A Look Back, A Look Forward

July 10, 2023Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Washington State Music Teachers Conference at Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop, Washington. The lodge, surrounded by rolling hills and hiking trails, also provides a 360-degree view of the Methow Valley and distant mountains. Attending the conference were some 140 members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association. Our days were filled with inspiring conference sessions (presented by members of WSMTA, including yours truly), and our evenings were spent attending exquisite concerts. Joe, my better half, traveled with me to the lodge and spent his time finding and photographing colorful birds. He features his best images on his weekly bird blog, Short & Tweet Bird Reports (you can find the Sun Mountain Lodge posts here and here). In all, it was a terrific working get-away with time to hike, relax, and reflect on the past year.

Laura at Sun Mountain Lodge (photo by Joe Sweeney)

It’s been a little over a year since the publication of my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier. Over the past year, I presented 13 concerts featuring live music and narrative pulled from the pages of the book. Venues included book stores, historical museums, schools, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities. All the while, I maintained my private studio teaching, played extra gigs here and there, and adjudicated for the Washington State Music Artistry Program in Everett and Edmonds. It’s been quite a year of sharing music and stories, and interacting with enthusiastic audiences. Thanks to all of you who have purchased the book, attended events, and cheered me on through this past year.

There’s a new project on the horizon! I’ve been working with my beloved mentor and teacher, Jill Timmons, on repertoire for a new 2024 performance program. Practice sessions of late consist of “new to me” music from John Philippe Rameau, Joseph Haydn, Amy Beach, Charles Wakefield Cadman, George Gershwin and Dave Brubeck. Luscious!

I’m also starting to build an online beginning piano course for busy adult students; the course design allows students to move through the curriculum on their own timeline. Stay tuned for more about this exciting project, and please, let me know if something like this interests you! Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Are you curious?

“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” -Sergei Rachmaninov

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Rancho La Puerta 2023

April 18, 2023April 18, 20231 Comment

Rancho La Puerta is a wellness resort in Tecate, Mexico, dating back to the 1940s. My first visit to Rancho La Puerta was in 2009. Since then, I’ve returned to the Ranch as a musical guest some ten times! This year, I took my daughter Ruby along as my side kick, and we had a wonderful time. Personal highlights of the week included hiking, swimming, fitness classes, wandering through the meandering gardens, reading by the pool, eating award winning vegan meals, and best of all: connecting with old friends and staff members from years past, as well as meeting new friends. In short, a trip to the ranch felt like coming home.

During the week, I presented an evening solo piano concert based on my book which rolled off the presses about a year ago: Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier. I also led a class called “Sing-along with Laura,” an hour filled with standards, show tunes, and pop favorites.

A week at Rancho La Puerta encourages slowing down, breathing deeply, and living in the moment. Indeed these are gifts available to us every day of the year wherever we are! Try it now…… take a big breath in and a long, audible exhale…..Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Now, don’t you feel better?

Sunrise on the Coyote Hike – photo by hike leader Luis! Thanks Luis

Iceland Adventure

March 7, 2023March 8, 20232 Comments

Joe and I recently returned from a quick trip to Iceland, the icy wonderland in the North Atlantic which is home to around 350,000 people. On our first day we explored the capitol city of Reykjavik on foot. On our walk, we watched gorgeous swans, ducks and geese swimming and posing in a large city pond, we ambled down cobbled city streets and marveled at the mix of historic and modern buildings, and we lunched in a fabulous vegan cafe called Mama Reykjavik.

One evening we took a boat ride to view the Northern Lights (great adventure, but alas, no lights.) We soaked in the famous blue lagoon where we rubbed mud all over our faces and let the mineral rich water soak into our skin. On our penultimate day, we took a 7- hour bus tour of the Golden Circle which drove us along miles and miles of highway with spectacular views of the snow covered landscape, Stops along the way included Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, Þingvellir National Park, and the Kerid Crater (where we hiked around the icy edge).

