Jadyn Gaertner writes music in her room at DeBell Hall. Photos by Lucian Himes When people hear the lyrics to their first nursery rhyme, "Happy Birthday," the first band anthem they learned the words to or the song they automatically put on in the car, the lyrics and messages might stay with them for the rest of their lives. Musicians weave together words and chord … [Read more...] about The Heart of Storytelling: Generational Change in Songwriting
songwriting
The Beauty of Singing and the Voice, An Instrument of Connection
Joshua Corey sings his heart out on Alumni Park. Photo by Lucian Himes Design by Abby Wilt Music makes people joyful — this is a scientific fact. When a human hears someone sing, their body releases dopamine in response to the vocal vibrations, according to Pfizer. Choosing to use one’s voice in the form of music is choosing human connection, local artist Brigitte Purdy … [Read more...] about The Beauty of Singing and the Voice, An Instrument of Connection
Taylor Mathews: Songwriting For The Sake of Authenticity
Senior singer/songwriter Taylor Mathews performs original songs during a concert for friends in the Lausanne, Switzerland program in 2019. While abroad, Mathews said he explored more of his spirituality and found peace with it through the community there and time he spent alone.Photos Courtesy of Taylor MathewsIn the struggle to find his own intrinsic value and a means for … [Read more...] about Taylor Mathews: Songwriting For The Sake of Authenticity
Good News: My Heart Will Speak as the Music Plays
I finished writing a new song yesterday. For me, there is no greater news than when people tell you they love your song, since that's when your heart finally speaks out loud. Reoccurring good news throughout my whole life has been the presence of music. I remember when I saw Lorde live in March 2018. Right before she sang "Writer in the Dark," she made a speech that I … [Read more...] about Good News: My Heart Will Speak as the Music Plays
Taylor Begert Connects his Love of God with Music
Photo courtesy of Taylor Begert Taylor Begert, worship director of The Well, originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue singing and songwriting. Over time, he said his faith began to compliment his love for music. "I love the Lord and I love music, and getting to participate in the interaction of that in a communal space is just — it's just insane," Begert said. Begert … [Read more...] about Taylor Begert Connects his Love of God with Music