March 2022

 This month there is a free download, a new short piece/study, some publishing news, old/new TABs, and an update on the progress towards a new album.

Free Short Piece/Study

I typically get to school at least an hour early every day. I use this time as an exercise to write something new each day. It could be working on a new piece, writing something for my students, or writing short pieces or studies. I came to work today and realized that it was the last day of February, so luckily I was able to get this short little study to come out. I like this one a lot...I think it will grow into a larger piece. 

This study has a melody with a pretty wide range, and includes some cross string lines using campanella technique. It should be played very legato, allowing notes to ring out as much as possible. Dynamics are omitted allowing for individual interpretation. I have included a video this month so you have a performance reference.

Study for March (standard)

Study for March (standard & TABs)

Study for March - Video

Publishing News

Guitar Chamber Music Press has published two of my guitar solos in one book. This is a standard notation edition which includes:

"Waiting for Fullness" & "When All Was Still"

 I am happy that these pieces are available for classical guitarists to play.

Here is a performance of "When All Was Still" by the brilliant Scottish guitarist, Matthew McAllister.

When All Was Still - Performed by Matthew McAllister

Matthew McAllister - Website

• This month's free download is "When All Was Still" from my "Something in You Remembers" album.

You can purchase this publication here:

Guitar Chamber Music Press

New/Old TABs

It's no secret that I find my first two records to be a bit cringey to listen to. I hear myself trying to find my musical voice, writing music that was very derivative of what I was listening to at the time, and my playing was unrefined. That being said, I do embrace those albums as a necessary part of growth and my own musical journey. Plus...a lot of people enjoy those albums.

There are a handful of songs on those albums that I do indeed appreciate from a compositional viewpoint. I have re-recorded those songs on later albums in hopes of capturing a more mature performance. These include:

Skies and Openings

So She Spins

Gathering Miles

Departure

What Falls Away

All We Ever Wanted

I have notation/TABs available for all of the above titles. Now, after years of requests for "Departure", I finally got around to notating it last week! I was also able to transcribe "No Returning" and "Kian's Blues". 

If you are interested in purchasing any TABs, please head over to the store on my website. TABs are available as a complete bundle (44 songs), album bundles, and individual songs.

Writing...

I am in the process of writing new music for my next release. As of today, I have three new pieces completed (2 standard, 1 EbBbDGBbD), one medley arrangement of two traditional Celtic songs (drop D), and I think that I am going to re-record Kian's Blues (standard) which was on my first album. I also have a journal full of ideas, fragments, scraps, etc. that I need to explore.

Tom Eaton and I will be getting together for a few days at the end of June at his new studio in New Hampshire to record, mix, and master seven or eight songs for a summer release. 

The release will be digital only (streaming & download).

Worth a Listen....

I have been enjoying the work of Scottish guitarist and composer Chris Amer. Chris plays a five string theorbed tenor guitar as well as standard acoustic and electric guitars. Beautiful work! 

Check out his music.

Chris Amer

That's all for now. Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to address in these newsletters. Questions about the music, or a tutorial on how something is played, or...whatever. Send me your ideas.

Spring is near, but because of the MLB lockout, we may not have baseball. As a Pittsburgh Pirate fan, this may actually add years to my life. Be well...

Cheers,

Vin