I love teaching composing; you keep learning more when you share what you know:) I suppose there is always more insight that pertains to the topic, that’s why it’s fun to be a part of.
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, piano music, relaxing piano, relaxing piano music, songwriting, soothing piano music
I’m starting a new album project this week, which is always exciting and daunting at the same time. It’s very enjoyable and rush-like to have all of the creativity flowing, but the amount of hours and care that go into it look like a huge mountain in front of you at the beginning!
So it ends up being a step by step by step thing etc. until it’s all in order. Time to roll up the sleeves now:)
Tags: composing, jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano music, solo piano, songwriting, soothing piano music
I am constantly hearing music in my head..I bet you do too..It’s nice to be able to just enjoy it. What happens with me though, is I decide I have to do something with it:) And it will keep tapping me on the shoulder until I actually do.
The challenge for me is to get it out in a form that is enjoyable to listen to, and also something I can play. So I drop everything and coop up in my studio till it’s recognizable:) Then after that..who knows? Maybe it will end up out in the world maybe not..wish I could know that beforehand, but it doesn’t seem to work that way!
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, relaxing music, relaxing piano, relaxing piano music, solo piano, songwriting
I’m having fun of late finding the right notes for my latest music efforts. It’s always a challenge to be constantly trying to do your best work, but I enjoy that part my profession.
Sometimes the journey is as interesting as the destination:)
Tags: composing, Music fun, recording studio, songwriting
Once I have some new song ideas that I am inspired to work with I usually have to roll up my sleeves do “the arrangement.”
For me that means:
Sometimes this part of putting together an album is the most difficult in my opinion. However, besides being very necessary, it can make a huge difference in what you get out of the song as a fan/listener! So it’s a must:)
Here is a piece from my Comfort Songs album that turned out nicely:
Tags: Arranging music, jim chappell blog, piano music, solo piano, songwriting
Greetings..hope you’re December is unfolding in a good way..
I’ve been wondering a lot about the concept of free music these days and it’s potential to keep everyone happy; meaning fan/listener and artist/creator..
If you have any thoughts feel free to share on this one:)
Tags: free music, free music download, jim chappell blog, piano music, songwriting
Bouncing some new music off of select fans to see what’s happening and what’s not; should be enlightening:) I’ve decided how great would it be to get even more opinions on my new material before I commit to releasing it? Of course it’s about what songs I love, but when you really strip it down it’s not so much about me as it is about you. Without you I would only be playing for the birds and trees etc!
Tags: music power, piano music, recording studio, solo piano, songwriting
Writing a good song is just the beginning; I’ve learned that I need to keep on until I get a great version of it in the studio..it’s all about the heart, the vibe, and the emotion!
It’s really interesting to compare “takes” of a good song. Some versions just don’t do anything! Then all of a sudden the magic is present when while listening back through another pass at the song, and everyone feels it.
It really is more than just a good song that touches others, and gives them goosebumps, or causes their heart to open up; simply put it’s that undefinable ingredient that is so great when it gets captured in the music:)
It’s something you don’t really have any control over. You just do your best at trying to express it, and it either comes through , or it doesn’t!
Being able to put together a “great” song becomes a true cause for celebration and humble gratitude.
Tags: recording studio, songwriting
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