A Composer's Corner

Kathy is a writer, singer and activist who believes that all life is permeated with the sacred. She is passionate about writing music that fosters hope and healing for our world. Kathy is deeply committed to working for non-violence, racial justice and advocating for the protection and healing of our planet, especially through songwriting. She has published music over five decades that is cherished around.

“In over 50 years as a composer, it’s been my passion to express beauty, joy, love and celebration, courage, healing and hope through song. I want my music to inspire those who listen to take actions on behalf of peace and justice I want my music to make a difference in people’s lives and in some small way to be a blessing for the world.

Sister Kathy has a YouTube channel with over 280 videos.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCblVX1C12gKAFZZ0VQoEX2A

And you can find her music albums online here:

FREE FOR THE LISTENING (donations welcome)

https://ministryofthearts.org/music-by-album

John Albert Thomas is a solo piano composer and recording artist specializing in trauma-informed piano music.

Do you enjoy classical compositions? Ever wonder how composers approach writing music? Join us for an interesting interview with a composer of classical music, Erik Lindgren. Erik’s education includes Tufts University, University of Iowa, and London’s Guildhall School of Music where he had opportunities to study with T.J. Anderson, Alfred Nieman, Donald Jenni, Richard Hervig, Peter Lewis and others. Learn about his musical beginnings to becoming a talented contemporary classical composer with compositions ranging from solo piano pieces to chamber music to orchestral works. Our interviewer is Andrew Celentano, a pianist and composer himself.

You can find out more about Erik here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Lindgren

Rapper Ethan Cohen, aka Emoney, posted his first single on his YouTube channel (Emoney Music) in 2010 titled "Emoney- People Are Crazy." In 2017 he starred in the sixth season of the reality show ARE YOU THE ONE (AYTO) on MTV. He has been releasing a variety of rap music and videos all this time and often writes his own music as well.

Ethan is from Sonoma, CA. He has worked behind the scenes on notable TV shows, and has acted in a few shorts. But he is most known for his work in the underground hip hop world. He has accumulated over 1 million views on his YouTube page. He is an all-around entertainer, and markets himself as an internet personality as well as a rapper. He recently started a YouTube series called "Emoney is Chill." One thing's for sure, Emoney isn't stopping any time soon. You can find him on YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, SoundCloud, and all the music channels.

See his videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoneyMusic

Gary declared to his parents when he was six that he would be a pianist when he grew up. Incredibly, the dream came through and he has been writing, recording, and performing now for more than 30 years.

His journey started in classical piano. But as time went on, he found himself evolving deeper into the meditative side of music and striving to provide a much-needed musical oasis for our times. When he composes, he tries to reach for something on the "other side" and bring his listeners to a place of calm and regeneration.

In 2016, Gary was awarded an instrumental album of the year award from One World Radio. He has performed in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Europe and has performed at both Carnegie Hall and the Grand Old Opry.

You can find wonderful videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@GarySchmidtPianist

And more information at: https://www.garyschmidtmusic.com/

Jacob “NTHNL” Rudin is a classically trained composer and pianist turned multi-flutist, producer and sound-healing practitioner. Having created electronic and acoustic music in a wide variety of contexts since 2012, Jacob works in both the healing and contemporary music worlds, drawing on a rich sonic practice that involves experimental sound design, field recording, and virtuosic performances on a wide range of instruments. He frequently holds meditative sound baths in the greater NYC area. You can find more on Instagram and https://www.nthnlsound.com/

Philip Wesley, is an award-winning and best-selling solo piano artist. His compositions, which have featured prominently in radio, TV, and film, resonate with listeners worldwide and are easily accessible on platforms such as Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon. Wesley has achieved impressive chart-topping success, including reaching #1 on iTunes and multiple Billboard charts.

He started out as a guitar player and then gravitated to the piano when it was required in his musical training. Philip entered the world of Music Therapy and his album "Dark Night of the Soul" has touched the hearts of many deeply, helped them deal with tough times and depression. You will see some of that evidenced in this interview.

For more information, visit his website: www.philipwesley.com

You will find over 30 complete songs on the website. In addition, he has a blog with wonderful insight into the musical chords he uses and the composer's thoughts behind the construction of some of his pieces.

Join Andrew Celentano, a talented local pianist and composer himself, for an interesting interview with David Vess: a composer, conductor, and musician, previously based in New England and how hailing from Florida. His music has been characterized by a sensitivity to sonority and unrelenting energy. His music has been commissioned and performed in the US, Canada, Italy, and Japan. He studied with renowned soloist Øystein Baadsvik. David holds degrees from the Boston Conservatory and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Before his move to Florida he was on the staff at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. You can find out more about him here: https://www.davidvessmusic.com/music

Leonard Bernstein said of pianist Jeffrey Biegel: "He plays fantastic Liszt. He is a splendid musician and a brilliant performer." These comments helped launch his career. He was chosen as the first pianist to record for the Steinway & Sons recording label. His 'Bach On a Steinway' debuted #3 on the Classical Billboard charts, followed by 'A Steinway Christmas Album' reaching the #1 spot on the Billboard chart. Jeffrey has commissioned more than 25 works for piano and orchestra by living composers, including classical composers like Kenneth Fuchs. Mr. Biegel has also featured works including Keith Emerson's "Concerto no. 1" and Peter Tork's (of Monkee's Fame) "Moderato ma non troppo."

Mr. Biegel appeared on ABC-TV's Good Morning America, where he performed the missing sections of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. That was followed by a performance with the American Symphony Orchestra in New York's Avery Fisher Hall, which among other things, featured the World Premiere of Mr. Biegel's transcription of Mily Balakirev's 'Islamey Fantasy' for piano and orchestra. Jeffrey has performed with orchestras across the US including Philadelphia, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Buffalo and Cincinnati as well as around the world, including Tokyo, Oslo, Bergen, London, Singapore, Denmark, Ulster, Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Palermo, France and more.

see more at https://jeffreybiegel.com/

see more interviews at https://www.acomposerscorner.com/