Rose, our guide on the Golden Circle explained the gastronomical delights of Iceland including fish soup, lamb stew, and on the wilder side, sheep’s head, and fermented shark. As Joe and I stick to a vegan diet, we were happy to find plenty of options in Reykveck.

Thanks to it’s abundant geothermic activity, hot water heats homes throughout the country, as well as provides hot water for hundreds of public pools, and natural soaking spots which Icelanders enjoy throughout the country-in every village and town. Add Along with abundant soaking and swimming pools, Iceland boasts sleek modern buildings, free health care and educational systems, and a nearly crime-free oasis where the policeman don’t even carry guns because it is so safe. Indeed, Iceland is a chilly oasis of civility in the north Atlantic.

To get a sense of the vastness and open space, watch the 2016 movie Rams, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, about two estranged, sheep-farmer brothers who live next door to each other and haven’t spoken in 40 years who come together for the good of the family sheep stock. Gives a good look at the desolate, icy landscape of rural Iceland.

Víkingur Ólafsson, word-renowned Icelandic pianist, records music as serene, stunning, and clean as the Icelandic landscape. His newest recording, From Afar, features 22 works including Icelandic folk songs, along with romantic and contemporary pieces. Listen to his Ave Maria by Sigvaldi Kaldalóns here.

Kerid Crater — Joe and Laura on the Golden Circle Tour

Burt Bacharach (1928-2023)

February 13, 2023February 13, 2023Leave a comment

“This Guy’s in Love With You” by Burt Bacharach, arranged by Phillip Keveren, played by Laura Dean

Do you remember those huge stereo consoles circa mid 1970 where you had to lift a lid on the top to get to the turntable hiding inside? Listening to music was an intentional experience that took some planning – purchasing a record at at a brick and mortar record store. Not to mention, it also took a combination of strength and dexterity to lift the console lid and to gently place the record onto the turntable before dropping the needle.

My first introduction to Burt Bacharach’s music was “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” sung by BJ Thomas, and played by my Grandma Dean on her gigantic stereo console. I loved the ceremony of watching her load the record, singing along with the song, and sharing the experience together. The song, from the charming bicycle scene in the movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, remains a classic in the Bacharach canon.

In elementary school, in Choteau, Montana, where I grew up, our music classes took place in the cafeteria. Our beloved teacher, Dorothy Allen, would often pass out song sheets for sing alongs. While she accompanied on the spinet piano, we sang our hearts out. One of our favorite songs was the Bacharach hit, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” I think it was the groovy melody more than the words that hooked us, after all, we really weren’t interested in love, but we did recognize a great tune.

The news stories in the wake of Burt Bacharach’s passing last week remind us of his huge body of work and his many contributions to the “Great American Songbook.” His lovely melodies, accompanied by thoughtful lyrics, have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Thanks Burt Bacharach, we will be teaching, playing and listening to your music for decades to come!

CBC Sunday Morning story about Burt Bacharach:

Diana Krall sings “The Look of Love.”

Dionne Warwick sings “I Say a Little Prayer for You.”

The Phillip Keveren Bacharach and David Collection of Piano Solos

Piano students, a wedding, and TÁR!

February 2, 2023Leave a comment

“Prelude in C Major,” J.S. Bach, played by Laura Dean

What do piano lessons, a wedding, and the 2022 movie TÁR have in common? The answer – Bach’s “Prelude in C Major,” the first piece from Das Wohltemperierte Klavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), a two volume collection of 24 preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys dating back to 1722. The WTC is considered one of the most important works of keyboard literature. Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” is an enduring prelude played by beginning piano students as well as seasoned professionals. I’ve had the pleasure of both performing this piece for special events and teaching the piece to piano students of all ages. The prelude remains familiar, meditative and comforting.

I recently played the piano at the wedding of two dear friends, Mara and Matt, at the Novelty Hill-Januik Winery in Woodinville, Washington. The couple selected Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” as the prelude to the ceremony. The piece was a lovely choice to set the tone for such a beautiful event. Elegant, timeless, and tranquil.

