Creativity 2/4

rhapsodydmb

Apr 114 min read

CURIOSITY IN LIFE AND MUSIC

"The recognition, pursuit, and desire to explore novel, complex, uncertain, and ambiguous events" is as good a definition of "curiosity"...

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COACHING VS. REGULAR LESSONS: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX, OR, THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SKIN A CAT!

rhapsodydmb

Mar 247 min read

COACHING VS. REGULAR LESSONS: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX, OR, THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SKIN A CAT!

My three kitties (Prince, our 20-lb. "linebacker" pictured here) might not appreciate the above saying, but it perfectly encapsulates...

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RUTH SLENCZYNSKA: "MAKE A PIECE YOURS - THEN PLAY IT!"

rhapsodydmb

Mar 222 min read

RUTH SLENCZYNSKA: "MAKE A PIECE YOURS - THEN PLAY IT!"

In the waning days of Women's History Month, Madam Ruth Slenczynska is a worthy topic. If you don't know her, please take a moment to...

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MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE: ALONDRA DE LA PARRA - SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY'S NEXT MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR?

rhapsodydmb

Mar 214 min read

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE: ALONDRA DE LA PARRA - SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY'S NEXT MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR?

I dare you to watch this video "La Maestra" all the way through, and not smile. You have a special treat in store! You will likely...

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MORE THAN BACKGROUND MUSIC: THE "BOX-IFICATION" OF BLACK AND WHITE THINKING

rhapsodydmb

Mar 165 min read

MORE THAN BACKGROUND MUSIC: THE "BOX-IFICATION" OF BLACK AND WHITE THINKING

British pianist, composer, and piano teacher Simeon Walker seems to have his head screwed on right. He says that: "... box-ification of...

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rhapsodydmb

Jan 244 min read

THE "LAST ATTEMPT" or "THE BEST"?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

My high school piano, a Baldwin Acrosonic, and the "going steady ring I gave her. One person responding to John Holt (American author...

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FOUR MAGICAL CONTIGUOUS DAYS OF MUSICAL HEAVEN ! - Part I of II

rhapsodydmb

Jan 236 min read

FOUR MAGICAL CONTIGUOUS DAYS OF MUSICAL HEAVEN ! - Part I of II

Amit Peled ,* cellist pictured on Sunday just past performed "Koi Nedrei Op. 47" (aka "All Vows") by German composer Max Bruch. The...

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"YA JUST GOTTA LAUGH" - MAINLY AT YOURSELF IF YOU'RE A PIANO STUDENT!

rhapsodydmb

Jan 174 min read

"YA JUST GOTTA LAUGH" - MAINLY AT YOURSELF IF YOU'RE A PIANO STUDENT!

"Everyone has a belief system ("B.S."); the trick is to learn not to take anyone's B.S. too seriously, especially your own." - Robert...

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"LONELINESS" - A SERENDIPTOUS MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE

rhapsodydmb

Jan 97 min read

"LONELINESS" - A SERENDIPTOUS MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE

In this second week of the New Year, yet another message from the universe has come to my attention: a call to contemplate "loneliness."...

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CONSTRAINTS AND CREATIVITY: MATISSE AND THE SIX-FOOT POLE

rhapsodydmb

Dec 30, 20238 min read

CONSTRAINTS AND CREATIVITY: MATISSE AND THE SIX-FOOT POLE

Matisse painting. Lessons sometimes come in waves; one serendipity leads to another and we no longer can avoid recognizing what is right...

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EMBRACE "GOALS" - ESCHEW "RESOLUTIONS" and CONCENTRATE ON "THE GOOD"

rhapsodydmb

Dec 23, 20236 min read

EMBRACE "GOALS" - ESCHEW "RESOLUTIONS" and CONCENTRATE ON "THE GOOD"

New Year's Resolutions represent the ultimate folly as far as human beings and my personal experience go. I've learned not to bother;...

84 views0 comments

rhapsodydmb

Nov 29, 20237 min read

THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES: TAKE TWO

Above is Rocket, my cat Tipsy's boyfriend, pausing under mentor Joe's gorgeous "Sir B" (seven foot special Beethoven edition Bosendorfer...

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SLIDING SEAMLESSLY PAST ESSENTIAL TRUTHS*

rhapsodydmb

Nov 17, 20237 min read

SLIDING SEAMLESSLY PAST ESSENTIAL TRUTHS*

Somehow this picture reminds me of "essential truths." My very first class and first day of law school in 1970, was contracts. Women then...

40 views0 comments

rhapsodydmb

Nov 14, 20237 min read

MY EIGHTY TRIPS AROUND THE SUN*,***

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

What could be better than music -- and a magician -- and a belly dancer -- to celebrate my Armistice's Day 80tieth birthday party --...

134 views2 comments

TO A GREAT MASTER IN THE CALLIGRAPHIC AND LIFE ARTS: ALAN BLACKMAN

rhapsodydmb

Nov 4, 20235 min read

TO A GREAT MASTER IN THE CALLIGRAPHIC AND LIFE ARTS: ALAN BLACKMAN

Calligraphy master Alan Blackman taught a Chinese brush technique class I took at the oLd basement de young Museum Art School some...

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THE MIRACLE OF SECRETS REVEALED IN POETRY

rhapsodydmb

Nov 3, 20237 min read

THE MIRACLE OF SECRETS REVEALED IN POETRY

I don't always get it right. Not the first time, and not 100%. Sometime later I usually do. It's like when I write; I have to circle the...

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MUSICAL REINVENTION AFTER CHANGE OR RETIREMENT -- SOMETIMES BY OTHERS!

rhapsodydmb

Oct 12, 20233 min read

MUSICAL REINVENTION AFTER CHANGE OR RETIREMENT -- SOMETIMES BY OTHERS!

Intended or unintended periods of major change that are inevitable throughout our very-human lives can result in beneficial -- or...

32 views0 comments

rhapsodydmb

Oct 6, 20237 min read

A.I. IS NOT ART !

The Unclear Future? (See fall 2024 see my subsequent blog on the invasion of AI into the creative process, like it or not! Artists –...

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HARMONIZING THE WORLD: My journey with 432 Hz continues...

rhapsodydmb

Sep 21, 20233 min read

HARMONIZING THE WORLD: My journey with 432 Hz continues...

When I'm playing my favored new style of pieces these days, i.e., simple , lyrical, and slow, I sometimes just stop dead upon hearing a...

18 views0 comments

rhapsodydmb

Sep 17, 20234 min read

THE DIGNITY OF "TRIVIAL LITTLE PIECES"

If famed cellist Pablo Casals could do it – so can I! While Vivian Mackie was studying cello with Pablo Casals in Spain in the early...

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