In the summer of 2016, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with two Lutheran congregations as organist. I admire…
G. K. Chesterton’s prayer for political life
The hallmark of a strongly written hymn is that it stands the test of time and speaks to new conditions.…
The hymnbook as the second scripture
From time to time, people ask me how I select hymns for worship services at First Congregational Church in Melrose. I would…
Fundraising concert for Bread of Life
In my work as Director of Music at First Congregational Church in Melrose for the past three years, one of…
Guest post at Pavoh.org: Your Value as a Musician
Guest post at Pavoh.org: Your Value as a Musician Is music valuable? If so, is this value always rewarded in…
Shape-Note Singing as an Alternative Church Music
My article “Shape-Note Singing as an Alternative Church Music” has been published in the Fall 2013 issue of Worship, Music, and…
My summer tour: Substitute organist in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
The church at which I hold a regular position, First Congregational Church in Melrose, Massachusetts, joins with several other churches…
Charlie on the M.T.A.
A highlight of the US-Sino Pathway Program at Northeastern University is the final concert for students in the “Music in the USA” class.…
Chicago, the masters of American prog rock
I finally got a chance to see Chicago live last week at the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.…
Teaching American music to Chinese students
For the summer of 2013, I am again teaching a course on the history of American music for Chinese students…