In contrast, the 2022 psychological thriller, TÁR, features the same piece performed by Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett). In a particularly tense scene, Lydia Tár invites a master class participant to sit by her on the piano bench as she demonstrates the prelude. She commands that the student listen to the questions present in Bach’s composition as she intensely plays the piece with a variety of articulations and expressions, all the while making the student feel more and more uncomfortable. The particular scene was featured in this article by the New York Times.

I invite you to listen to a variety of pianists play “Bach’s Prelude in C Major,” each with their own sound, including Glenn Gould (listen carefully and you can hear him vocalizing in the background), Lang Lang, and Angela Hewitt.

A Magical Year!

December 30, 2022December 31, 20222 Comments

“Walking in the Air” by Howard Blake-played by Laura

It’s warm and cozy in my studio as the rain drums on the roof on this penultimate day of 2022. I’m reflecting on this past year, a magical year. My personal highlight was the publication of my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier. Over the past few months, I have thoroughly enjoyed giving concert presentations to audiences in Tecate, Mexico (at Rancho La Puerta), Seattle, and in Eastern Washington. I am just getting warmed up, as there are several more Heart and Place concerts in the works for 2023. I will also be releasing a recorded collection of songs/pieces (on a CD and digital recording) entitled Songs of Heart and Place.

In addition, the year provided special moments all along the way- teaching my students (ages 5-adult), working as a visiting artist in Olympia and Edmonds, early morning swims with my dear swimming pals, traveling to Sedona, hiking along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, cooking dinner for friends, and the daily interactions with people in my neighborhood. There’s magic afoot everywhere.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been taking a staycation filled with music practice, organizing my studio, planning for the year ahead, taking long walks, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Holiday events have included a couple of special music concerts. The first, a Harry Connick Jr. concert at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall- which felt like a trip to new Orleans with fabulous jazz musicians, funny stories, and Harry’s voice and piano prowess- oh my! On another night, Ruby and I attended the Northwest Boy Choir’s “Lessons in Carols” proceeded by dinner at the Wild Ginger-our annual tradition. (picture of me and Ruby taken at the Wild Ginger-which is across the street from Benaroya Hall)

Music remains a plentiful source of joy, levity, comfort, and connection in our daily lives! May you have a multitude of musical and magical experiences in 2023. Wishing you a warm, cozy, prosperous, healthy, and memorable new year!

Walla Walla and Prosser, Washington

October 4, 2022October 4, 20222 Comments

I’ve recently returned from a mini book tour to south eastern Washington. Along the way I gave two Music in the Westward Expansion presentations and took in some of the rich history and natural beauty of the area. The first program was an after hours program at the Fort Walla Walla Museum, located at the edge of town. The second program took place in Prosser at the Prosser Historical Museum.

Joe, my partner in life and roadie, drove (about 600 miles total) the tour vehicle (his Subaru Forester), and helped me haul my very heavy digital piano, guitar, music stand, Northern Cheyenne courtship flute, and other miscellaneous music paraphernalia in and out of the venues. Joe, who is also a master birder, managed to enjoy two exciting mornings of birding at Fort Walla Walla and at the Whitman Mission. For his eastern WA report, visit Short and Tweet Bird Reports.

Joe- birding in a natural area adjacent to the Fort Walla Walla Museum

In between events we enjoyed the vibrant downtown scene in Walla Walla where we strolled along picturesque sidewalks by welcoming shops and restaurants and ate some delicious meals. The Walla Walla Valley is known for its wine industry and the area around Walla Walla is surrounded by gently rolling hills lush with grape vines, and home to some 120 wineries.

At Fort Walla Walla, my presentation was in the main lobby which houses a historical covered wagon, a beautiful stage coach (pictured below), and display cases full of relics from the mid 1800s which made for a perfect setting for Music in the Westward Expansion. My program was part of a series called “After Hours” where authors and historians present programs on their field of expertise. The presentation was recorded and will eventually be added to the Fort Walla Walla website in the past programs link. Thank you to Ella Meyers and the Fort Walla Walla Museum for hosting this event.

