On the Rooftop of the Kennedy Center
It was never my dream to have my music performed at the Kennedy Center. I simply did not believe in dreaming outrageous, impossible dreams. Yet the improbable happened, all the … Continue reading
Glossolalia Anniversary
In February of 2014, I booked a recording studio and traveled to cold and overcast Poland to collaborate on a recording with NeoQuartet from Gdańsk. I didn’t have to do … Continue reading
New Orchestral Music
I am nearly finished writing my latest orchestral piece. It has taken me to colorful harmonic places I have not encountered before. Principal English horn players will find a blissful … Continue reading
Upcoming NYC Ballet Performances
Friends, I am overjoyed and deeply honored that New York City Ballet will perform two of my orchestral pieces; “Unveiling” and “Is Now Not Enough?” to the choreography of Sidra … Continue reading
Watercolors – New Music for Symphony Orchestra
I have been programmed with Tchaikovsky before, most likely because of my Slavic ancestry. But when I discovered that Aram Demirjian, the artistic director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, programed … Continue reading
Audiophile’s Musings
It is true that it takes a long time for the performer to bring a composition to its fullest potential. The notes and the phrases remain the same, but with … Continue reading
Instant Gratification
I crave instant gratification as much as the next person. I want minimal effort with maximum rewards. Immediate rewards. I want dopamine, the hormone of accomplishment, opening the floodgates of … Continue reading
Art Song – The Secret from Rubble Becomes Art
The second poem by Valerie Foote, entitled “The Secret”, tells the story of a betrayal of a young girl whose innocence is stolen by a stranger and who, fifty years … Continue reading
“Watercolors” for Orchestra to be Premiered by the Knoxville Symphony
I am delighted to share that my “Watercolors” for Orchestra will be premiered by the Knoxville Symphony on the Masterworks Series concert in October. Although I was not born in … Continue reading
Harpsichord Concerto, II – Ballade
Traditionally, the second movement of a concerto is a slow one, allowing the audience to catch a breath between fast sections, but giving no rest to the soloist whose virtuosity … Continue reading
Survived
For those who care or find it amusing, my cello survived the month long cross country journey without an incident. It is only slightly out of tune and very dusty. … Continue reading
Seeking an American Premiere of a String Quartet
I recently sent the score to “Glossolalia”, my string quartet, to Canada. I am happy that this piece is enjoying international travels. It has been previously performed at music festivals … Continue reading
Impression for Piano Solo
Look at what I have unearthed for you! I composed “Impression” in 2007 when I was studying composition at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. At that time I was … Continue reading
Glossolalia Premieres in China
NeoQuartet is taking Glossolalia to China to the Beijing Modern Music Festival, marking the premiere of my music on the 4th continent. http://neoquartet.pl/ http://www.dosiamckay.com/glossolalia.shtml http://bmmf.org.cn/EN/CalendarDetail.aspx?id=540
Taking Musical Chances, Reaping Musical Rewards
More than a year ago I took a chance on a string quartet from Poland I have only heard in recordings. I flew in to Gdańsk, we met in person … Continue reading
Submerged – New Music for Piano Solo
“Submerged” is one of my early compositions for piano solo. Ever since a pianist friend played for me “The Sunken Cathedral” by Claude Debussy in ninth grade, I felt enchanted … Continue reading
Times of Solemnity and Reflection
Times, seasons, holidays, remembrances. It’s good to have days set aside for reflection and solemnity. Though our perspectives of the World may differ, we share the the joys, sorrows, and … Continue reading
Beijing New Music Festival Premiere
I am very honored to learn that my music will be featured at the Beijing Modern Music Festival in May. NeoQuartet will be performing selections from our latest recording Glossolalia. … Continue reading
First Premiere in my Home Country of Poland
An emotional moment in my career as NeoQuartet is about to premiere “Glossolalia” and “Is Now Not Enough?” in my home country of Poland, not very far from where I … Continue reading
New Music for Classical Guitar – Recording in Argentina
I am pleased to announce that Sergio Puccini, an Argentine guitar virtuoso, will record “Parting” for inclusion in his upcoming album release. I am thrilled that my composition will be … Continue reading
Working with the Cellist of NeoQuartet – Composer’s Perspective
It’s not a secret that cello is my most favorite of the string instruments, so I was looking forward to Krzysztof’s interpretations of my lyrical legato cello solos. But then … Continue reading
Flute Concerto – The Espionage
The Espionage concerto was partially inspired by a poem by the same title I wrote in 2008 (see below) and, in a wider sense, by my fascination with the spy … Continue reading
Sweet Baby – Choral Premiere in New York
Premiere of Sweet Baby, my new choral piece, performed by the members of C4 under the direction of Fahad Siadat. New York, Composer’s Voice, June 29, 2014, Jan Hus Presbyterian … Continue reading
Working with Vibraphonist Paweł Nowicki – Composer’s Perspective
A few notes from the recent recording session of my new album Glossolalia. Today I share about working with the vibraphonist – Paweł Nowicki. Paweł made a guest appearance on … Continue reading
Working with the 2nd Violin of NeoQuartet – Composer’s Perspective
A few notes from the recent recording session of my new album Glossolalia. Today I share about working with the 2nd Violin of NeoQuartet – Paweł Kapica. Paweł very skilfully … Continue reading
What is the Role of a Composer in Music Creation?
My professor at New York University, Kent Underwood, used to say that the reality of music is not the score, but the performance. It is a humbling proposition for a … Continue reading
Working with the Violist of NeoQuartet – Composer’s Perspective
Is it me or are all viola players naturally quiet and reserved? Michał approached the music in a very methodical and collaborative way making sure to give the preference to … Continue reading
Working with the Cellist of NeoQuartet – Composer’s Perspective
Composer’s perspective – working with the cellist of NeoQuartet, Krzysztof Pawłowski: It’s not a secret that cello is my most favorite of the string instruments, so I was looking forward … Continue reading
Working with 1st Violin – Composer’s Perspective
Composer’s perspective – working with 1st Violin of NeoQuartet, Karolina Piątkowska-Nowicka: Karolina was a very strong leader of the group and often suggested nuanced interpretations of individual melodic lines. She … Continue reading
Every Composer’s Dream
Would you like to know what’s it like to work with world-class musicians? It’s like this: I draw for them a black-and-white drawing and they transform it into a 3-D … Continue reading
Vibraphonist Paweł Nowicki To Record My Music
Meet vibraphonist Paweł Nowicki. Paweł will make a guest appearance on my upcoming album featuring my music for strings performed by NeoQuartet. He will be the soloist on “First In … Continue reading
Composer’s Diary – Writing a String Quartet – Part 2
Life, death, ecstasy, discarding two weeks worth of work, and starting over – I talk about it all. I’m taking you behind the scenes of composing my new string quartet … Continue reading
NeoQuartet in Rehearsal – More New Music to Come
NeoQuartet in rehearsal. I am composing a new work for them to be recorded next month in Poland as a part of my new album. http://en.neoquartet.pl/home/ In this photo: Karolina … Continue reading
Cantabile Set to Record for New Album of String Quartet Music
Cantabile, one of the tracks I will be recording this winter with NeoQuartet for my upcoming album, is a slow movement from the Three Monologues for String Quartet. I composed … Continue reading
New Music For Baroque Lute – Challenges of Composition, Notation, and Interpretation
I chat with Baroque lutenist Will Tocaben about “Parting”, a new piece I recently wrote for him. We discuss the challenges of composition, notation, interpretation, and performance on a period … Continue reading
Recording a New Album with NeoQuartet in Poland
I am so very excited that I will be recording my new album with NeoQuartet. I just bought my plane ticket to Poland for February. I am not worried about … Continue reading
“Parting” for Baroque Lute – New Music for an Old Instrument
Here is the recording of my new piece for Baroque lute, but it’s probably more fun to watch the video of Will Tocaben’s performance:
Parting for Baroque Lute Now On Video
I composed Parting for Baroque lutenist Will Tocaben in the summer of 2013. At that time it seemed that everywhere I turned I saw relationships falling apart and close and … Continue reading
New Album for String Quartet Set To Record This Winter
I am very excited to announce that I am set to record a new album with a superb ensemble from Poland. NeoQuartet will record my music for strings this winter … Continue reading
New Music for Baroque Lute – Video Shoot
I am working on a music video featuring the new piece I composed for Will Tocaben and his Baroque Lute. No, I didn’t ask him to sit on the floor … Continue reading
New Music for Baroque Lute
I hope this is a familiar face and instrument to many of you. I am getting ready for a video shoot with Baroque lutenist Will Tocaben in a few days. … Continue reading
Free Music Scores – Download Sheet Music
I have decided to release a handful of my scores to public circulation. Follow this link to find a couple of my piano pieces, a string quartet, and a brass … Continue reading
Too Much Fun Around Here – Invasion of Clowns – Brass Quintet
The Presidential Brass Quintet at the Valdosta State University performed my crazy fun piece entitled “Invasion of Clowns” yesterday. http://www.dosiamckay.com/music/clowns.shtml Listen to a demo here: http://dosiamckay.com/mp3/DosiaMcKay_Invasion_of_Clowns.mp3
Recording New Music for Baroque Lute
I spent several hours with Will Tocaben recording the piece I wrote for him. The process was very tedious and especially challenging since we were not in a soundproof environment. … Continue reading
New Music for Baroque Lute
Will Tocaben came by the studio again. This time he brought a different, more resonant lute. We spent more time working on the piece I recently wrote for him. Note … Continue reading
Transcribing Music for Baroque Lute
Here is my new piece for Baroque lute transcribed by Will Tocaben in the traditional tablature. Notice the 6-line staff and letters depicting pitches. I also want to transcribe this … Continue reading
New Music for Baroque Lute
Will Tocaben came to the studio to go over the piece I wrote for him. We spent almost 3 hours combing through it and Will adjusted the fingering. Only one … Continue reading
Premiere of “First In Flight” for Vibraphone and String Quartet
At the premiere of my new piece for vibraphone and string quartet entitled “First In Flight” in Asheville. http://www.dosiamckay.com/music/firstinflight.shtml Here I am introducing the piece to the audience.
Music Well - Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer 