Piano Man

Chopin Jazz

2012-01-29T17:28:00.000-05:00

This guy blew my mind when he began playing this particular Chopin tune. I thought you might like it so enjoy!

Update

2012-01-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get back to a regular routine. I am returning to school so gigs will be limited. However, I will post any and all gigs on my main website as well as here if I do get some.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

Jazz Musician Sam Rivers Dies at 88

2011-12-29T23:59:00.000-05:00

Sam Rivers, a multi-instrumentalist musician considered a pioneer in avant-garde jazz, has died at age 88. According to Rivers' daughter, Monique Rivers Williams, he died of pneumonia in his Orlando, Florida home.

Rivers played soprano and tenor saxophones, bass clarinet, flute, harmonica and piano and was notable as both a composer and arranger. He will be missed greatly in the music community as well as by family and friends.

Source:
Jazz musician Sam Rivers dies at 88 - Arts & Entertainment - CBC News

Christmas

2011-12-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

With Christmas quickly on its way, this can be a pretty hectic time of year, especially in malls! I have been pretty busy myself with final exams, juries, and all that other fun stuff associated with the end of the semester in a post-secondary institution.

If I get any gigs for the Christmas holidays, as always, I will post them here or on my main website.

Thanks so much for your support!!!

CTV Christmas Telethon

2011-11-14T20:34:00.000-05:00

What's up? I know I mentioned I would be auditioning for the CTV Christmas Telethon but I haven't this year. I may audition next year. I've just been too busy this year with school and all that and haven't had much time to do much else.

With regards to gigs, there is one in the works. If and when it is confirmed, I will post it on my main site as well as this one.

Thanks for your continued support!!

Update

2011-10-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

What's up? No gigs right now but when I have one, I'll be sure to post it for you!

I will be doing a music video in the near future. I don't have a tentative date set yet but, if you are subscribed to me on YouTube, be sure to look out for that.

With regards to my CD that I've been continuously saying would come out soon. I still need to throw a few more tracks together and I'll have it ready for you. If you're interested, its $10 per CD.

I am planning to audition for the CTV Lions Christmas Telethon. If and when I get in, I'll let you guys know so you can watch out for me when I come on. Please support the Telethon! Make any donations you can! Every little bit helps!

Thank you for your continued support and patience!

Free Sheet Music

2011-09-25T18:54:00.000-04:00

I've had a lot of people asking me where to find free blank sheet music online. As you may have already noticed, I've placed a link under the links section taking you to a website for free blank sheet music. You are able to print them off directly from the website at no charge. The website is: http://www.blanksheetmusic.net/.

I will pereodically update the blog here as well as the main site so stay tuned! Thanks for your continued support!

Update

2011-09-15T21:59:00.000-04:00

Hey! School has started for me now so I won't be updating the site as frequently. I will try to update the main site, piano-man12.webs.com, as well as this blog whenever I can with gigs, music events, etc.

Thank you once again for your continued patience and support.

Complaints

2011-08-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

Complaining. We seem to do that on a regular basis. It could be about the local transit system, the government, how simple or difficult a task is, stuff like that. We all find some reason to complain.

I was on Facebook the other day and noticed one of my friends were complaining about the local transit system. The buses are sometimes either on time or running late due to traffic volumes or frequent stops. My friend was complaining about how the transit system gets her to where she needs to go really early or really late. She's not the only person to complain about the transit system.

What is your biggest complaint?

2011 U.S. Financial Crisis

2011-08-13T00:13:00.000-04:00

As you probably already know, the United States is over $14 Trillion in debt & still rising. For this reason, the U.S. nearly defaulted on their bills and caused a global financial upset. Luckly, however, they managed to raise their debt ceiling and prevent this tragedy from occuring.

The U.S. credit rating also dropped a notch from AAA to AA+. I believe the fact that raising their debt ceiling had something to do with their credit rating being lowered. Either way, this doesn't really look good for them as a country.

One thing I believe the United States can do to help them dig their way out of their financial crisis is to pull their troops out of Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan has costed them nearly $243 billion to date. This has some Americans asking the question, "Is it any wonder we're broke?"

