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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
Expand Your Library’s Catalog
Would your institution’s library benefit from adding contemporary music to its catalog? Speak to your librarian about acquiring Glossolalia. I recently sent the album to University of California at Irvine … Continue reading
Glossolalia Reviewed in Poland!
“The music is ecstatic and trance-inducing, strongly influencing emotions of the listener, even one who is not musically educated”. – from the recent review of Glossolalia by Ewa Palińska in … Continue reading
A Good Sound Engineer – Don’t Enter a Recording Studio Without One
As people continue to listen to “Glossolalia“, they send me comments about the composition, the incredible quality of performance by NeoQuartet, and the nuanced mix of the recording. I am … 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
Cantabile – A Touch of Jazz in a Classical Setting
Something for a happy Friday: Cantabile (in Italian “singable”, or “song-like”) should unfold through long and eloquent phrases, but it does not have enough courage to immediately convey what hides … 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
Glossolalia – Taking Big Risks, Reaping Large Musical Rewards
I met NeoQuartet for the first time during the first rehearsal, three days ahead of the recording session, with the studio and sound engineer fully booked. Were we crazy to … Continue reading
Glossolalia Now on iTunes, Amazon, and Around the World!
The album has launched! Below a few links to a free download, MP3 and CD retailers, a new video, and other goodies: – Bandcamp: http://tinyurl.com/lqgnktr – Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mdv6czc – iTunes: … Continue reading
Glossolalia CDs Ready for Album Release
Oh, but what do we have here?! The CDs have just arrived and are ready for the June 4 release of the album. This Wednesday I will send out all … Continue reading
Free Download – Glossolalia Track
Free download from my new album Glossolalia played by NeoQuartet. Listen, share, e-mail to your mother, girlfriend, and your boss. Pre-order an audio CD and MP3 album. Leave a comment, … Continue reading
Is Now Not Enough?
Tomorrow I will offer the opening track from my new album “Glossolalia – NeoQuartet plays music of Dosia McKay” for free download. It will be available on Bandcamp at: http://dosiamckay.bandcamp.com/ … Continue reading
Glossolalia – Pre-sale to Begin with a Free Track Download
Let me entice you with colorful graphics for the last time because on Wednesday I will be releasing a FREE download of one of the tracks from Glossolalia performed by … 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
Glossolalia – Mysticism and Ecstasy of Inspiration
Glossolalia – The Inspiration Glossolalia, meaning speaking or praying in tongues, is a spiritual practice or a worship expression found in certain streams of the Christian church as well as … Continue reading
Glossolalia Set to Release June 4
My new album Glossolalia is set to release on June 4, 2014! Glossolalia, meaning speaking or praying in tongues, is a spiritual practice or a worship expression found in certain … Continue reading
Glossolalia – New Album
Coming this spring! New album of music for string quartet. http://www.dosiamckay.com/glossolalia.shtml
New Album Cover Design
I have completed the design of the cover for my new album and will be sharing it with you in a few days. To say that the concept is “out … 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
Fear
Uploading the recording session of my new album to my computer. If the hardest part is behind me, why am I so nervous suddenly? http://www.dosiamckay.com/stringquartet.shtml
Radio Gdańsk Studio – Album Recording Highlights
A nice note by Radio Gdańsk Studio about my recent album recording and collaboration with NeoQuartet. http://www.rgstudio.pl/newsy/1/65/dosia-mckay-w-studiu-radia-gdansk
Mixing Gear at the Recording Studio
Mixing with sound engineer Jacek Puchalski at Radio Gdańsk Studio. Let me know if you recognize any gear. Glossolalia http://www.rgstudio.pl/
What’s the Role of a Music Producer?
I feel very much at home in a recording studio. Producing an album is a strenuous mental exercise and requires a lot of patience and diplomacy. This project was very … Continue reading
Studio Music Producer
On this project I acted not only as a composer, but also as a producer. This holy book contained the schedule, all scores, parts, contracts, and detailed notes on all … 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
Recording at Radio Gdańsk Studio
I am incredibly fortunate to have worked with Jacek Puchalski on my album. Jacek has an extensive experience collaborating with local and international musicians, from classical world, through jazz, pop, … Continue reading
Recording Vibraphone in the Studio
Paweł Nowicki recording First In Flight for vibraphone and string quartet. We tried three different sets of sticks today, hard, soft, and medium, and ended up choosing the hard set. … Continue reading
Music Well - Dosia McKay, Composer, Painter, Writer 