Going Back to Analogue is a original instrumental set to my recent phone videos. I wanted to communicate the idea of a return to a simpler, cleaner lifestyle, closer to nature, as God intended. How this will look? That's what I'm interested in igniting hearts and imaginations towards...
Read MoreRedemption is a word that has been on my lips for months now. Singing Bob Marley's Redemption Song has been SUCH a comfort to me. It came into my mind early in the spring lockdown and I just couldn't play or sing it enough. In our solitude, my guy and I would jam on it together in my little Jersey City apartment. No matter how rough it got, we would find the fortitude we needed in that Redemption song; in those lyrics especially.
It's only now that I am finally in a place to better understand it’s power and share it with others through this impromptu video we did from one of our jam sessions.
I just learned this was Bob Marley's last song, on his last album. He performed it solo with only acoustic guitar; totally stripped of that classic Whailers’ sound. It makes his message stand out all the more. And what is that message? What does Redemption mean? It's hard to put into words.
Read MoreI wrote this song 8 years ago; my first year in Brooklyn. I was hustling hard, renting a room and barely making rent. I was surrounded by all the grossness of NYC that you have to experience on a daily basis; from pollution to rotting garbage to poverty to dilapidated living spaces that cost more than a whole house back home.But despite what surrounded me, I felt more alive than ever. I was songwriting like crazy, performing weekly and teaching music to children from all walks of life. I was so just so thankful for the experience. I really did feel a whole new level of joy and peace on the inside.
Read MoreIn 2018, I composed a song called Fairy Jam and shared it with one of my favorite Youtuber’s Magenta Pixie. Her videos had been inspiring me for a while and continue to this day; bringing me insight and upliftement even in the middle of this unprecedented turmoil.
She ended up using the track multiple times, including a recent Solstice video that fulfilled my purpose for my music on a whole new level… to uplift and inspire others to unlock their creative genius.
Read MoreThough I recorded this podcast the week before it started going down with Covid, The topics are more relevant today than ever. Musicians coming together to stand up for our profession - it’s imperative. MFM is an organization bringing musicians together in conversation so we can lift each other up, in the increasingly hostile economic environment the arts finds itself in today.
Read MoreAre you interested in music lessons, but not sure where to start? I’ve been offering a free first lesson music consultation for a while, but it seems more important than ever given the current situation. My students and I have benefited so much from our music practice these past few months. It provides comfort, release, focus and community.If you find yourself called to a music practice, or are just interested in opening to your creativity, please book a free 45min session to discuss with me. I can offer my insights, guidance and resources to you, after 20 years of pursuing my own musical voice + educating souls of all ages.
Read MoreThe Blue Angels just flew over NYC and many of my neighbors are cheering from their stoops and windows. We are better and stronger together, so don't turn against your neighbor just because they aren't reacting to this they way YOU think they should. You don't know their whole story. And all of us deserve a little mercy right now.
Read MoreIn an effort to Broadcast Love in this dark time, I answered the call with this song I wrote a few years ago. I set it to some of my footage of NYC from over the years. And I send it out with the most sincere intent to qualm the fear and panic in the only way I know how - through the power of love and music combined. Hang on New York! This too shall pass.
Read Moreo that point, In March I’m offering a free 30 min consultation (online) for anyone who is considering pursuing their musical passion. It’s NEVER too late!!! And it’s a decision you’ll never regret. We can discuss your interest and background, and I can offer my guidance on a few different steps you can take immediately to start or further progress your music.
Read MoreHang On, New Life is Coming! By Lyndol Descant
https://youtu.be/sPFLi_x_WDs
Last August I hit a wall. Suddenly I knew instinctively that my entire life needed an overhaul. I've been lucky enough to live a life of in line with my integrity, and have always felt a deep sense that I was doing the work I was meant to be doing.
Read MoreMid June, 2019 I wrote this in my journal; “End of the Year, another school year down. I'm exhausted.
I've been teaching for 12 years now and though my teaching schedule is smaller and smaller each year in proportion to performing and online work, it still seems to occupy SO MUCH of my heart and energy.
Nothing demonstrates this dedication more than the recital season (in May) each year. It just really it takes it out of me. Somehow I can't seem to make myself care less about it; to just be chill and enjoy the process. No! All my neurosis pop to the surface and rear their ugly and rigid heads.”
