Somebody asked me the other day, “so what is New Age piano?” I was little taken back that they hadn’t heard the term, and then I realized that this is probably true for a lot of people who just don’t listen to much piano music. I had to ask the question once again to myself in order to answer it, “what is New Age piano?” And as I’ve discussed on other blogs the nature of New Age music and how it’s composed, what is it that gives it it’s appeal? What draws people to it, what’s engaging about it, and what is it’s role in the music industry?
First of all, I like to use the term “contemporary piano” to describe what many think of as “New Age piano.” Not that I have a problem with the term “New Age,” but I feel that the word “contemporary” more accurately represents the style. It’s a modern form of piano playing and composing, with it’s beginnings only about 30 years in the past. And when I listen to New Age piano, that sense of newness envelopes me. This, I believe, is part of the appeal of the genre. We’re not so far removed from it that it seems foreign, like say, baroque music. While baroque music is beautiful in it’s own right, it’s quite unfamiliar to the average listener because it uses a writing style that was considered dated over 250 years ago!
New Age piano often takes you places. Many styles of music do this, but new age piano has a way of literally transporting you to uncharted territory. This is due to several things, including the flow of the music and the compositional structure of it. Artists such as Mark Pinkus use a classical approach combined with modern chord changes to create a somewhat surreal mood for the listener, while artists like David Nevue have a much more practical, earthy approach to their composition. Both styles create that sense of otherworldliness that is so often lacking in music, and is hard to find anywhere else. and I think as human beings we crave that. Sometimes we want to escape from the hardships of life, the pressures of the workplace and the demands that the world places on us. New Age piano provides a perfect opportunity to do that.
And let’s not fall into the pitfall of thinking of New Age piano as simply “fluff,” or music to listen to for the sole purpose of relaxing. While there are artists out there who fit that mold, those who listen to lots of New Age piano music would agree that this is not the standard. Artists like Jon Schmidt prove that point very well. New Age piano can be incredibly uplifting and inspiring, vigorous and energetic. When I write a piece, I’m almost always trying to communicate an emotional state in a natural way. And, like all of us, my emotional state is not always one of calm, or serenity. Sometimes I wake up ready to climb a mountain, and it comes through in that days compositional work. Sometimes I, like all of us, have feelings of restlessness or helplessness, and that too comes through in the music. The difference for me, is that I try to communicate these very real feelings in a positive way. I offer hope to the listener, peace of mind and empowerment. And I’m not the only one. Again, any avid listener of New Age piano music would vouch for that.
So if you’re new to New Age piano music and you’re wondering “what is New Age piano?” I encourage you to familiarize yourself with it. Get acquainted with some of the artists I’ve mentioned, or feel free to visit my online New Age piano radio station, Enlightened Piano Radio, at www.enlightenedpiano.com. You can also visit my personal website for music, news, and much more.
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Donovan Johnson's top New Age piano picks
Since starting my online radio station last year (Enlightened Piano Radio), I've been introduced to some really great music. I've also had the pleasure of getting to know some wonderful people. Being a contemporary pianist myself, it's been a treat to be able to immerse myself in the creations of others, and to see all of the different musical paths and journeys taken in their creating.
Let me preface this blog by saying that I'm very proud of each and every one of my "Enlightened Piano Radio" artists for their accomplishments. Being a musician is hard work. It takes time, talent and dedication just to get things off the ground, and I applaud each of the pianists on my radio station for being a part of that effort. That being said, here are a few artists that I've discovered over the last year who "really" inspire me.
1) Doug Hammer
There's a reason that Doug Hammer is so well known in the New Age piano circuit. His music is simply magical. When I received his latest album "Travels" in the mail, I was immediately taken with it-even before listening to it! The album artwork "draws you in" and makes you feel as though you're about to travel with Doug to distant place, and yet there is a sense of familiarity to the music. It's almost like returning to a place that you visited as a child; familiar without being commonplace. Doug Hammer and "Travels" lead the way in my list of picks because of this unique yet familiar quality, and I'll be waiting eagerly for Mr. Hammer's next release. This album has my highest recommendation for lovers of New Age/contemporary piano music.
2) Joseph Akins
"Spirit Touch" by Joseph Akins is at the top of my list as well, rivaling "Travels" for the #1 spot in my library. Here is an album that will take you on a journey to the Spirit realm, force you to ask questions, and quiet your mind. You'll be uplifted, mystified and filled with peace throughout the recording, so it’s not one to listen to simply for the sake of relaxation. This make the recording engaging to the mind and to the senses and I listen to it often. I’ll add here that Joseph's Christmas albums are also some of the most stirring that I’ve listened to.
3) Laura Sullivan
Laura just takes me away. With a style somewhere between Chopin and Enya, Laura is able to capture the imagination and bring you to a place of calm, and serenity. Let me add that she does this in a very rich way, by adding instruments such as the violin, string ensembles and synth pads to her compositions and arrangements. Listening to "Feast Of Joy And Love" was, for me, like enjoying a slice of the worlds greatest 7 layer chocolate cake. Rich, full, and beautiful, Laura is able to create a sound experience that takes the soul back to it's source of innocence, and wonder.
4) Richard Carr
I had the pleasure of meeting Richard and performing with him in the fall of 2011. It was at this time that I first listened to his masterpieces "American Quixote" and "Christmas Fireside," as well as his personal favorite album "Fogland." Let me say about Richard that he differs from other New Age pianists in that he's known for his improvisational works. Many artists, such as myself, compose most of their work and practice it before a performance, then play an improvisation or two at the performance itself. Richard takes the opposite approach, improvising most of his work on the spot. He also uses this approach in the recording process, keeping the tracks that he feels best suit the album as he records them. His work is moody, often complex, and is a joy to listen to for lovers of piano improvisations.
And there you have it. A list of composers and works that have been memorable to me and countless others. I hope you’re able to find some of this music and enjoy it as I have. Tracks from all of these artists are currently playing on Enlightened Piano Radio, at www.enlightenedpiano.com. You can also purchase the music on CDBaby, Itunes and Amazon!
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com
Let me preface this blog by saying that I'm very proud of each and every one of my "Enlightened Piano Radio" artists for their accomplishments. Being a musician is hard work. It takes time, talent and dedication just to get things off the ground, and I applaud each of the pianists on my radio station for being a part of that effort. That being said, here are a few artists that I've discovered over the last year who "really" inspire me.
1) Doug Hammer
There's a reason that Doug Hammer is so well known in the New Age piano circuit. His music is simply magical. When I received his latest album "Travels" in the mail, I was immediately taken with it-even before listening to it! The album artwork "draws you in" and makes you feel as though you're about to travel with Doug to distant place, and yet there is a sense of familiarity to the music. It's almost like returning to a place that you visited as a child; familiar without being commonplace. Doug Hammer and "Travels" lead the way in my list of picks because of this unique yet familiar quality, and I'll be waiting eagerly for Mr. Hammer's next release. This album has my highest recommendation for lovers of New Age/contemporary piano music.
2) Joseph Akins
"Spirit Touch" by Joseph Akins is at the top of my list as well, rivaling "Travels" for the #1 spot in my library. Here is an album that will take you on a journey to the Spirit realm, force you to ask questions, and quiet your mind. You'll be uplifted, mystified and filled with peace throughout the recording, so it’s not one to listen to simply for the sake of relaxation. This make the recording engaging to the mind and to the senses and I listen to it often. I’ll add here that Joseph's Christmas albums are also some of the most stirring that I’ve listened to.
3) Laura Sullivan
Laura just takes me away. With a style somewhere between Chopin and Enya, Laura is able to capture the imagination and bring you to a place of calm, and serenity. Let me add that she does this in a very rich way, by adding instruments such as the violin, string ensembles and synth pads to her compositions and arrangements. Listening to "Feast Of Joy And Love" was, for me, like enjoying a slice of the worlds greatest 7 layer chocolate cake. Rich, full, and beautiful, Laura is able to create a sound experience that takes the soul back to it's source of innocence, and wonder.