I also believe that pulling the U.S. troops out of Afghanistan was one of President Barrack Obama's promises when he ran for office. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The country has to do something soon other than simply raise the debt ceiling and leave it at that. They can only raise the debt ceiling so far for so long before someone says, "No, that's far enough. Either find a way out or declare bankruptcy."

How else do you think the United States could dig themselves out?

Canada Post To Go Back To Work

2011-06-27T15:56:00.000-04:00

According to CBC News, Canada Post should start delivering mail by Tuesday. Legislation has passed a "Back-To-Work" bill that forces 48 000 locked out postal workers back to work.

The postal workers were locked out June 14 after 12 days of rotating strikes.

It isn't clear when the delivery services will return to normal, Canada Post has told CBC News.

Source:
Canada Post promises mail delivery Tuesday - Politics - CBC News

Legalizing Gay Marriage in New York

2011-06-26T15:09:00.002-04:00

In case you haven't heard the news yet, the state of New York has legalized same-sex marriage. According to the New York Daily News, the bill's passage on Friday, June 24, sparked celebrations throughout the city that will reach their crescendo on Sunday afternoon as a record crowd shimmies its way down Fifth Avenue and into West Village, rejoicing in their newfound rights.

New York became the sixth state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage, only after four Republican state senators defied their party and voted in favour of the marriage equity bill.

Despite many are jubilant over this decision, some are still opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage. A guest contributor to the New York Daily News, Most Reverened Nicholas Dimarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, NY, stated in an article he wrote to the NY Daily News that the passage of same sex marriage is another "nail in the coffin" of marriage. He also stated that, as a protest to this passage, he has asked his collaborators not to accept or bestow any honours, nor to extend a platform of any kind to any state elected official, in all parishes and churches for the forseeable future.

With this in mind, what is your opinion on the legalization of same sex marriage in the state of New York? You may answer this question even if you do not reside in the state of New York or reside in the United States. Please remember to keep any comments you may have decent!

Sources:
Passage of gay nupitals in New York State is another 'nail in the coffin' of marriage - NYDailyNews.com
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Historic vote to legalize gay marriage in New York State may have ripple effect across country - NYDailyNews.com
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Another Update - Apocalyptic Predictions

2011-05-23T17:22:00.000-04:00

I understand what I said in my previous post but I've decided to change my mind. I will keep this website active and use it to post my thoughts on topics related to music & entertainment, ethics, and world happenings. Sorry for the confusion.

A recent apocalyptic prediction made by Harold Camping has made one of Camping's followers, Joel Abalos, sell everything he has and give his money away. Now that we all know that prediction was false, I'm willing to bet Abalos now feels pretty foolish for doing such a thoughtless act. To top it all off, he was also absent-minded to believe an apocalyptic prediction with no evidence whatsoever other than a mathematical equation and the bible.

What evidence will a simple mathematical equation have on when doomsday will be? Math may solve a lot of things but it won't help us predict when doomsday will come. Yes, the bible does say the world will end but it doesn't say when.

This is why we should all live every day like it's our last - "live life to the fullest" as a lot of people say. No one really knows when the world will end.

Future Updates

2011-05-05T12:11:00.000-04:00

Just so everyone knows, I will no longer be updating this blog. All future updates will be found on my website. The link to it is under links entitled, "Piano Man". It's just a huge pain to update two websites so I've decided that I will drop this one and continue to update my other one.

Thank you so much for your understanding in this decision as well as your continued support!

Update

2011-04-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

I unfortunately did not make it into the Final Concert for Kiwanis held on April 10th. I otherwise would have informed you if I had.

With regards to the Composer's Competition, I am still looking for the link on the Kiwanis website. I have also been checking the Royal Conservatory of Music website for the link but have had no luck. More details to follow. Stay tuned!

I will be performing again very shortly. I will be posting any public concerts on this website as well as my main one. The link for my main website is under Links titled Pianoman. If you haven't already visited my main website and you are looking for details regarding performances, on the homepage, there should be a menu bar with a whole bunch of links to navigate through the website. There should be a page titled, "Upcoming Events". That page on my website will obviously list all of my upcoming events if you want to attend.

Thank you for your continued support!

Kiwanis Music Festival - Results

2011-04-07T13:12:00.000-04:00

I have won a Gold for my composition entered into the festival. I have a chance in the Final Concert held on April 10th at 7:30 pm, I believe. If I do make it, I will be updating with information. Stay tuned!

