It’s definitely a fine line of incorporating self-reflection in this piece, but also acknowledging that a lot of that is informed by all of the external things collapsing currently.

“Prelude” for a larger piano work. Lots of rigid anger in this one that’s searching for a way to transform and reconcile. We will see if tomorrow I can marry the A and B sections to find that answer. #mytonalshift #composer #chambermusic #piano

An angry Doopsie lurking in the back, mirroring the excitement and agitation of seeing your love come home… but they are tracking in snow.

Fall set is done, and 1 of 5 for Winter. More tomorrow, plus engraving, around rehearsals. #mytonalshift #artsong

Pelicans as old lovers. Only got one miniature art song done today (had to balance myself with rest), but this one has pelicans lovingly grousing at each other. We won’t speak of how many takes I did. Cut me slack, the music has existed for like literally 15 minutes. #mytonalshift #artsong

Managed to complete 3 miniature art songs today, continuing on the journey of setting Athena Kildegaard’s texts that I started last year. Should probably finish the remaining 9 minis for that pesky faculty recital I scheduled in March… #mytonalshift #artsong

Lady Gaga, Jackson 5, and The Beatles: the material for today’s Musicianship class and transcription lesson. #mytonalshift

Necessary puppy cuddles this morning to nourish the heart and soul. Terra is da bestest girl. #mytonalshift

@nickmaysax.bsky.social

Woke up to this incredible message from Nick May, sharing how my piece “Silence Still = Death” is going while on the I Exist Project tour. I am grateful that it is having an impact on audiences! While rooted in queer history, this work is for everyone (link in bio)

#mytonalshift #composer

Felt good yesterday, for a couple reasons:
1. While never perfect, the work I am doing as both an educator and artist right now is fulfilling, and I’m seeing tangible outcomes around that.
2. Loved what my hair was doing yesterday.

#mytonalshift #composer

Switched gears to engraving. Getting faster in Dorico at least.

#mytonalshift #composer

Commence the first of many legs of I Exist Project performances! Chicago (premiering Zoë Austin Wallace’s comm(unity), Baltimore, and Glassboro - with music by @ingridstolzel.bsky.social @kevindaymusic.bsky.social, @nathanfroebe.bsky.social Keaton Garrett, Tyler Harrison, and Sebastian Zhang!

First day of the semester. It is -7 out and icy. I have snacks and a comfy sweater. Let’s go do some music theory and composition! #mytonalshift #professor #academia

Today was a GREAT composing day. It’s amazing what one can accomplish when all the distracting to-do list items are out of your way, and you have the house to yourself.

#mytonalshift #composer

Spent the evening diving into Dorico in earnest, just forcing myself to wade in and see what happens. There are things that feel great, and things that I can tell I’m going to struggle with for a while - note entry being my chief concern. Gonna experiment with some other entry methods over break.

Shipped the hubs out yesterday, got my right lobe pierced to match the left (only 20 years apart lol), new meds have settled in, and I’m tucked quietly away with the pets at home. Blissfully calm and ready for this holiday staycation. #mytonalshift

Having a great time being in residency at Pittsburg High School and working with the choir and band on my “Winter Canata”! Was able to sneak in some footage from choir rehearsal today where we explored dynamic shaping for storytelling.

#mytonalshift #cantata #composersky

Shh, this one’s a secret double barline for a secret second movement. #mytonalshift

Got myself an easel for my oversized manuscript paper. Is it bigger than needed? No such thing 😘 #mytonalshift

What I want to do: compose. What I need to do: grade. *grumblegrumble* (What I am doing: having a snack.)

Time to lurk here like I do on Threads (when I remember to open it).