4) Richard Carr
I had the pleasure of meeting Richard and performing with him in the fall of 2011. It was at this time that I first listened to his masterpieces "American Quixote" and "Christmas Fireside," as well as his personal favorite album "Fogland." Let me say about Richard that he differs from other New Age pianists in that he's known for his improvisational works. Many artists, such as myself, compose most of their work and practice it before a performance, then play an improvisation or two at the performance itself. Richard takes the opposite approach, improvising most of his work on the spot. He also uses this approach in the recording process, keeping the tracks that he feels best suit the album as he records them. His work is moody, often complex, and is a joy to listen to for lovers of piano improvisations.
And there you have it. A list of composers and works that have been memorable to me and countless others. I hope you’re able to find some of this music and enjoy it as I have. Tracks from all of these artists are currently playing on Enlightened Piano Radio, at www.enlightenedpiano.com. You can also purchase the music on CDBaby, Itunes and Amazon!
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com
The Critical Nature Of Classical Piano
Ok, so I'm one of those "New Age" pianists. That term certainly comes with it's share of unfair stigmas and misconceptions. But let's talk for a minute about those who are classically trained pianists.
I was originally trained in the classical style myself. From a very young age I learned basic pieces by Mozart, Back, Beethoven, and so on. And I continued to study into the college level. If I have one thing to say about classical musicians, educators and the like, it is this: They can be some of the stuffiest, snobbiest, and frankly cruel people on the planet. Please understand that I don't mean to say that every classical minded person fits into this one mold. But truthfully, many do. Sadly.
All one has to do to prove my point is this. Pick a piece of classical music. Any piece. Now, type the name of that piece into the "YouTube" website. Listen to several versions of it. More importantly, look at the comments that are posted underneath the video by other listeners and players. For some of these comments, I have no words at all. And one can experience the same thing on any piano website blog, chat room, etc. Name calling. Condescending words. There was even a man who, after several drinks, I could smell it on his breath, approached me after a classical concert in which I performed and proceeded to speak to me in ways that I won't go into here. And this is common, it happens all the time. Why?
I find it so ironic that in many of these "high brow" social halls, music showcases, workshops, soirees, chat rooms, and whatever, that people forget the simplest of facts regarding classical music. Those facts being that not all of it was considered "high brow" in it's time. And those who were writing it were not always held in a high social standing themselves! Many piano composers from days past were plagued with mental instabilities, addictions, and poverty. And I assert that a handful of them would scoff at the behavior of those who consider themselves to be so musically minded as to consider themselves "all knowledgeable" in regard to the playing or listening of a piece.
We forget that musical theory, in all of it's splendor, was created in many cases after certain composers went out on a ledge to try something very different--only to be told by society, the board of education, etc. that what they were trying to do went "against the rules" They and their work were then subject to ruthless criticism. Debussy comes to mind.
Perhaps that's why I'm an original piano artist today. Perhaps that's why I myself choose to write my way, regardless of whether or not it's accepted. I still have one classical piano concert every year, but that's enough for me. I find my true solace in doing what I do, writing what I write, and if I'm criticized for it at least I can say it's mine. If you're a pianist who loves to create beautiful melodies, compositions and the like, I encourage you to do the same thing. And if you'd like to learn how to play in the New Age style by a teacher who's more than understanding regarding the "The Critical Nature Of Classical Piano" technique, try some very affordable lessons by New Age pianist Edward Weiss. He has a self created course online through his website called "Quiescence Music." You just might find it a refreshing alternative! Check out his website at www.quiescencemusic.com.
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available through many websites and radio stations. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!
I was originally trained in the classical style myself. From a very young age I learned basic pieces by Mozart, Back, Beethoven, and so on. And I continued to study into the college level. If I have one thing to say about classical musicians, educators and the like, it is this: They can be some of the stuffiest, snobbiest, and frankly cruel people on the planet. Please understand that I don't mean to say that every classical minded person fits into this one mold. But truthfully, many do. Sadly.
All one has to do to prove my point is this. Pick a piece of classical music. Any piece. Now, type the name of that piece into the "YouTube" website. Listen to several versions of it. More importantly, look at the comments that are posted underneath the video by other listeners and players. For some of these comments, I have no words at all. And one can experience the same thing on any piano website blog, chat room, etc. Name calling. Condescending words. There was even a man who, after several drinks, I could smell it on his breath, approached me after a classical concert in which I performed and proceeded to speak to me in ways that I won't go into here. And this is common, it happens all the time. Why?
I find it so ironic that in many of these "high brow" social halls, music showcases, workshops, soirees, chat rooms, and whatever, that people forget the simplest of facts regarding classical music. Those facts being that not all of it was considered "high brow" in it's time. And those who were writing it were not always held in a high social standing themselves! Many piano composers from days past were plagued with mental instabilities, addictions, and poverty. And I assert that a handful of them would scoff at the behavior of those who consider themselves to be so musically minded as to consider themselves "all knowledgeable" in regard to the playing or listening of a piece.
We forget that musical theory, in all of it's splendor, was created in many cases after certain composers went out on a ledge to try something very different--only to be told by society, the board of education, etc. that what they were trying to do went "against the rules" They and their work were then subject to ruthless criticism. Debussy comes to mind.
Perhaps that's why I'm an original piano artist today. Perhaps that's why I myself choose to write my way, regardless of whether or not it's accepted. I still have one classical piano concert every year, but that's enough for me. I find my true solace in doing what I do, writing what I write, and if I'm criticized for it at least I can say it's mine. If you're a pianist who loves to create beautiful melodies, compositions and the like, I encourage you to do the same thing. And if you'd like to learn how to play in the New Age style by a teacher who's more than understanding regarding the "The Critical Nature Of Classical Piano" technique, try some very affordable lessons by New Age pianist Edward Weiss. He has a self created course online through his website called "Quiescence Music." You just might find it a refreshing alternative! Check out his website at www.quiescencemusic.com.
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available through many websites and radio stations. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!
Pianist Donovan Johnson-Nocturnes and Lullabies
Donovan Johnson is going back into the recording studio. His latest project, which is mainly piano with synth pad underscore, is a bit darker than we're used to. It's titled "Nocturnes and Lullabies," and is scheduled for release at the end of the 2012 calendar year.
"Nocturnes and Lullabies" is going to be somewhat different from my previous recordings." Donovan states. "For the most part, I tend to write music that's uplifting. Major keys, upbeat rhythms, and so on. Even the more reflective pieces that I've written aren't very "dark" in nature. That's where this album is going to be different."
"I've always been fascinated by the nighttime, and the many moods that come with it. A starry sky, for instance. Or a foggy night. A hot summer evening or winter's cold, macabre blackness. Now, we add to that the idea of the Lullaby, and we really have something. The night time means something very different to children, and even those ideas differ from child to child. That's one of the many things I want to convey in this work--that child-like, fairy tale quality that lies somewhere between the fascinating and the horrifying."
So, how far along is Donovan in the project? "Most of the music is already written. I still have a few pieces to go, but the ideas for the pieces are in place. I'll be booking studio time inside of the next month, and the material will come to life. Of course, it always takes longer in the studio than one expects, which is why I'm getting in there early. I want to have this project finished by the end of the year."
And what inspired Donovan in the creation of this project? "When I was a boy, I didn't really have a fear of the dark. Then, I'd go to sleep and have surreal dreams, often nightmares. But the following evening, I'd be over it. It was almost like my dreams were a creative "out" for me. They weren't always positive experiences, but they clearly had an impact on the way I think today, and the way I see the world. Now I have a son of my own, and I wonder if he'll share this experience with me. In some ways I hope not. But "Nocturnes and Lullabies" is one way for me to come to terms with all of this. It's a way for me to embrace my dark, dreamy past, understand it better, and respect it in a way that I haven't been able to. In so doing, I feel like I'll be able to understand my son better as well."
Donovan has said that this project has been a challenge for him. Stylistically it's not what he's used to, and he's had to embrace some uncomfortable things along the way. "I've struggled with depression all my life. I know now that I was born with it. And it has affected the way I sleep, and the way I dream. Sometimes I still have bouts of recurring nightmares. Having to go back and look at "why" can be very disconcerting. But it's also an extremely rewarding process. I'm very much looking forward to the end result of this recording. It's probably my most intensely personal work yet."
Donovan's previous four recordings are all available through CDBaby, Reverbnation, Amazon, Itunes, and many other websites!