I have also been given an opportunity to enter into a composer's competition through the Royal Conservatory of Music and a publishing company whereas the winners would not only receive a monetary award but would also get their work published. I am still in the application process so stay tuned for more info.

Thank you for your continued support!

Update - Kiwanis Music Festival

2011-02-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

I have a few updates on the Kiwanis Music Festival. The dates are March 27 - April 8, 2011. More details will follow as to when I will be performing. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please leave a comment below with your thoughts and I will be more than happy to answer anything to the best of my ability. Thanks again for all your support! It is much appreciated!!

Update

2011-01-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

My album that I've been talking about putting together for the longest time is nearly complete!! I will be making an update to announce the completion of the album when it's finished.

The Kiwanis Music Festival of Sudbury is quickly coming up. I have entered one of my own compositions as you have been made aware in previous posts. I will be posting more information on that as I am made aware of it.

Finally, let us reflect on the year that has passed. What was your most memorable moment of 2010? What is your New Years Resolution? Leave a comment in the comment box below (click x comments) and let us know!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

2010-12-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank you for supporting me throughout the 2010 year. Your support and understanding is greatly appreciated! I know I've been talking about putting together a CD for your listening enjoyment. That is nearly complete. I will figure out a way for you to purchase a copy when it is complete.

I would also like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosporous New Year! Thanks!

Update

2010-12-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I am still in the Kiwanis Music Festival. It will be held at Cambrian College in Rm. 1176. More details will follow as I am made aware of them. Until then, keep an eye out for those updates!

I will try to update the site a little more frequently. I am presently busy putting the finishing touches on my first CD that I've been saying would come out soon for years now as well as schoolwork and stuff like that! Stay tuned!

Kiwanis Music Festival

2010-10-19T22:09:00.000-04:00

I will be performing one of my own pieces entitled Nowhere To Hide at the Kiwanis Music Festival in Sudbury, Ontario. More details to come!

The Art of Piano - Great Pianists of the 20th Century

2010-09-27T18:45:00.000-04:00

Fall Agenda

2010-08-26T22:25:00.000-04:00

With summer quickly drawing to a close, it's time to begin formulating our fall agendas. Don't forget to check pereodically for updates!! You never know when there will be a new update.

Anyway, thank you so much for your continued support!! If you have any questions, feel free to post it in the comment box below and I'll answer it to the best of my abilities if I can. If there are any events I'm playing at, they will be posted on the site unless they're private events! Thanks again!

Update

2010-08-05T23:34:00.000-04:00

Summer is going by very quickly!! I can't believe it's already August. Nothing much has happened since my last post. If there are any gigs, I'll be sure to post it up. Thank you so much for your support!!

Just so you know, the CD is almost done! I have to go to my recording studio a couple of more times and edit a few things and it will be ready.

Summer Holidays

2010-06-23T15:06:00.000-04:00

Now that summer's here I will try to update the site more frequently. However, I am going on a family trip for a few weeks so I won't be able to update the site for a while. I will try to update the site while I'm gone but I apologize if I don't.

Have an outstanding and safe summer! Remember to check for updates. I will be posting events I am performing at so stay tuned for that.

Piano Recital

2010-05-26T17:59:00.000-04:00

It's not much but I'm in a piano recital with my piano instructor. Stay tuned as more info will be posted as I obtain it. Thanks for your support!

I also wanted to leave you with an interesting quote I found online. I will cite the source so trolls won't get butthurt!

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."
Aldous Huxley

Source of quote: Music Quotes

What's Happening?

2010-05-24T11:47:00.000-04:00

I haven't been able to get a gig lately but when I do, I'll be sure to post it up here so you can come watch! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you guys! Nothing much has been happening lately and I haven't had a chance to update the site lately. I apologize for that but school has tied up most of my life.

The Magic Black Piano Keys

2010-05-18T09:47:00.001-04:00

If you have sat down at a piano keyboard you may have noticed the black keys are grouped in two and threes. A two and a three next to each other make a group of 5 notes and when you play them one after another you get what we call a pentatonic, or 5-note, scale. This article is about making music on just the black keys because you can't go wrong. They all sound good together no matter which ones you play together!

Often we say the three main elements in music are rhythm, melody, and harmony. Starting out on the black keys you don't have to worry about the harmony (combinations of notes) so you can pay most of your attention to the rhythm (what you can clap or dance to) and the melody (what you could sing if your voice went high enough and low enough to match all the pitches or notes on the piano).

Have fun! Get a rhythm going and push those keys down in a little dance (one of my favorite technique books is called Keyboard Choreography). Use both hands. Push the right-foot pedal down to enhance the sound (let it up and put it down again when the sound gets too muddy or confused).

If you want to know more about making up your own music starting on the black keys try Forrest and Akiko Kinney's Pattern Play books at patternplay.com or come see me. We'll have a good time and play together even in the first lesson or class.

Source: Teach Street - Piano Article

What's Happening?

2010-05-17T10:59:00.000-04:00

What's up? Not much is happening in terms of gigs and all that good stuff. However, don't get discouraged! I will be keeping the site up to date and posting articles. Yes, I will also be posting gig information for when I get gigs. Keep it real!

Aftermath of Music Monday Concert

2010-05-05T18:06:00.000-04:00

The concert was an outstanding success! There were a lot of positive comments received from many of the audience members the next day. A total of $1100 was even raised for the Joan Mantle Music Trust. Outstanding!!!

Let Your Spirit Soar - Music Monday Concert

2010-04-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

The music departments of Lasalle Secondary School and Sudbury Secondary School are hosting a "Music Monday" concert Monday, May 3rd, 2010 at the F.W. Sheridan Auditorium at Sudbury Secondary. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Adults are $10 and students & seniors are $5. All proceeds are going towards the Joan Mantle Music Trust.

I will not be playing piano in this concert. However, I thought you may enjoy this concert.

What's Up?

2010-03-30T20:51:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been updating the site regularly. I have been busy with school and practicing piano and other stuff like that. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below stating your concern or question and I will try my best to respond to you as soon as I can. I don't check the site daily but I do check it on a regular basis. If I get any gigs, I will be sure to post them so you can come and watch me!

Speaking of comments, I have been getting comments lately in a language I do not speak. You may leave a comment but please post your comments in english or french only. Use Google Translator if you have to. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter!

Thanks for all your support! Have a good one!

Music Theory Help

2010-01-17T19:48:00.000-05:00

Having troubles with music theory? Can't seem to understand it? Visit musictheory.net. This site gives you easy to follow, interactive lessons in just about every strand of music theory and gives you creative exercises that tests your musical theoretical abilities. I also have a link to this site on the sidebar under Links.

You can also ask me for help by posting a comment addressing what you need help with and I'll try my best to help you.

Sudbury Secondary School Open House

2010-01-13T12:58:00.001-05:00

The Sudbury Secondary School open house is tonight from 6 pm - 9 pm. Come and tour the school!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-29T21:10:00.001-05:00

I realize this is late but I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you have a joyous holiday and a wonderful new year.

Thank you!

Performances

2009-11-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

A reminder to check continuously for those updates! Whenever I get a gig, I'll be sure to post it up for you guys to attend!

Check back for those updates! Thanks again for all your support!

Updates

2009-10-03T09:29:00.001-04:00

From what I heard about the Eva Olsson presentation, the auditorium was full to the point where they actually had to pull in extra chairs. I don't remember the auditorium being that full!

Anyway, please be sure to keep an eye out for those updates. You never know when I'll be updating the site to let you know about a concert I'm performing at or whatever.

Eva Olsson - Holocaust Survivor

2009-09-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

I am not performing at this event, however, I thought you might be interested in knowing about it. Eva Olsson will be visiting Sudbury today at approximately 7:00 pm in Sudbury Secondary School's Sheridan Auditorium. You may donate a non-perishable food item to go towards the food bank, however, that is completely optional.

A brief description of the event is in the Northern Life.

I apologize if I misspelled her name.

Thanks!

Star Wars (John Williams Is The Man)

2009-09-23T19:06:00.000-04:00

Back To School!

2009-08-27T09:24:00.000-04:00

Rainbow Schools has decided to have school start on September 1st. To all those returning, I wish you the best of luck in your studies this upcoming year. For all those going off to College or University, the best of luck to you.

Have fun this year! Good luck in school!

