Musespeak Newswire

February 15, 2008 Musespeak.com updates

2008-02-20T22:44:00.003-07:00

It's the end of an era, I removed all references to accompanying services. My plate is full enough with gigs and students.

If you are looking for a piano accompanist, visit the ARMTA Calgary website and check out the teacher directory. Look for "Acc" for subjects/services offered.

(c) 2008 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Jan, 24, 2008 musespeak.com updates

2008-01-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

A few quick updates:

Studio Central: Updated the Lesson Timetable, Swap List
Euterpe's Domain: added sample set lists from recent gigs

(c) 2008 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

January 4, 2008 Musespeak.com Updates

2008-01-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

A few updates to the site:
Wedding/Gig Music: updated information
Studio Central: updated Studio Timetable, Swap List

(c) 2008 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

December 2, 2007 Musespeak.com Updates

2007-12-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

I decided it was high time I updated my gig list to reflect songs I've recently worked in (or am currently working on).

Speaking of which, I need to continue practicing for my upcoming gigs.

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

November 7, 2007 Studio Central Updates

2007-11-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

Musical festival dates and deadlines as well as studio group classes and recital dates have been added to Studio Central.

The Musical Celebrity of the Month has also been updated.

Please note that only students and their parents can access Studio Central.

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Two More Writing Credits

2007-11-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Two new articles have been published in Impromptu, ARMTA Calgary's newsletter.

Back to Basics
Wonderful Web Resources for Teachers and Students (Nov. 2007 edition)

Both are availalbe on Musespeak's Portfolio page and will soon be available on ARMTA Calgary's website. Happy Reading

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

November 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-10-31T21:02:00.001-07:00

Here is a listing of some of the musical performances coming up in November:

Nov. 1: Mount Royal College Conservatory presents Organ Music at Noon. A Free noon-hour recital featuring James Picken, organist. Wyatt Hall, Mt. Royal College.
Nov. 1: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents The Brilliance of Mozart and Haydn, featuring Ivars Taurins, Conductor, Monica Whicher, Soprano, Meg Bragle, Alto
Alan Bennett, Tenor, Nathaniel Watson, Bass and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus . 7:30 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Buy tickets online or phone the CPO Box Office at (403) 571-0849.
Nov. 3: The University of Calgary Celebrity Series 2007/08 season presents: A Chopin Portrait V with Charles Foreman, piano. 8:00 PM, Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre. Tickets: $20 (adults) / $15 (seniors/students).
Tickets are available by calling Campus Ticket Centre at (403) 220-7202 or at the door.
Call (403) 210-7576 or visit for more information.
Nov. 4: Calgary Concerto Competition presents its annual Gala Concert, featuring performances by the 2007 C3 winners. 7:00 PM, Steinway Hall (Irene Besse Keyboards). Admission by donation.
Nov. 4: The Instrumental Society of Calgary presents The John Reid Jazz Quartet. 3:00 PM, Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Avenue SW). Tickets: $15 Adult, $10 Senior/Student, $40 Family. Tickets may be reserved by calling 440-6829 or purchased at the door.
Nov. 6: Mount Royal College Conservatory presents a noon-hour of classical music by students in the Music Performance Diploma program. 12:00 noon, Leacock Theatre. FREE.
Nov. 7: Mount Royal College Conservatory presents Jazz at Noon, featuring students in the Music Performance Diploma program 12:10 PM. MRC Leacock Theatre Foyer. FREE.
Nov. 7: Honens presents Gould: Live in Calgary with Angela Cheng, Katherine Chi, Jane Coop. 7:30 PM, Knox United Church (506 - 4 St SW). Tickets:$40 ($12 with student or live rush card).
Nov. 9 & 10: University of Calgary Celebrity Series 2007/08 presents Remembering Schubert, featuring the Aubade Chamber Ensemble and Philip Hansen, cello. 8:00 PM, Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre. Tickets: $25 (adults) / $18 (seniors/students) through the Campus Ticket Centre at (403) 220-7202 or at the door.
Nov. 9 & 10: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Video Games Live, featuring Jack Wall, Conductor, Tommy Tallarico, Host and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. 8:00 PM (Nov. 9) & 2:00 PM (Nov. 10), Jack Singer Concert Hall. Buy tickets online or phone the CPO Box Office at (403) 571-0849.
Nov. 10, 14 & 16: Calgary Opera presents Rigoletto. 8:00 PM (Nov. 10 & 16), 7:30 PM (Nov. 14). Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets: $29 - 133.
Nov. 17: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Percussion with Pizzazz, featuring Pierre Simard, Conductor and Sara Davis Buechner, Piano. 10:00 AM (Demonstrations) & 11:00 AM (dress rehearsal). Jack Singer Concert Hall. Buy tickets online or phone the CPO Box Office at (403) 571-0849.
Nov. 17: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Nights in the Gardens of Spain, featuring Pierre Simard, Conductor and Sara Davis Buechner, Piano. 8:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Buy tickets online or phone the CPO Box Office at (403) 571-0849.
Nov. 23 & 24: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Don Juan, featuring Hans Graf, Conductor and Corey Cerovsek, Violin. 8:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Buy tickets online or phone the CPO Box Office at (403) 571-0849.
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Don Messer's Jubilee with Frank Leahy. 8:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Buy tickets online or phone the CPO Box Office at (403) 571-0849.

When a Box is More than a Box

2007-10-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Another article published!

Titled, A Special Box for a Special Club, the article covers the construction of the Calgary Iaido Club's new sword box by a fellow club member.

The article has been published in two places:
The Iaido Journal
Calgary Iaido Club Website

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB,

October 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-10-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a listing of some of the musical events taking place in Calgary this month:

Oct. 14: Mount Royal College Presents Feast of Sound & Song, 5:00 PM cocktails, 6:30 PM dinner, Hyatt Regency.
Oct. 14:The Instrumental Society of Calgary presents CPO musicians Gwen Klassen, flute & Tisha Murvhill, harp in recital. 3:00 PM, Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Ave SW). Tickets: $15/$10, available by calling 440.6829 or @ the door.
Oct. 17: ProArts Society presents Music @ Noon, featuring Jacqui Lynn Fidlar, mezzo soprano. 12:00 PM, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 - 1St. SE, NW corner of Olympic Plaza). Feel free to bring your lunch.
Goodwill offerings are gratefully accepted.
Oct. 19: Fish Creek Concerts presents New Voices in Slide Guitar, featuring featuring Doug Cox, Steve Dawson, Ivan Rosenberg and Rachelle van Zanten. 8:00 PM, Southwood United Chruch (10690 Elbow Drive SW).Tickets: $20, available online or by phone: 263-0079.
Oct. 19 & 20: The University of Calgary Fine Arts presents an Evening of Romantic Music, featuring Duo Solista (Olga Kotova, violin & Dmitry Nesterov, piano). 8:00 PM, Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre. Tickets: $25 (adults) / $18 (seniors/students)
Tickets are available through Campus Ticket Centre at (403) 220-7202 or at the door.
Call (403) 210-7576 or visit www.finearts.ucalgary.ca/events for more information.
Oct. 24: ProArts Society presents Music @ Noon, featuring U of C Brass Players. 12:00 PM, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 - 1St. SE, NW corner of Olympic Plaza). Feel free to bring your lunch.
Goodwill offerings are gratefully accepted.
Oct. 24: Roland Keyboards & Irene Besse Keyboards present pianist and organist Tony Fenelon in concert. 7:00 PM, Steinway Hall, Irene Besse Keyboards. For tickets and information, contact Irene Besse Keyboards.
Oct. 25: Honens presents Gould goes Downtown, featuring Kellylee Evans, Emm Gryner, Danny Michel, Chad VanGaalen and host Amanda Putz. 7:30 PM, The Grand (608 1 Street SW). Tickets: $30.
Oct. 27: The Pro Arts Society presents its Saturday Afternoon Series featuring Richard Belcher, cello, Brinna Brinkerhoff, violin and Jeffrey Neufeld, piano; performing Debussy, Bolcom and Brahms. 3:00 PM, The Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 ST SE). Tickets: $20/25, available online or at 263-0079.

Musespeak.com's New Look & New Server

2007-10-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Web traffic has been steadily increasing, so I had to move musespeak.com to a new server. While I was at it, I thought I should make a few changes that I've been meaning to for ages.

The change was quick - within one hour of telling my web host that the new site is ready to go live, the revamped website is up!

Happy exploring.

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Sept. 17/07 www.musespeak.com Updates

2007-09-17T12:30:00.001-07:00

Quick updates made to the Studio Central Section:

Dazzling Downloads
Studio Timetable
Lesson Swap List

Please note that this area is only accessible by my students and their families.

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Revised Gig Policies and Rates

2007-09-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Please note the following changes:

Accompanying rates have been increased
Gig Policies have been revised (in light of recent experiences) and a new category has been added.

September 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-09-11T09:49:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another performing arts season. There's something for everyone. I'm really looking forward to two Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra concerts in November - one featuring Don Messer's fiddling music and another on video game music.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here are some of this month's musical events:

Sep. 12: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents A Taste of the CPO, featuring a sampling of CPO's 2007/08 musical season. Pierre Simard, Conductor. 7:30 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. FREE admission with a donation to the Food Bank.
Sep. 14: EPCOR Centre presents BD&P World Music Series presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo. 8:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets: $40.45 plus tax.
Sep. 21 & 22: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Club Swing, featuring Five by Design.
8:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets: $20 - 80, available at the CPO Online Box Office or 541-0849.
Sep. 25: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents a Community Outreach concert. Pierre Simard, Conductor. 7:30 PM, Bert Church Theatre (Airdrie). FREE admission.
Sep. 26: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Lunch, Learn and Live! Roberto Minczuk, Conductor. 12:15 - 12:45 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby. FREE admission.
Sep. 26: Calgary Opera presents Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (Soprano) in recital with Warren Jones (Piano). 8:00 PM, Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.

There are many more concerts, but that's all I have time to add for now. Feel free to add any concerts/upcoming musical events using the "Comments".

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Sept. 7/07 www.musespeak.com Updates

2007-09-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

Not too much time this week for web updates, but critical updates were made to the Lesson Swap List in Studio Central.

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Sept. 1/07 www.musespeak.com Updates

2007-09-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

The start of a new term means only one thing as far as the website goes - UPDATES:

Updated the Teaching Schedule, Lesson Swap List, Studio Handbook and Music Celebrity of the Month
Uploaded the 2007/08 Lesson Swap List, Studio Handbook, Studio Calendar, Assignment Sheet/Practice Log, Reach for the Stars Incentive Program (Sticker Card)

All these changes have been made to Studio Central (for students and parents only at my studio).

It's been rather quiet on the Musings at Musespeak front, but I plan on updating that, along with September concert listings within the week; once the dust has settled. Stay tuned!

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

New Links Added on www.musespeak.com

2007-06-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

Added three listings - Shauna Way, Certified Celebrant and Penny Sandborn, Accordion soloist and teacher and Jay-Arnel Arca, Website Design, sound guy, piano accompanist.

Head to Musespeak's Links Page now.

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Explore Different Genres through Summer Festivals

2007-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Summertime provides ample opportunities to explore different cultures and their music at the summer festivals. Do a search on festivals in your local area to see what's coming up.

Here are a few festivals that are coming up in the Calgary area:

June

July

August

Enjoy!

(c) Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

More May 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-05-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

This is a busy time for performances. Here are more upcoming events:

May 24: Tamara Beatty, Vocals & Penny Sanborn, Accordion perform jazz and continental music. 7:00 pm, Piq Niq Café (811 - 1st Street SW). Admission: Free. Space limited – make sure to phone to reserve a table. Excellent atmosphere, meals, appetizers & dessert!
May 25: Sempre La Musica Presents "Moonlight Sonata", 8:00 pm, Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Ave. SW). Featuring Olena Kilchyk (Cello), Liza Scriggins (Viola), John Robertson (Piano). Program: Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata, Shostakovich - Viola Sonata, Rachmaninov - Cello Sonata. Tickets: $15 adults - $10 seniors/students - Free with green card at the door (for U of C music students). For further information, contact Olena Kilchyk (283-2508) Tickets are also available at Classics Plus (105, 1134 8th Avenue SW, 290-1182).
May 26: ARMTA Calgary Student Recital, 2:00 pm, St. Andrew's United Church (924 Heritage Drive SW). Admission: FREE.
May 26: Alison Crabb (RMT), student of Linda Kundert-Stoll & Annalise Smith, student of Peter Jancewicz (piano) and Donald Bell (voice) in concert. 7:30 pm, Lutheran Church of the Master in Airdrie (on Main Street). Admission FREE. Food Bank donations welcome. Program includes works by Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Wolf, Dvorak, Bolcom and Jancewicz will be performed.
May 27: ARMTA Calgary Outstanding Students Recital, 7:00 pm, Andrew's United Church (924 Heritage Drive SW). Admission: FREE.

