Voice and Piano Transcriptions
I was able to carve out some time for a song cycle I composed in 2019 for mezzo-soprano, flute, bassoon, and guitar. The piece was commissioned by visionary flutist Kate … 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
Composer Desk
I am reinventing the wheel again, that is, I am reexamining the ergonomics of my music studio setup. The three main elements always are the MIDI keyboard, the computer keyboard, … 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
New Music for Viola
I am happy to reveal my new composition for viola and piano. For now I only have a recording prepared using virtual instruments, but hope to reach out to living-breathing … Continue reading
Awakening for Viola and Piano
Ever since I have heard Rebecca Clarke’s Morpheus, my interest in writing for string instruments was piqued. I have since composed string quartets, a string trio, a piano trio, and … Continue reading
Seven for Piano Solo
“Seven” – a newly completed piece for piano solo. A virtuosity fix of sorts. Colorful harmonies and cascading arpeggios. For virtuoso and advanced pianists. Get the score at http://dosiamckay.com/music/seven.shtml
Symbiosis – An Artist’s Internal Dialogue
An artist’s internal dialogue never stops. Isn’t it enough that I have to interact with the outside world? Wouldn’t it be nice to “come home to myself” for the respite … 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
Contemplation of the Score in Slow Motion
I dragged up my 52-lb weighted Kurzweil keyboard from the basement in order to stammer through some Bach and Chopin to remind myself what compositional craft used to be about. … 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
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
In the Casino
My first time in a casino. I was asked to show a proof of age. Granted, the room was dimly lit. Granted, the staff is trained to make you feel … 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
Calliope – The Patroness of Inspiration
Calliope is the muse of epic poetry, the patroness of inspiration. http://tinyurl.com/muaj4ru
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
Composer Portrait, Part 1
Fun to re-watch. If only for the old hair.
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
Arts Education Behind the Iron Curtain, Part 1
I feel very privileged to have devoted much of my life to the study and practice of music. Having attained degrees from two American universities after completing studies in the … 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
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
Where Does a Talent Come From?
Where does a talent come from? It’s a lucky combination of genes, sometimes from the immediate ancestors, and sometimes from generations far beyond our knowledge. Here is a photograph of … Continue reading
Dosia McKay – Composer Portrait – Part 1
If we have not met in person, this might be the second best. In this candid video I discuss my pathway to composition, the sources of inspiration for my music, and … Continue reading
Two Moods for Clarinet and Piano – 2. Wind Chimes
And here is the second movement of my Two Moods for Clarinet and Piano performed by Steve Loew and Daniel Weiser in a house concert in Arden, NC. In this … Continue reading
Two Moods for Clarinet and Piano – 1. Haunted
I would like to share with you a video of a recent performance by Steve Loew and Daniel Weiser in a house concert in Arden, NC where they presented my … Continue reading
Two Moods for Clarinet and Piano Performed in Asheville
With pianist Daniel Weiser and clarinetist Steve Loew who performed my Two Moods in Asheville, NC. A truly moving rendition by these two virtuoso players. I hope to be able … Continue reading
Free Download – Lush for Piano, Saxophone, and Jazz Orchestra
In the mood for something mellow today? Enjoy this free download of my composition “Lush” for piano, soprano saxophone, and jazz orchestra.
Lacrimosa – New Album Now Available on CD
In addition to MP3 downloads of my album on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby, I am now happy to offer compact discs. You can order them directly from me by … Continue reading
Lacrimosa – Now Available on Amazon MP3 Downloads
Amazon categorized Lacrimosa as Modern Classical, Dance/DJ/Electronic, and Miscellaneous. I would say that’s fairly accurate. I hope to ruffle some feathers in the Miscellaneous department! Follow this link to listen … Continue reading
A Whisperer in the Land of Shouters
Do you ever feel like a whisperer in the land of shouters? Enjoy a preview of one of my tracks from my debut album Lacrimosa. Hear more music and download … Continue reading
Lacrimosa – New Album Available for Download
My long awaited debut album Lacrimosa is now available for download at the following locations: iTunes CD Baby More digital distributors, including Amazon to follow and the CD is in … Continue reading
Free Download – Lush for Soprano Saxophone, Piano, and Jazz Orchestra
As my holiday gift to you, please enjoy a free download of my composition “Lush” for soprano saxophone (Rob Jacoby), piano (Rich Shemaria), and jazz orchestra (NYU).
Middle Eastern, Indian, and Western Instruments Create a Unique Blend in the Soundtrack
I recently had the privilege to work on a soundtrack to a documentary entitled “The Work is One” by Michelle Pomeroy from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service. The … Continue reading
New Soundtrack – Homecoming – Short Film by Josiah Signor
I recently finished scoring a short film by Josiah Signor – Homecoming. I attempted to illustrate the emotions of this intimate and moving film with the simple instrumentation of clarinet, … Continue reading
The Power of Color
“Color is the power which directly influences the soul. Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammers, the soul is the piano with the strings. The artist is the … Continue reading
Two Moods – New Music for Clarinet and Piano
1. Haunted 2. Wind Chimes (Samples from a live performance by Jeffrey St. John Sherwood, clarinet and Melony Maness, piano, March 29, 2009.) I am happy to unveil Two Moods … Continue reading
Jubilance and Lament – New Compositions
I am enclosing links to my latest compositions: The Jubilance and the Lament. Both works were composed to satisfy the final requirement of a counterpoint course in my undergraduate studies … Continue reading
Prelude and Fugue – New compositions for piano solo
Lest you think I only write poetry these days, I am encolsing links to my latest music compositions. Inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach’s Das Wohltemperierte Klavier in style and form, … Continue reading
New Music for Cello and Piano – the Triptych
Farandole Legend Carousel (Samples from a live performance by Matt Wilkinson, cello and Melony Maness, piano, March 29, 2009) I am pleased to unveil my latest composition for cello and … Continue reading
Danse Macabre Wins Again
I am pleased to announce that my Piano Trio Danse Macabre (earlier introduced in this entry) won on regional level of Society of Composers Inc./ASCAP Student Composition Competition. The same … Continue reading
Submerged – New Music for Piano Solo
(A sample from a live performance by David Pegel, piano, March 29, 2009.) When I was in ninth grade my friend played for me “The Submerged Cathedral” by Claude Debussy. … Continue reading
Midnight Butterflies – New Music for Piano Solo
Midnight Butterflies, a piece for piano solo, was inspired by my own painting by the same title. A whimsical and stuttering melody grows bolder until it reaches a point of … Continue reading
Danse Macabre – New Music for Piano Trio
(A sample from a live performance by Paula Farias Bujes, violin, Pedro Huff, cello, and Eva Elizabeth Holder, piano, March 29, 2009.) I am pleased to announce a new composition … Continue reading
Tango for a Rainy Day – New Music for Piano Solo
I have finished writing a pice for piano solo called “Tango for a Rainy Day”. Rich and mellow jazz harmonies as well as dissonant counterpoint meet in the Tango, a … Continue reading
Music Well - Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer 