The 12 Most Read Posts of 2021
The most rewarding thing about writing a blog is that people choose to read it. 2021 brought changes to No Dead Guys—a brand new website, and a departure from Facebook and Instagram—but the core focus remains the same: new music, living composers, and thoughts on the intersection of music and life. I’m thrilled there are enough people in the English-speaking world who share these interests that readership keeps growing.
I owe a big thank you to all the composers who agreed to be part of this blog (and answered my nosy interview questions so thoughtfully and eloquently). Thank you, subscribers, for choosing to follow No Dead Guys. And thank you, readers, for reading my posts, commenting on them, and sharing them with others. Without all of you, No Dead Guys would just be an extremely public personal journal.
Articles
Classical Music and Cancel Culture: a Discussion
“Where do we draw the line? And who gets to decide what lines are drawn? Do we cancel composers and musicians because of their behavior or beliefs, or do we keep the masterpiece and accept the ambiguity of the creator’s less-than-savory life? Can we ever truly separate the music from the musician?”
A Musician’s Dilemma: Balancing Commercial Interests and Artistic Intent
“Ultimately, building a creative and sustainable career in the arts requires us to live in two realities simultaneously—the creative realm and the practical.”
5 Thoughts on Managing Energy at the Piano
“Knowing how to use adrenaline rather than being overwhelmed by it is frequently the difference between performing at the highest level or failing.”
Speaking the Truth in a World of Lies
“Playing and speaking the truth won’t necessarily build a career, create a large social media following, or bring fame and fortune. But it will change lives, starting with our own.”
Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Resilience
“What do you do when everything you know about life is upended? What truth do you hold on to when all that you’ve taught to believe about life has been proven to be false?”
Why I Left Facebook and Instagram
“I didn’t delete my accounts because of the shameful revelations Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistle blower, made public last week. I left because the unending posts, interactions, and (self-inflicted) exposure was draining my creative spirit.”
Interviews
Be Yourself: an interview with pianist, piano teacher, and composer Darren Day
“Be yourself. Live life so you have real experiences to share. Learn from those who have gone before and never be afraid of making mistakes.”
Don’t Drop Anything: an interview with composer, pianist, and jazz singer, Jennifer Griffith
“Don’t drop anything; think of yourself as involved in the discipline where you have something to do right now and merely postponing projects in the other(s).”
Sad Piano Music: an interview with composer and pianist Simeon Walker
“The most important thing I have come to learn is that things never seem to happen when you think you want or need them to, but when you look back, the timing often seems to make sense on reflection.”
Take it From Me: an interview with composer Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton
“I have been unbelievably fortunate that my life, despite many challenges along the way, has allowed me to always believe that there is MORE out there, that every day holds new adventures, as well as challenges. Though I am now 84 plus years old, I certainly have not at any time felt like ‘this is it’, ‘my job here is done’. I am excited by life.”
Be Open and Adaptive: an interview with composer, pianist, and music publisher Nikolas Sideris
“Music is a subject that will give you footing to announce your thoughts and speak your mind. Use it wisely and try to help those in need of help.”
Microjazz: an interview with composer and clinician Christopher Norton
“Do what comes naturally – write to order if that’s the job, but otherwise, as I have, start a lifelong exploration of the unknown voice inside yourself.”