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available through many websites and radio stations. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!
"Nocturnes and Lullabies" is going to be somewhat different from my previous recordings." Donovan states. "For the most part, I tend to write music that's uplifting. Major keys, upbeat rhythms, and so on. Even the more reflective pieces that I've written aren't very "dark" in nature. That's where this album is going to be different."
"I've always been fascinated by the nighttime, and the many moods that come with it. A starry sky, for instance. Or a foggy night. A hot summer evening or winter's cold, macabre blackness. Now, we add to that the idea of the Lullaby, and we really have something. The night time means something very different to children, and even those ideas differ from child to child. That's one of the many things I want to convey in this work--that child-like, fairy tale quality that lies somewhere between the fascinating and the horrifying."
So, how far along is Donovan in the project? "Most of the music is already written. I still have a few pieces to go, but the ideas for the pieces are in place. I'll be booking studio time inside of the next month, and the material will come to life. Of course, it always takes longer in the studio than one expects, which is why I'm getting in there early. I want to have this project finished by the end of the year."
And what inspired Donovan in the creation of this project? "When I was a boy, I didn't really have a fear of the dark. Then, I'd go to sleep and have surreal dreams, often nightmares. But the following evening, I'd be over it. It was almost like my dreams were a creative "out" for me. They weren't always positive experiences, but they clearly had an impact on the way I think today, and the way I see the world. Now I have a son of my own, and I wonder if he'll share this experience with me. In some ways I hope not. But "Nocturnes and Lullabies" is one way for me to come to terms with all of this. It's a way for me to embrace my dark, dreamy past, understand it better, and respect it in a way that I haven't been able to. In so doing, I feel like I'll be able to understand my son better as well."
Donovan has said that this project has been a challenge for him. Stylistically it's not what he's used to, and he's had to embrace some uncomfortable things along the way. "I've struggled with depression all my life. I know now that I was born with it. And it has affected the way I sleep, and the way I dream. Sometimes I still have bouts of recurring nightmares. Having to go back and look at "why" can be very disconcerting. But it's also an extremely rewarding process. I'm very much looking forward to the end result of this recording. It's probably my most intensely personal work yet."
Donovan's previous four recordings are all available through CDBaby, Reverbnation, Amazon, Itunes, and many other websites!
New Age Piano Reviews, by Enlightened Piano Radio
You see, I just modern piano music. And there is so much of it being written and recorded today that it's impossible to keep up with it all. One way for me learn about you and your talents is to review your work! And I'm happy to do it. If I like it enough, I may even make you part of the "Enlightened Piano Network" and play your music on our radio station!
"Enlightened Piano Radio" has been around for only a year now. We're a growing radio station, and the music I select is hand picked. In fact, I have spoken with most of the "Enlightened Piano" artists personally, and on more than one occasion. I believe in working with people, to be of service to them and to the audience that they're trying to reach. I of all people know how hard it is to try to do everything on your own. The composing, practicing, marketing, recording and producing, website maintenance, the list goes on. That's why I'm here to help in any way I can. That's why Enlightened Piano Radio exists at all. And if I can find one more way to encourage and support the writers and composers of this great genre of music, I'll do it.
"Enlightened Piano" plays music by a few of the well known artists such as George Winston, and Yanni, but more so the lesser known (but none the less nationally recognized) artists. David Nevue, Doug Hammer and Joseph Akins to name a few. The station genre is more or less New Age, but branches out into the Contemporary and Neo-Classical categories as well. The music is fresh and original, and people that I work with are absolutely wonderful. Each month I choose an "artist of the month," and every year we hold an "Enlightened Piano" concert here in Omaha Nebraska, featuring myself and one of the station artists.
I see the album review portion of the Enlightened Radio project as just one more way for me to immerse myself in the music that I love, give someone else an outlet to be heard, and offer something meaningful to the public. It's a privilege for me to be able to do what I do, and this is one more way to give back.
I've already posted my first review on the website. You can view it at: http://www.enlightenedpiano.com/Enlightened-Piano-Radio-CD-Reviews.html
Are you interested in a review? If so, let me know! You can reach me at: donovanspiano@cox.net. Let me know a bit about yourself, your style, and what you're up to these days. Once I review the album (could take up to 4 weeks), I'll post the review on the Enlightened Piano website, along with Amazon.com and CDBaby. Again, I do not charge for this service.
Do you want to know a bit more about me? Check out my website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Then, look for the "Bio" page.
It's an exciting road, and I look forward to being a part of your journey. All my best to you!
Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available through many websites and radio stations. To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!
Monday, April 25, 2011
What Is New Age Music?
I'm considered a "New Age" pianist. That means I write New Age music. But what is "New Age" music? Recently there was some discussion online regarding this very topic, and the answers were quite varied from person to person. I found that each blogger had an idea of his or her own about what New Age music "was."I expressed some opinions , and then posted a song for the bloggers to listen to: Jon Schmidt's "Waterfall." Jon Schmidt is considered one of today's leading New Age pianists, witb a substantial following and many hours of radio airplay to prove it. "Waterfall" is a song that blends several styles, the most prevalant of them being an Irish style jig (back to back triplets and so forth).
The comments were interesting to read, as most of the bloggers did not consider the piece to be New Age. One of them noted that the piece was a jig, not New Age music. Another exclaimed that the song was an impressive piece of music, technically sound, but not New Age.I had to ask myself, "what IS New Age music?" Is it something different today than it was in it's beginnings?
And the answer that I came up with was a resounding "yes."New Age music actually began in several different forms. Reflective, solo piano was what was called New Age music at the time, and in addition you had the pioneers of the electronic keyboard compositions making "Space Music." There was also "World Music" which was music that combined many different instruments and styles from around the globe. But today, it seems New Age music has become an umbrella term for all of these styles, much like "Rock music" or "Country music" can each mean several different things.
New Age music has become a genra in and of itself, encompassing the piano, the keyboard, sometimes both and sometimes neither. It can be reflective and it can be powerful. It can be musically very simple and it can be musically very complex. It can create a mood that takes you to another world, and it can create a mood that leaves you right where you're at, in the present moment. So what IS New Age music?
New Age music has evolved. It's all of the above and more. It's the "Classical music" in today's world, and that means it will never stay the same or sound just "one way," because it's constantly evolving. New Age music can, stylistically, be an Irish jig if the music includes those influences. It can also sound very much like Chopin. The days where New Age music simply meant simple, reflective piano music are gone, and many New Age composers don't like being labeled "New Age." Neither did the Impressionists.
Donovan Johnson is a New Age pianist.
Win a free CD! Check out his website at:
www.donovanjohnson.net
Or his online radio station at
www.enlightenedpiano.com
The comments were interesting to read, as most of the bloggers did not consider the piece to be New Age. One of them noted that the piece was a jig, not New Age music. Another exclaimed that the song was an impressive piece of music, technically sound, but not New Age.I had to ask myself, "what IS New Age music?" Is it something different today than it was in it's beginnings?
And the answer that I came up with was a resounding "yes."New Age music actually began in several different forms. Reflective, solo piano was what was called New Age music at the time, and in addition you had the pioneers of the electronic keyboard compositions making "Space Music." There was also "World Music" which was music that combined many different instruments and styles from around the globe. But today, it seems New Age music has become an umbrella term for all of these styles, much like "Rock music" or "Country music" can each mean several different things.
New Age music has become a genra in and of itself, encompassing the piano, the keyboard, sometimes both and sometimes neither. It can be reflective and it can be powerful. It can be musically very simple and it can be musically very complex. It can create a mood that takes you to another world, and it can create a mood that leaves you right where you're at, in the present moment. So what IS New Age music?
New Age music has evolved. It's all of the above and more. It's the "Classical music" in today's world, and that means it will never stay the same or sound just "one way," because it's constantly evolving. New Age music can, stylistically, be an Irish jig if the music includes those influences. It can also sound very much like Chopin. The days where New Age music simply meant simple, reflective piano music are gone, and many New Age composers don't like being labeled "New Age." Neither did the Impressionists.
Donovan Johnson is a New Age pianist.
Win a free CD! Check out his website at:
www.donovanjohnson.net
Or his online radio station at
www.enlightenedpiano.com
Empowering Ourselves Through Music
Life is made up of many different artforms. It's taken me a while to realize that everything we look at, think about, read about, and involve ourselves in is some form of art. From the food we eat, to the buildings we walk through, to the websites we visit, we're immersed in art the moment we wake up in morning. So what makes music any different?
Music isn't any different in that it is, of course, an art form. But it's different as and artform in that it involves the creation of sound. Music is a specific formation of sound waves used to create a work as opposed to creating something that we're able to see with our eyes, or taste with our mouths. This makes music different. We can use it to move our Spirit, or we can use it to relax. We can use it to laugh. We can use it to create a mood.
Certainly you've listened to a piece of music and been moved in some way. Try to think of a time when that happened. How did you feel? What was the piece, and why did it make you feel that way? Did it remind you of something specific? A person, or a time in your life? Or was the feeling that you got from it more elusive, something you experienced without really knowing the specifics as to why?
Music can evoke many different reactions from people. This is where musical taste comes into play. The music that you listen to is a direct reflection of the reaction that you're trying to evoke from the music. In my teens and twenties, I used to listen to a lot of Heavy Metal. I had a lot of angst, and the music helped me to relate to that angst. But even then, I liked to listen to classical music as well. It was calming to me, and varied in it's many different styles.
Today, I look for music to empower me. I think that many people do. But how can I empower myself through music? Listening to music that has a beautiful, powerful melody, or a sound big enough to fill Notre Dame-that's empowering to me. If I'm listening to music with lyrics, the words should be inspiring, hopeful, have a positive and meaningful message. That, to me, is empowering. Songs that address the injustices of the world and offer a solution, or simply say to us "wake up, it's not all about you" are, in a humbling way, empowering.
Music is capable of moving mountains and mindsets alike, but we have to be willing to allow it to. Want to move some mountains? Would you like to change your thinking to change your life? If so, then I put this question to you: What empowers you? Think this question over in an honest way. It's not a question that you'll be able to answer overnight, but over time. And you'll be delighted to discover that, should you find it, the answer to that question will set you free.
Donovan Johnson is a New Age pianist.
Win a free CD! Check out his website at:
www.donovanjohnson.net
Or his online radio station at
www.enlightenedpiano.com
Music isn't any different in that it is, of course, an art form. But it's different as and artform in that it involves the creation of sound. Music is a specific formation of sound waves used to create a work as opposed to creating something that we're able to see with our eyes, or taste with our mouths. This makes music different. We can use it to move our Spirit, or we can use it to relax. We can use it to laugh. We can use it to create a mood.
Certainly you've listened to a piece of music and been moved in some way. Try to think of a time when that happened. How did you feel? What was the piece, and why did it make you feel that way? Did it remind you of something specific? A person, or a time in your life? Or was the feeling that you got from it more elusive, something you experienced without really knowing the specifics as to why?
Music can evoke many different reactions from people. This is where musical taste comes into play. The music that you listen to is a direct reflection of the reaction that you're trying to evoke from the music. In my teens and twenties, I used to listen to a lot of Heavy Metal. I had a lot of angst, and the music helped me to relate to that angst. But even then, I liked to listen to classical music as well. It was calming to me, and varied in it's many different styles.
Today, I look for music to empower me. I think that many people do. But how can I empower myself through music? Listening to music that has a beautiful, powerful melody, or a sound big enough to fill Notre Dame-that's empowering to me. If I'm listening to music with lyrics, the words should be inspiring, hopeful, have a positive and meaningful message. That, to me, is empowering. Songs that address the injustices of the world and offer a solution, or simply say to us "wake up, it's not all about you" are, in a humbling way, empowering.
Music is capable of moving mountains and mindsets alike, but we have to be willing to allow it to. Want to move some mountains? Would you like to change your thinking to change your life? If so, then I put this question to you: What empowers you? Think this question over in an honest way. It's not a question that you'll be able to answer overnight, but over time. And you'll be delighted to discover that, should you find it, the answer to that question will set you free.
Donovan Johnson is a New Age pianist.
Win a free CD! Check out his website at:
www.donovanjohnson.net
Or his online radio station at
www.enlightenedpiano.com
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