Read MoreThis Sunday, we will be playing live at Rockwood 1 to celebrate the release. It’s all very meta, but I’m super proud of our live show and love to offer both the live experience and the next best thing… the live album.
Uri Zelig on Drums, Ran Livneh on Bass and Colin Hua on Guitar
Read MoreA few weeks ago, we made a debut as a duo, this weekend we will be in full form as a trio with Ran Livneh on Bass and Asaf Nisim on drums. Can’t wait! In the park now, soaking up some sunshine and nature to inspire my music tonight, Solo at Gp’s, 8-11. Then again tomorrow night. What a great weekend! Yeehaw~
Read MoreI was an incredibly shy girl and never even dreamed of being a musician till I was in my 20's. After getting exposed to improvisation music thru the Austin 90's music scene, I realized it was something I had to do - to live my authentic life. But I was SO very scared at the prospect. In fact, my terror was so profound that I'd literally RUN from any opportunity to share my music with others. And then hate myself later. I knew I had to do something to get out of this bad pattern. Then I got a great idea.. I joined a comedy troupe.
Read MoreRecently, a young woman (19ish) came up to me at my weekly gig at Gp's and remarked that she had never seen a pianist out live doing music. Wait... What?
She didn't seem a recluse, merely a natural product of the world we live in today. It's a fact that most people get their music online. So even if it was recorded live (which is less and less the case due the sophistication and preference for electronic sounds) they are only listening to it in a produced form, nothing at all like the live experience.
Read MoreA few years ago, I had a photo shoot scheduled and immediately afterwards was going to sub for a classical singing instructor; Both things I'm not too too comfortable with. To this day, sight reading classical music in public makes me very nervous. Not to mention, I've always preferred taking pictures to actually being in them.
A panicky mind is not the best for sight reading, nor for natural looking promo pics...that's for sure. Enter stage left... Square breathing.
My wise and talented photographer Krista Fogle (http://www.kristafogelphotography.com/) introduced me to a patterned breathing technique that calmed me almost instantly. Turns out, I had a great day. Sight reading was decent, and pics turned out nice (See below).
This miracle exercise goes something like this…
Read MoreI’ve run across quite a few hardcore jazz cats who think that the horn is a superior version of the human voice- in volume, range and more (I assume).
I can see where they are coming from, but I do not share this opinion if for no other reason than effective transmission of emotion and message. Though I’ll add… have you ever heard an opera singer in person? Or a full bodied soul voice live… two examples of a type of singing voice that has plenty of volume to spare. Their notes can cut thru the air like a Japanese knife. So it seems more like a preference than a fact - as some have presented it.
However, I do find the comparison of voice to horn very valuable. When a singer thinks of the mechanisms of a horn and then applies it the body, it can be a good way to visualize and optimize their internal , biological instrument.
This is common practice for jazz vocalist wanting to improvise (scat) – to run scales and apreggios. So it’s a great first step for improvisation, or it can just be used as a vocal warm up. A more advanced step is to improvise over the blocked chord changes with your voice.
Remember - You are working on your skill of transposition in both your singing and playing, so even if very slow at first, it’s practice time well spent.
You are also laying a foundation for vocal improvisation; something that Homer proved is not as easy as it might seem:)
Read More“Make My Mind like a Cloudless sky, uninterrupted by the thoughts gone by. From deep with in the silence, I feel such peace. It’s well wishing me down to my feet. It’s kissing me right on the beat.” - Lyndol Descant
More and more I’m finding meditation the key to peaceful living. As the world seems to be falling apart at the seems, and New York becoming Crazytown, USA, I am amazed at the importance of meditation to tap into a perspective that keeps me feeling safe and cared for.
Read MoreI’m so so super excited to be launching a new forum on Pianogroove this week. I’ll be leading the discussion on many different fronts that relate to the singing pianist, as well as the accompanying pianist, and musicians in general. I’ve been a gigging musician and teach for the past 8 years, and I love this chance to share my voice on creating inspired music and building skill as a pianist, singer AND singing pianist. I’ll even include exercises. I’m part of a growing number of musicians who no longer buy into the competitive mindset, but instead seek growth and empowerment thru collaboration. Here’s one of my first posts there…
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