Days of Innocence for Piano Quintet
When I first came in contact with a piano in my childhood, I was mesmerized by the instrument. Not knowing anything about musical scales or the significance of the black … Continue reading
New Music for Cello Solo
The first draft of the new cello piece went out to D. Scot Williams who commissioned it. Seven and a half minutes of music exploring all registers of the instrument, … Continue reading
Hello There, Music
No one knows I have begun working on the cello solo piece, not even Scot Williams who commissioned it. Earlier this week I casually began drafting the shape of the … Continue reading
New Music for Cello
I am thrilled to be commissioned by D. Scot Williams to compose a new work for cello. Not a stranger to contemporary music, Scot has previously commissioned several other composers, … Continue reading
Groundless
https://dosiamckay.com/music/groundless/ I have made ambitious plans for international travel in 2020. I was considering Japan or Korea but a friend strongly suggested China. I had already purchased the plane tickets … Continue reading
Unveiling – Free Perusal Score
Conductors, instrumentalists, composers, and non-musical friends, I am making “Unveiling” for string orchestra available as a free perusal score download. See what a musical blueprint looks like. https://dosiamckay.com/music-scores/unveiling/
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
Rubble Becomes Art – Score Editing
The final and crucial step of self-editing. Yes, I could catch the same mistakes on the computer screen, but there is something tangible and more immediate about editing on paper. … Continue reading
New Music for Pierrot Ensemble and Percussion
I had a lot of fun creating this graphic animation/representation for my new piece. “Abandon” captures a fleeting moment of forsaking self-imposed restraints in favor of complete freedom and joyful, … 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
Glossolalia now on Spotify
I am excited to announce that my album “Glossolalia” is now on Spotify. I recorded the album two years ago with the fantastic string quartet from Poland – NeoQuartet and vibraphonist … 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
Triptych for Cello and Piano
I am going through some of my earlier scores and came across the Triptych for cello and piano. My fascination with the music of the early 20th century is evident … Continue reading
Unveiling – Music Painting
“Unveiling” composed for string orchestra is an exploration of layers of sound. Beginning with one solitary note, new aural strata gradually unfold in which multiple layers of counterpoint constantly shift, … Continue reading
Geometry, Language, and Music – My Path to Composition – Radio Interview on “Zero Crossings”
What do geometry, language, and music have in common? The ancestral shadows, George Michael, and creative loneliness – it’s all there. I am talking about my convoluted path to composition … Continue reading
Composition Competitions – Gambling and Return on Investment
I have been sharing my successes and hopes with you, but have been concealing failures and struggles. It is not all glitter and red carpet in my profession. It is … Continue reading
Jackpot – New Composition Inspired by a Visit to a Casino
It is odd to imagine that a quick stroll through a casino would become an inspiration for a new composition for a chamber group, yet the surround-sound cacophony of blips, … 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
“Unveiling” for String Orchestra
“Unveiling” written for string orchestra is an exploration of layers of sounds. Beginning with one solitary note, new aural strata gradually unfold in which multiple layers of counterpoint constantly shift, … Continue reading
Endless Immersion Download
Can you download single tracks of Endless Immersion? Yes, you can. There are only two of them. Each one is a seamless one-hour immersive experience, and you can preview them … Continue reading
Cello – A Guarded Love
The more I play the cello, the more I love it. But if it loves me back, it does so in a guarded way. I have to spend many hours … Continue reading
Dear Fans, I Need Your Help!
Dear Friends and Fans, I need your help! Please help me spread the word about my new album “Endless Immersion”. I have no agent, no publicity firm, and no organization … Continue reading
Endless Immersion – A Sonic Experience
Endless Immersion is out as a 2-CD set and an MP3 download. If you are looking for a truly unique sonic experience, look no further. http://tinyurl.com/kge5osr
Endless Immersion is Live!
