Visit to LA

In conjunction with attending a meeting in Los Angeles last week, I was able to fly out a few days early and visit with my partner in music2work2 and his wonderful family. Although we have frequent communication, it was good to be able to discuss plans and ideas for music2work2  in person. I love going to LA - life there is such a drastic change from life in rural NC.One of the most enjoyable and very special parts of this visit was being present while Andrew composed some new music sessions. I have always been in awe of the fact that he can sit down at the piano or keyboard and an original composition just flows from his fingertips. Actually watching this take place - hearing the clicking of the metronome guiding the tempo to which he plays, watching his fingers move across the keys producing beautiful chords and melodies - was amazing! I am even more in awe of the talent and creativity he possesses to be able to compose in this way.

The first tracks of several really wonderful new sessions were recorded that night. I can hardly wait to hear the finished products and have them available on the web site for music2work2 fans to hear also. The music just continues to get better and better!

Hanging in there.......

I am often struck by the indomitable nature of the human spirit - it generally strikes me when I am incapacitated by circumstance, often depression or grief. The images of people who have nothing realistic to gain by moving, but who do so just because it is better than staying still and dying in defeat, never cease to inspire me.

Even when we don't know if what we are doing is right, even when we doubt what it is that we do - not to do it would surely be more of a crime than doing it and getting it wrong. We are not Doctors, Scientists, responsible for the lives of others by our actions. We are creators, not of life, but of essence that facilitates and enhances life - our creations cannot harm and even imperfect, may do some good.

music2work2 has humongous plans for 2007:

1/ brand new look to the site - much more graphic driven, warm and inviting

2/ new music, better string sounds and tones

3/ new collaborations with different artists - particularly percussionists

4/ new newsletter to keep members up to date

5/ Pod casting

If we achieve these 5 actions before the end of quarter 1 this year - then we will be delighted - and hopefully so will those who have already signed up.

It is wonderful to see that we are getting a new sign up every 2 days - our one year anniversary is coming up and we intend to celebrate it with a major leap forward.

Music - it works!

A recent article in the LA Times entitled “Beethoven and a Barcalounger” talks about the change in the understanding and use of classical music. The Musical Heritage Society is apparently marketing a CD of Mozart’s music as “the perfect relaxing music.” The writer of this article, as probably many classical music aficionados, was somewhat disturbed at classical music being considered “relaxing” or “soothing.” He does admit that music is heard in different ways by different people and not always heard the same each time one listens to a piece. I find that to be true when I listen to music2work2 sessions - as music in the background when I am involved in some task, or listening intently and focusing on the music, the rhythm and tones.

music2work2 sessions fit into the classical genre, but also in other categories as well. They are wonderful background music to help you concentrate on a task; they are soothing and relaxing; they are joyful and motivating. Music, classical and other types, is helpful – it makes people happy, it makes them feel good, it benefits human beings in an endless number of ways. That is the premise on which music2work2 is based and it appears that this recognition is rapidly spreading.