Music Well – Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer

Reflections on Art and Life

“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

February 17, 2020 · Leave a comment

Limitation as Freedom

I am discussing the concept of limitation in the context of artistic freedom. When I am faced with the whiteness of my creative page, I like to set limiting parameters … Continue reading

August 11, 2016 · Leave a comment

Not Knowing

I remember that day a year ago. It was before I began composing “Endless Immersion”. I only had a general idea of what I wanted to do, too vague to … Continue reading

October 23, 2015 · Leave a comment

Anemone – A New Way of Composing and Listening

Has it been three years already since Anemone was interpreted through this beautiful dance? The final track from the album “Lacrimosa” has a special place in my heart, as it … Continue reading

October 2, 2015 · Leave a comment

Joyful Surprise

By all calculations I should not have a good day. Yet I woke up with a renewed strength and a desire to face obstacles on my path to creativity. Give … Continue reading

September 28, 2015 · Leave a comment

Translating Color to Music

I feel restless again. Restless to translate these colors I have been dabbing with into music. I don’t hear the sounds yet. I just feel the need to remove myself … Continue reading

August 13, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

August 11, 2015 · Leave a comment

Unconventional

When I talk about Endless Immersion, I’m supposed to have an elevator pitch to capture your attention in one sentence. I don’t have it. I don’t even know what genre … Continue reading

June 3, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

May 25, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

May 21, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

May 13, 2015 · 1 Comment

“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

April 30, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion Installation

Endless Immersion Installation – the colors morph, merge, dissolve, and drift away. Just like the music. I’ve had a great response to a private showing of the installation. Each guest … Continue reading

April 24, 2015 · 1 Comment

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

April 20, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 19, 2015 · 2 Comments

Calliope – The Patroness of Inspiration

Calliope is the muse of epic poetry, the patroness of inspiration. http://tinyurl.com/muaj4ru

April 18, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 13, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 10, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 9, 2015 · Leave a comment

Endless Immersion – First Impressions

“I am speechless”, “This is what music is supposed to be”, “I drove and don’t remember how I got home”, “I was so relaxed, I didn’t want to stop listening”, … Continue reading

April 7, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 5, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

April 2, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

March 30, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

March 25, 2015 · Leave a comment

Recording Studio – Inspiring Spaces

Beautiful space at the Echo Moountain Recording Studios in Asheville where I recently worked on Endless Immersion. We didn’t master in this exact room, but I like to peek in … Continue reading

March 24, 2015 · 1 Comment

Mastering Endless Immersion

With sound engineer Julian Dreyer at the Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville during the mastering session for Endless Immersion. We worked together on the final mix concentrating on proper … Continue reading

March 15, 2015 · 1 Comment

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

March 6, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

March 3, 2015 · Leave a comment

Aurora – For Stereo Headphones and Closed Eyes

Aurora – Meant for stereo headphones and closed eyes. http://www.dosiamckay.com/lacrimosa.shtml

February 27, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

February 25, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

February 24, 2015 · Leave a comment

Color Me Blue – New Music for Soprano Sax, 2 Vibraphones, and Bass

I am updating my score catalog and came across this fun piece for soprano saxophone, 2 vibraphones, and bass. Jazz meets counterpoint! http://www.dosiamckay.com/mp3/DosiaMcKay_colormeblue.mp3 http://www.dosiamckay.com/music/colormeblue.shtml

February 12, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

February 10, 2015 · 1 Comment

Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa – my most popular track on Soundcloud. And for a good reason. Double the fun on headphones.

February 6, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

February 5, 2015 · Leave a comment

Mereise Ine Me – Free Download

For a limited time I am offering a free download of my track “Mereise Ine Me”. Please share with friends, like, and comment.

January 23, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

January 14, 2015 · Leave a comment

New 3-Dimensional Music

If I have been quiet recently, it’s because I am working intently on new music. It’s a large-scale innovative project whose harmonic progression and formal design resembles some of my … Continue reading

January 6, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

January 4, 2015 · Leave a comment

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

December 29, 2014 · Leave a comment

New Music Composition Design

Design of a new composition I am working on. It keeps changing as I am going forward. So many moving pieces to keep track of.

December 22, 2014 · 2 Comments

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

December 9, 2014 · Leave a comment

Modern Dance – Modern Music

Though I don’t dance (publicly!) I am thrilled when others dance to my music.

October 1, 2014 · Leave a comment

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

September 29, 2014 · Leave a comment

Sweet Delirium from Lacrimosa

Sweet Delirium from my album Lacrimosa https://dosiamckay.bandcamp.com/track/sweet-delirium

September 5, 2014 · Leave a comment

Music Composition Statistics

Music composition is a very time consuming process. I usually like to schedule 3-4 weeks for a short chamber piece. The current vibraphone / string quartet piece took me about … Continue reading

May 10, 2013 · Leave a comment

“Farewell Dream Garden” for Soprano, Flute, and String Orchestra

It has been almost two years but I was not able to edit this video until now.  I wrote “Farewell Dream Garden” for the International “Music in the Garden” Composers’ … Continue reading

March 27, 2013 · Leave a comment

Dosia McKay – Is Now Not Enough – String Quartet Premiere

Enjoy the video of the recent premiere of my new string quartet entitled “Is Now Not Enough?” during the Composer’s Voice Concert in Jan Hus Presbyterian Church in New York … Continue reading

March 25, 2013 · Leave a comment
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