Endless Immersion is live! Today I am sending out all pre-orders and new orders. Are you ready to be immersed? http://tinyurl.com/kge5osr
Endless Immersion Installation and the Magic Algorithm
The Endless Immersion installation and the creative process of composing the music for this unique environment. I discuss the double stereo loop design and the capabilities of the magic algorithm. … Continue reading
Recording Studio Fashion
More studio fashion and drama. Clothing should always match the hardware. April 9 – Only 7 days left to the release of the Endless Immersion Album. http://www.dosiamckay.com/endlessimmersion.shtml
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
Endless Immersion – New Album of Experimental Music
Endless Immersion, a new album of experimental music is set to release on April 9, 2015. Endless Immersion – The Concept I want to challenge the traditional way we listen … Continue reading
I Want To Run Away
I just received the final proofs of the printed CD cover of my upcoming album and I just want to run away. No, there is nothing wrong with it. In … Continue reading
Grit and Glitz on Princeton’s WPRB Classical Discoveries
Today “Grit and Glitz” was featured on the Princeton’s WPRB Classical Discoveries hosted by Marvin Rosen during the “In Praise of a Woman” music marathon devoted to American women composers. … Continue reading
Work Hard, Play Hard
I am working non stop on this latest release, hoping to bring the music to life this April. Music is done, graphic design for the album cover is done. Now … Continue reading
Endless Immersion – Challenging the “Stereo-Types”
With sound engineer Julian Dreyer, trying different alignment patterns for the looping layers. There are so many interesting combinations, there is not enough lifetime to explore them all. We are … Continue reading
Endless Immersion – Painting With Sound
Painting with sound – I spent a solid day in the studio working with the sound engineer. This project feels very much like painting to me. I stretched the canvas … Continue reading
Expletivo – Music So Vulgar It Should Be Bleeped Out
This is high-brow art music, and so it is proper to hide behind a made-up Italian word like Expletivo, but the essence of this movement might be better expressed through … Continue reading
Lacrimosa
Lacrimosa – my most popular track on Soundcloud. And for a good reason. Double the fun on headphones.
Danse Macabre – Dance of Death
Here is a little treasure I dug up for you – “Danse Macabre” for piano trio (violin, cello, and piano) I composed a few years ago. The computer rendition is … Continue reading
Bach and Beyond
Sometimes when I hear music like this, I feel that after Bach and his sons, every composition is superfluous. Much of this piece consists of a unison line against simple … Continue reading
Is Now Not Enough? – Where Music and Poetry Meet
Have you downloaded the free track from my latest album? “Is Now Not Enough?” – read about the inspiration behind the title. Please share, like, and comment. https://soundcloud.com/dosiamckay/is-now-not-enough-1
New Year, New Curriculum Vitae
New year, new Curriculum Vitae, or at least an updated one. I have done so much. I have done so little. Composer Biography
“First In Flight” for Vibraphone and String Quartet on NPR
It’s nice to be played on National Public Radio again. “First In Flight”, my composition for vibraphone and string quartet will be featured today on WUOT Knoxville’s Morning Concert hosted … Continue reading
Is Now Not Enough?
“Is Now Not Enough?” explores the restlessness and insatiability of the human spirit. The same invisible force that propels migrating birds and fish, seems to stir the imagination in search … Continue reading
New Printing of Glossolalia Goes to Poland
A new printing of Glossolalia has gone to Poland today. I hope my Polish Fans come to one of the concerts of NeoQuartet and buy some! http://www.dosiamckay.com/glossolalia.shtml
Support Artists Through Your Holiday Shopping
How about an artsy gift for yourself or a loved one? Your patronage would be a gift to me and enable me to continue to compose music and create art … Continue reading
Cello – Love Against Reason
I began to study cello in 2010 while I was in graduate school. Don’t ask me why. The timing was certainly haphazard, but I fell in love with the instrument. … Continue reading
ER Music
I came across this video and felt inspired to write a mini story. The old street musician who was rushed to the emergency room from the hit and run accident … Continue reading
I Care If You Listen – Review of Glossolalia
Angelina Panozzo of I Care If You Listen, recently reviewed my new album entitled “Glossolalia”.
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
Music Well - Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer 