC
Why did I submit “City Lights Hide the Stars” for consideration for the Grammy Awards?
I submitted for a couple reasons. First, I am very proud of the record. I think together, Tom and I made something very special. It reflects a change in my writing, playing, and approach to my craft. Those things are important to me.
Secondly, when I submitted in the past, I walked away from the experience having made some wonderful connections with like minded musicians. Through the FYC (for your consideration) process, musicians share their submitted music with each other in hopes of gaining each other's support. Through those DMs and emails with other musicians, I made some friendships that resulted in me hearing some fantastic music, seeing some great live shows, and even picking up some work arranging and recording for people. It also gets my own music into new ears, and you never know where that can lead. Networking is never a bad thing.
That being said, I have decided to suck it up, make the social media posts (which make me cringe inside), ask people to listen to my stuff, and ask them to send me theirs. I can say that I have already been sent some beautiful music created by some really talented people.
So if you are a Grammy®/NARAS voting member, have a listen…and feel free to send me your submission. I'd love to listen. Click the pic below for a listening link.
*** My album is submitted in the New Age, Ambient, or Chant category. A few people were confused by this, saying that the music doesn't sound like any of that. My music has always fallen under “New Age” genre (whatever that means). People who enjoy my music describe it as relaxing, meditative, calming, and emotional. The Grammys describe New Age as being designed to promote relaxation, meditation, stress management, and inner harmony. It also can combine sub genres like folk, jazz fusion, etc. So I think my music ticks those boxes.
Labels are weird….
Recommendations
Here's what I am listening to and reading…
That's all for September. As I write this, there are 168 days of school left until summer vacation…but who's counting.
Be well. Thank you for your continued support. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
