You always amaze me!

Here we are at the end of the Composition Challenge – and WOW.  Just WOW!

First, THANK YOU for all of you who sent compositions, a noodle, an idea.  I am so gratified to be entrusted with your art.

For those that sent something but were not ready to share with the world, I encourage you to keep going!  And eventually I’d further encourage you to share, share, share!  It always amazes me how receptive people are to new music – but you won’t know if you don’t share and ask the question!

And, believe me — I know, that sometimes the deadline sneaks up on us and we are a little bit flat-footed.  So if you’re not quite ready to share, but you will be in future – you keep working on it and let me know when you’re ready.  I’ll be happy to share my platform with you!

I’d also like to remind you of one really important thing.  Like playing, composing requires p-r-a-c-t-i-c-e!  We have talked before about ways to get that practice in – improv, noodling, brute force.  I guarantee that it gets easier with practice.  It does.  With practice it will feel less like you’re forcing it.  Less like pulling teeth.  Less like work.  And with time and practice, it will feel more like joy.  More like expression.  More like breathing.  Why yes, it might even begin to feel like music is literally oozing from your pores!  But you have to let it.

Here are some of the amazing things some of you were willing to share.  Some carefully composed (or carelessly composed!) and some noodling.  Some a combination of the two.

The first is titled Noodling BADGE from Barb Costello –

Then we have Sue Richards Herself, using the technique Sue shared and I posted last week –

Then we have Ca’ the Meows – a playful take on a classic –

and our last share this week is from me, Dimitri’s Revenge, from my deep and abiding love of Shostakovitch but in a mock Celtoid style –

Be sure to give these pieces a listen and a play through.  And PLEASE – leave comments – be lavish with your praise for the music and the sharing (and frankly the bravery!) of the people who contributed.  I know all who shared will enjoy your feedback and encouragement.   And remember, if you do take these pieces on and begin to play them for others – attribute the work.  A little acknowledgement is nice to receive and a little respect is well deserved!

*All rights held by the composers and shared with permission.  Please give credit where it is due!

** If you particularly like one of these and have a hard time getting it downloaded, let me know and I’ll think of a solution!