May 4, 2007 Updates to Musespeak.com

2007-05-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

I'm still in "full throttle" mode, deep in the throes of music festivals.

Just a few updates to the site:

Added May concert listings
Updated Studio Central: Lesson Timetable, Swap List.

May 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-05-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some of upcoming concerts in the Calgary area:

May 4 & 5: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Ode to Joy with Roberto Minczuk, Conductor, Dana Beth Miller, Soprano, Kelley O'Conner, Mezzo Soprano, Kurt Lehmann, Tenor, Robert Pomakov, Bass, Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and Cantaré Children's Choir. 8:00 pm, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets: $21 - 75 through the CPO Box Office (571-0849).
May 6: Mount Royal College "The Conservatory" presents Spring Song with Mount Royal Arietta, Arioso and Youth Choirs. 2:00pm, Knox United Church (506 -4 St. SW)./ Tickets available at the door: Adult $10 Senior, Student $8, Children between 7 - 12 $5, 6 & under FREE, Family of 4, $20.
May 9: ProArts Society presents Emily Westell, violin. 12:10 - 12:50 pm, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in (MacLeod Trail @ Centre St, across from the Olympic Plaza). FREE. Bring your lunch!
May 8 & 9: Honens presents 1996 Honens Laureate Albert Tiu in recital. 6:30 - 9 pm (6:30 pm cocktails, 7:30 pm performance). Newzones Gallery (730 11 Ave SW). Tickets: $25.
May 11: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Asian Heritage Month Gala (ImaginASIAN) with Pierre Simard, Conductor. Tickets: CPO Box Office, 571-0849.
May 11: Calgary Choral presents music of the Doobie Brothers, Queen, the Beatles, Crosby Stills Nash and more with special guests Lindsay Ell, Steve Pineo,The Heebee-jeebees, Onalea Gilbertson and Doug Mckeag. 8:00 pm, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets: $25/$30 available at Ticketmaster by calling 777-0000.
May 12: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Tales of the Vienna Woods with Roberto Minczuk, Conductor and Cenek Vrba, Violin. 8:00 pm, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets: CPO Box Office, 571-0849.
May 16: ProArts Society presents Chen po Jenny Jen, piano. 12:10 - 12:50 pm, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in (MacLeod Trail @ Centre St, across from the Olympic Plaza). FREE. Bring your lunch!
May 16: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Brandenburg and Comopany with Ivars Taurins, Conductor and David Greenberg, Violin. 8:00 pm, Jack Singer Concert Hall. Tickets: CPO Box Office, 571-0849.
May 23: ProArts Society presents Christopher Hall, violin. 12:10 - 12:50 pm, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in (MacLeod Trail @ Centre St, across from the Olympic Plaza). FREE. Bring your lunch!
May 30: ProArts Society presents Linda Kundert-Stoll, piano. 12:10 - 12:50 pm, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in (MacLeod Trail @ Centre St, across from the Olympic Plaza). FREE. Bring your lunch!

New Published Work

2007-04-27T00:15:00.001-07:00

Argh! Now that March's challenges are behind me (income tax preparation and 07/08 registration packages), I'm up to my eyeballs dealing with spoofers, practicing piano and Iaido madly before showtime and putting fires under students' butts. Some of them are really dragging their feet and I've had to issue threats of postponing their exam since they're not ready (and postponing their pain, my pain and that of their parents in the process).