Music in the Westward Expansion program at Fort Walla Walla

The day after the Fort Walla Walla event, we spent anafternoon at the Whitman Mission where missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman established a mission near the Cayuse Nation at Waiilatpo on the Columbia Plateau in 1836. At the mission, we walked the grounds, marveled in the open space, and learned more about the complicated and difficult story of the Whitmans and the Cayuse people which is an important and pivotal story within the story of the American Westward Expansion.

Wagon at Waiilatpu, the Whitman Mission Historical Site, located west of Walla Walla.

In Prosser, the county seat of Benton County, located along the Yakima River, I played on an 1860s Chickering square grand piano. The piano was originally shipped from the East Coast around Cape Horn to Astoria where is was then shipped up the Columbia River and hauled overland to Prosser! Playing the piano in the parlor setting truly felt like stepping back in time. Thank you to Alys Means and the Prosser Historical Museum for hosting this event.

1860s Chickering Square Grand at the Prosser Historical Museum

Author Events beginning next week!

July 30, 20221 Comment

A quick note to remind everyone that I have a couple of author events coming up for my new book, Music in the Westward Expansion. I’d love to see you there! Both events will include narrative interspersed with live music played on the Northern Cheyenne Courtship flute, the piano, and the guitar!

Saturday, August 6, 2022, 7:00 -8:30 pm

Music Center of the Northwest
901 N 96th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Free Admission- no registration required

*Audience members at the Music Center are required to wear a mask.
*I will have a limited number of books on hand for sale for the Music Center event. If you’d like a book signed, I encourage you to purchase a copy ahead of time at your favorite book seller

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 7:00 -8:00 pm

Third Place Books at Ravenna: 6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115. Registration is required-click on the above link. Third Place Books is stocked with copies of the book for purchase.

The Girl I Left Behind Me!

Happy Summer

July 11, 2022July 22, 2022Leave a comment

Summertime! I hope you are enjoying activities, places, and people that bring you joy. The studio is buzzing with summer lessons, and preparations are underway for upcoming August author events. I’ve have launched a series of short music videos that go hand in hand with my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier, and I’ve created dedicated page on my website just for the book. I encourage you to visit the book page for new updates-including music clips and videos! I hope to connect with you soon either online, at an author event, or around the neighborhood!

Music in the Westward Expansion Upcoming Author Events

June 20, 2022June 20, 2022Leave a comment

I’m delighted to announce some current and upcoming author events for my new book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier (McFarland, May 23, 2022).

I invite you to peruse the book at your local bookstore such as Third Place Books-Ravenna, Amazon, McFarland, or wherever you buy books.

Listen to a lively conversation about my book on the podcast, Enhance Life with Music, Ep. 134 hosted by Mindy Peterson. While you’re there, subscribe to this wonderful podcast that “explores the holistic power of music in our everyday lives through the lens of science & health, sports & entertainment, business, and education.”

Read my guest article on the blog, No Dead Guys, hosted by Rhonda Rizzo, pianist, and author. While you’re there, check out Rhonda’s compelling page turner, The Waco Variations, a beautiful coming-of-age novel steeped in music and drama.

Upcoming Author Events

Saturday, August 6, 2022, 7:00 -8:30 PM
Piano concert featuring stories and music from the book; audience Q. and A.; and book signing
Music Center of the Northwest
901 N 96th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Free Admission
Audience members are required to wear a mask
*I will have a limited number of books on hand for sale. If you’d like a book signed, I encourage you to purchase a copy ahead of time at your favorite book seller.

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 7:00 PM
I’ll be giving an author talk peppered with songs and guitar accompaniment; audience Q. and A; book signing
Third Place Books at Ravenna: 6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115
Store Phone (206) 525-2347
Free Admission by registration: call or connect online

I hope to see you at one of the events!

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Laura Dean: Musical Artist, Teacher, Author