Richard J. Chandler, BA, MA Bachelor of Arts-Music & Master of Arts-Psychology

Composer Aaron Copland at the piano writing music

Aaron Copland Quotations

Aaron Copland Quotations Aaron Copland’s life and music spanned the 20th century and he was considered by most to be America’s most ‘American sounding’ composer. In addition to superb use of melody, open rich harmony and dynamic wide-ranging rhythmic interplay, Copland composed from the heart as well as with technical prowess. When we hear his …

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Photograph of writer, Albert Camus

Albert Camus Quotations

Albert Camus Quotations The Algerian born French writer and philosopher, Albert Camus, was the second youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the first being Rudyard Kipling. Camus is often associated with existentialism although he rejected the term, preferring to be known only as an author and a thinker. His life was made challenging …

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Photograph of Leonard Bernstein conducting an orchestra

Leonard Bernstein Quotations

Leonard Bernstein Quotations As a pianist, conductor, composer, educator, and long-time music director of the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein received worldwide acclaim for his wide-ranging musical genius. As a young man, he chose not to act on career advice to change his Jewish name to a more Western European sounding one. He is perhaps …

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Painting of composer, Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach Quotations

Johann Sebastian Bach Quotations My guess is that the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach have been, and continue to be, the most studied and performed pieces by any know composer who has ever lived… at least on planet earth.  His legacy, in addition to influencing most all western music performing musicians and composers, may be …

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Group of 5 members playing various instruments in a band

Is It Hard to Make a Living as a Musician?

Is It Hard to Make a Living as a Musician?  From playing the bagpipes on the street to being a lead vocalist in an orchestra to a pop singer known on the radio, the variation in the amount of money made can vary tremendously.  Earning a living as a musician takes a lot of time, …

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Close up shot of a persons hands playing piano

Does Age Affect the Difficulty of Learning Piano?

Does Age Affect the Difficulty of Learning Piano? There are many preconceived ideas that it is much more difficult to learn piano at an older age, meaning any age above 12. Kids learn languages much quicker than adults so why not musical instruments? While the brain may have more plasticity at a younger age allowing …

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Photo of musical instruments

Choosing a Musical Instrument to Learn

Choosing a Musical Instrument to Learn Selecting the right musical instrument for you can be a daunting task with the numerous options available and elements to consider. Woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, keyboard, and plucked instruments each have their own pros and cons. There are unique considerations for each instrument family that can range from size, …

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A boys choir and one woman singing

Can You Learn Singing At Any Age?

Can You Learn Singing At Any Age? Learning how to control your voice for singing requires using correct breathing, pitch, rhythm, and range. It can take years to hone your vocal skills. However singing doesn’t discriminate.  You can learn singing at any age. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Basically the only difference of …

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man writing music with a keyboard, laptop, and headphones on a desk

Can I Learn Music Theory On My Own?

Can I Learn Music Theory On My Own? Music theory is the overall language in western music that explains the hows and whys behind why music sounds a certain way. It connects harmony, melody, and rhythm and explains the relation. You can learn music theory on your own. However, it is more difficult than with …

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