Tim Simmons believes music comes from the musician, not the instrument. “There’s a song in everyone,” says the affable multi-instrumentalist, who teaches music in grades 1-12 at Delaware Valley Friends School near Philadelphia. “As a …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Performer, Teaching Artist Thomasina Levy
Thomasina Levy insists that music is in everyone—and everything. “We all have drums in the classroom. They’re called ‘desks,’” says the acclaimed performer and teaching artist with a whiff of understatement. “We have so many …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Trombonist, Singer, DJ Alexander Merz
At David Darling’s recent Celebration of Life, Alexander Merz invited everyone to join him in a daily toning ritual. The exercise, he explained, fosters a sense of community among Music for People (MfP), whose members …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Therapeutic Teaching Artist Steven Hosking
More than a decade ago, Steven Hosking was just another struggling actor in New York, chasing down a dream. Only his dream turned into a nightmare when chronic anxiety and fear took hold of him, …
Art of Improvisation 2020 Recording Project
During Art of Improvisation (AOI) 2020, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the AOI Community Recording Project. Evening sessions taught people how to use BandLab, an online recording platform, and introduced its collaboration feature …
Vocal Expressions with Dawn Tyler Watson
2020 JUNO Award winner Dawn Tyler Watson will explore the emotional aspects of singing at “Art of Improvisation.” The cover says it all. “When I found out I had won, I screamed really loud,” says …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Joëlle Danant About ‘HeArtful Singing’
On the first day of “Art of Improvisation” (AOI), Music for People (MfP) will present a session by Joëlle Danant titled “HeArtful Singing Using a Mindful Approach.” The session, she says, seeks to empower musicians …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Mary Knysh, Irene Feher and David Rudge About the ‘Art of Improvisation’
“We plan to make music any way we can,” says Irene Feher, regarding the “Art of Improvisation” (AOI), coming to a computer near you, Aug. 2-5. “Music uplifts us and connects us to one another. …
Press Release: ‘Art of Improvisation’ Workshops Aug. 2-5
An all-star faculty will headline the virtual series, designed to foster creativity, self-renewal and a sense of community Musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to register for “Art of Improvisation” (AOI), a …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Composer, Conductor Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli
Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli was 20 years old when he discovered the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, known for exploring the uncanny relationship between nature and humanity. That it has taken the Los Angeles-based composer more than 30 …