Music Composition 101

One of my goals for this year is to start composing music again.  I am basically back to a beginners level and have to relearn any music theory that I had previously learned.  So what better way to learn then to start reading and writing.  The piece above is my first attempt at an intro and exposition section of a piano sonata.  It is a midi file so forgive the sound quality.  I would love to get some feedback on what anyone thinks of it so far, even if you think it sucks.  I'm sure when I am done editing and learning more it will sound different then it does now, which makes me wonder when I will ever consider any piece of music finished? Maybe I should set a deadline, that seems to take the art out of it though don't you think?  Any way, take a listen and tell me what you think. Thanks.

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Thanksgiving

Image by Edsel L via Flickr

A very happy Thanksgiving to all of you.  I hope you have a great time with your family and friends. And of course eat plenty of turkey!!!  I will be spending Thanksgiving with family on Thursday.  Help my Dad out on Friday.  Then I will spend the weekend with my wife!!!  We are going to see the Chicago Symphony on Saturday night and do some shopping during the day.  Have a great weekend!!!

Happy girl

Happy girl
Originally uploaded by JeffKamp

Happy girl

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

Jacob's Foreign Language Interests

My 5-year old, Jacob, has a real interest in learning words from foreign languages.  He loves to roll his "R" when saying Spanish words.  Several times he will say things, that we think is gibberish, only to find out later that it is Chinese!!! He seems to be most interested in Spanish and Chinese.  That being said, the other day he corrected me on the meaning of a French word!

So here is the thing.  I would like to encourage him to learn new languages.  Learning them at a young age has to be easier then learning them when you are older.  Not only that, but it would be a huge advantage in this globalized world to be able to communicate in more than just English.  If you have any ideas, methods, or recommendations on how I, best can help him to learn these languages please let me know. Comment below or on my Facebook wall.  Thanks!!!