Summer Holidays

2009-07-03T20:17:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed, I am updating the site over the summer holidays. So relax, you'll still be able to find out where I'm performing at and when.

Enjoy your summer!

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T08:56:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson died yesterday due to a cardiac arrest; a heart attack. From my perspective, he contibuted a lot to modern music and made music how it is today. He will be greatly missed by his fans but most of all, his family.

My condolences go out to his family! Rest in peace, Michael.

Exams and Summer Break

2009-06-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

I just want to wish everyone in highschool the best of luck with their exams. School is almost over so hang in there!!

I will keep the site up to date, so, if there are any events I am performing at, they will be posted! Have a great summer!!

Spring Concert at Sudbury Secondary School's Sheridan Auditorium

2009-05-08T18:41:00.000-04:00

The spring concert at Sudbury Secondary School's Sheridan Auditorium was a huge success! Everyone who was there enjoyed a wide variety of music ranging from jazz, to guitar quartets, to marching, and even more!

I did make a mistake on my previous post about the prices. It was $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. I apologize for any inconvenience this mistake may have caused.

Future events I will be performing in will be posted on the site.

Thank you for your support!

Spring Concert

2009-04-30T18:51:00.000-04:00

I will be participating in the Spring Concert, hosted at Sudbury Secondary School's Sheridan Auditorium. I will be performing in several acts, ranging from a mallet duet in Act I to a piano solo in Act II. Tickets will be sold for $10 for adults and $2 for students/seniors. The tickets can be purchased at Sudbury Secondary School Main Office, Black Cat, Black Cat Too, and Jett Landry Music.

Kiwanis Music Festival

2009-04-11T22:32:00.001-04:00

I will be participating in the Sudbury Kiwanis Music festival. The festival is hosted by Cambrian College. I will be playing on April 30, 2009, in room 1176 (Lower Level, left past the cafeteria). More details will be posted! Stay tuned!

Sears Drama Festival

2009-03-28T14:58:00.000-04:00

One of my compositions, an accompaniment to a singer who shall remain nameless, will be featured in the Sears Drama Festival hosted in the Sudbury Secondary School Sheridan Auditorium. The event will be held Monday March 30, 2009 and Tuesday March 31, 2009. Tickets are $8 and can be bought at the door and in the Sudbury Secondary School Continuing Education office.

Thank you for your continued support!

The Composer

2009-03-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

Funny Videos

Pachelbel's Canon In D Major

2009-01-13T19:19:00.000-05:00

Fish Fry Success!

2008-11-22T20:09:00.001-05:00

While the event at the Chelmsford Legion was a success, I am continuing to play at many other places. Future gigs will be posted! Stay tuned for more info!

Fish Fry

2008-11-09T15:54:00.001-05:00

I will be playing at the Chelmsford Legion on November 22, 2008 from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm. If you would like to stop by and listen to some dinner music while you're eating your meal, feel free to do so. The Chelmsford Legion is located at the corner of Cote Avenue and Fitzgerald Street. If you have any questions, please send me an e-mail at music_pianoman232@hotmail.com. Thanks and I hope to see you there!

Performances

2008-06-19T22:32:00.001-04:00

I have played at the CVDCS 2008 Athletic Banquet. Unfortunately, I did not post it on here and I apologize for not doing so. I am performing at a private wedding. Information about the wedding will not be posted.

Any further gigs will be posted here. To all those in high school that are writing exams over exam week, I personally wish you the best of luck in your exams.

If you would like me to play at an event, please feel free to e-mail me at music_pianoman232@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Have a great summer!

CVDCS Athletic Banquet

2008-06-11T07:20:00.000-04:00

I will be perfroming at the CVDCS 2008 Athletic Banquet. Unfortunately you will not be able to attend as this is for all the athletes and coaches of CVDCS. Please note that there will be other performances that I will be attending and it is possible that you would be able to be in the audience to watch.

Thank you!

Performances

2008-03-28T20:31:00.000-04:00

I am currently performing at the Red Oaks Villa in Sudbury every Friday evening at 6 pm. The performances are for the senior residents of Red Oaks Villa only so unfortunately you will not be able to see me unless you are living in the old age home.

Fortunately, you will be able to see me perform at the CVDCS Spring Concert on May 28-29, 2008. More information will be posted about that so stay tuned. Thanks!