Ergo (New Blog)

I’ve decided to document my quest to understand what should really be happening for violinists with shoulder and chin rests. Inspired by research in the Netherlands and some study I’ve done in Alexander Technique, and also bringing in Yehudi Menuhin’s unique yoga-inspired insights, I’m trying to figure out this giant ergonomic puzzle. As an experiment, and because I thought other players and teachers might find it useful, I will document some of what I’m working on. Read more.

Dear Composing Diary

Still working on suites for solo violin, a project which began in the pandemic when my instrument alone was, of couse, the only thing available. I performed the first two back in October and felt good about that. Now I’m working on some more, and the whole idea of planning (or mostly planning) solo music instead of improvising is turning out to be rewarding and challenging. Obviously, when you write suites for solo violin it hearkens back to the original and timeless classic of the idiom, the 6 Bach sonatas and partitas for unaccompanied violin. Everyone studies those in conservatories, so I think of them as being as foundational as Shakespeare in literature. They certainly are that well known and cherished. That it feels like what I write is automatically in conversation with those pieces could be intimidating but also provides a challenge…can I add something useful to global string playing project for this standalone, stripped down format, making sure it really works and is complete on its own? I will post more updates as the new suites continue. I hope to make progress recording them in the next year.

Help the Twin Cities Community with the post-ICE Rent Crisis

U of M research shows that 50 percent of immigrant families were in danger of losing their housing at the end of March and it hasn’t gotten a lot better since then. If you have the means, consider donating to the Wilson Fund’s Minneapolis Recovery Fund which works alongside local mutual aid groups, and matches donations as well, so they go twice as far.

A list of more easy ways to help fight for democracy.