Needless to say, I just haven't had time to do much updating on the website. Soon, hopefully after my performance at the APTA Festival. Please bear with me.

Somewhere in the middle of it all, I did manage to get another work published in The Iaido Journal - Tempering Fire. It's my scholarship winning essay about finding "killing intent" in my Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

March 28, 2007 Musespeak.com Updates

2007-03-29T00:23:00.000-07:00

What? March is almost over? This month went far too quickly for my liking.

Here are the most recent updates:

Studio Central: updated the Studio Timetable, Lesson Swap List and added a new arrangement to Composer's Corner
Musings at Musespeak: I have been updating that every 7 - 10 days. Check back regularly.

March 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-02-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some of upcoming concerts in the Calgary area:

March 1: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Purcell's King Arthur. 8:00 pm at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Conductor: Ivars Tourins.
March 3: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Jack & the Beanstalk. 1:00 pm Discovery Hour; 2:00 pm Discovery Concert at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Conductor: Pierre Simard.
March 3: Honens Grand Slam - Get your 15 minutes of fame by playing on the piano. You don't even have to know how to play (or be that advanced). All monies raised go to fund future Honens events and competitions.
March 9: The Instrumental Society of Calgary presents the John Reid Quartet, playing a tribute to jazz great Dexter Gordon. 8:00 pm at Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Ave SW).
March 10: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Creatures Great & Small. 8:00 pm at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Conductor: Markand Thakar.
March 11: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Peter & the Wolf, a Family Speical. 2:00 pm at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Conductor: Markand Thakar.
March 16 & 17: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Irish Eyes are Smiling. 8:00pm at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Conductor: Carl Topilow.
March 18: Calgary Concert Band presents Marches & Classics in March. 3:00 pm at U of C Rozsa Centre.
March 18: Bach Festival Society presents a Bach Birthday Celebration. 3:00 pm at Scarboro United Church.
March 30 & 31: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents New World Symphony & Gershwin. 8:00 pm at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Conductor: Roberto Minczuk. Pianist: Stewart Goodyear.

February 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-01-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some upcoming concerts in the Calgary area:

Feb. 3 (all day): Foothills Brass - Brass Solo Competition. Brass players aged 14-22 are invited to participate in this new and exciting competition. Prizes include performing with the Foothills Brass. Location: Scarboro United Church. For competition form and info: 508-2225
Feb. 15: EPCOR CENTRE's Carma Acoustic Blues presents Ndidi Onukwulu is first and foremost a blues singer. Tickets: $28. Call TicketMaster, 777.0000.
Feb. 19: Mount Royal Conservatory, EPCOR Centre, Calgary Herald, Nexen and Golder Associates presents An Evening with Angela Hewitt. World-renowned Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt is performing a benefit concert for WaterCan
Feb. 25: Robert Motchalov, piano - in recital at 7:30 pm at the Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal College. He will be performing piano works by Chopin, Beethoven and Balakierev. Admission: Adults $12 / Students $8 with a reception to follow.

January 2007 Musical Events in Calgary

2007-01-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some upcoming concerts in the Calgary area:

Jan. 10: The ProArts Society presents Music @ Noon featuring Erna Abramyn, piano. 12:10 - 12:50 PM @ The Cathedral (McLeod Trail South and LRT, north side of Olympic Plaza). FREE admission. Bring your lunch.
Jan 12 - 27: Front Row Centre Theatre presents Chicago. Victor Mitchell Theatre (2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW). Tickets: $16.75 - $19.75.
Jan. 20: Mount Royal College Conservatory presents Anton Kuerti, piano. Tickets: $50/ea.
Jan. 20: Fish Creek Concerts presents Bluebird North, featuring: Blair Packham, Barney Bentall, Jenny Whiteley, Jeremy Fisher and Melanie Doane. Southwood United Church (10690 Elbow Drive SW). Tickets: $20
Jan. 27, 31 & Feb 2: Calgary Opera presents Frobisher. Southern Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets: $25 - 125.
Jan. 28: Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association (Calgary Branch) presents its annual Honours Recital - honouring students who have done extremely well in their recent examinations. 7:00 PM, First Church of the Nazarene. (65 Richard Way S.W.)