Lately I have noticed that I have been using a lot of food analogies in lessons with my students. This is probably due to the fact that my lunch most days is pushed into the later part of the afternoon, so my stomach gets grumbly during lessons. Have you ever heard of "meal prepping?" This... Continue Reading →
News Worthy
I was so honored to be featured in the Daily Egyptian newspaper for their Faculty Spotlight! Daily Egyptian Article Photo credit: Brian Muñoz | @BrianMMunoz
The Grit of Growth
Have you ever place an avocado pit in a jar of water like I did here? If so, then you know that it takes forever (well, 4 months) for it to grow into the little plant that I now have. My effort was pretty minimal, though. All I did was make sure that that there was enough... Continue Reading →
The Four Agreements and Success as a Music Major
Many are familiar with Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements. It is seen as a way of promoting love and happiness in your life. Who wouldn't want that? Those of you who know me, know that I enjoy working on personal growth. I often find myself reading a book that has nothing to do with music and... Continue Reading →
Recording Session at Columbus State University
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of returning to Columbus State University to record with a fantastic trombone choir. The group consisted of current and past students of Dr. Brad Palmer. I must say, there is something magical about performing in Legacy Hall. It was so fun to see some of my old... Continue Reading →
Better Than Before: The Four Tendencies
One of the main concepts in Gretchen Rubin's Better Than Before is her framework called the four tendencies. Rubin believes that everyone falls into one of four tendencies: upholder, obliger, questioner, or rebel. These four tendencies are based on how you meet inner and outer expectations. Upholders: Meets outer expectations, and meets inner expectations. Obligers: Meets outer expectations, and resists... Continue Reading →
“Better Than Before” Series
For the past two years, I have been obsessed with the idea of habits. Forming good habits, breaking bad habits, habit hacks, etc. After all, we are what we habitually do. Part of my obsession with habits is that I have the desire to be the best version of myself, to be the best teacher I... Continue Reading →
Bullet Journaling
As part of a New Year's Resolution, I decided to really give bullet journaling a try. I tried it a few years ago, but I didn't stick with it. I am now going on four months of bullet journaling, and I have experienced a truly positive change in my time management, efficiency, and overall happiness. If... Continue Reading →
The “Voice” of the Trombone
As trombonists, we often have to tap into repertories of other instruments in search of literature. Don’t get me wrong– I love trombone specific literature– there’s so much wonderful music out there, but I find it fun and challenging to branch out a bit. Perhaps one of the most extensive repertories available is vocal music. After all, the human voice may be considered the first music making “instrument.”
Most recently, I have stolen from Johannes Brahms’ Four Serious Songs and adapted them to trombone. 
Now this is obviously not a new concept; many adaptations are available for trombone here. Despite the many adaptations available, I have enjoyed working from the vocal (contralto) score. One of the advantages of working from the vocal score is viewing the text. Fortunately, the version I am using contains German, English, and French text.
One disadvantage that trombonists will face, as opposed to…
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