New Journey: When I’m in an airport or driving somewhere new, this piece evokes that feeling of the unexpected, but the “good” unexpected, like the anticipation of something fresh and newly begun. I also find this song relaxing and rejuvenating, a positive piece that says, even when the wrong turn is taken, things will be okay. In your life, what do you feel when you face new challenges or journeys? Perhaps you experience a song that describes the excitement, creates good vibes, and provides you with the energy to venture into the unknown.

 

Beloved:  My wife is the inspiration behind this piece. At the time of composing this track, we had been married for five years, and so our love had deepened and grown stronger. I feel like this piece embodies this growth. It starts off light then develops in complexity but remains beautiful throughout: just like any solid and healthy relationship should be. Not that my wife is perfect (I think she is) but in all human imperfections, you find beauty and love. You will experience “lovers’ high” after listening to this piece. The melody is like a soul changing conversation or the magic of falling more profoundly in love. Maybe it’s your turn to write your love story.

 

Glorious One: This track was also written for my wife, however, at the time, she was my girlfriend. I needed to do something to impress her!  Actually, I was so inspired by this girl, I wrote the piece in a week, blindfolded her, led her into an auditorium, and premiered it for her on a Steinway grand. I should’ve proposed then too, come to think of it but it’s okay, she’s my wife now. A hopelessly romantic guy like me cannot undermine the power of music to capture one’s heart. I didn’t need a fancy job, car, or even looks: music goes farther. Why not try using music to confess your love to another! It worked for me.  

 

Forza: This piece was written when I was listening to everything Mendelssohn. You’ll certainly hear the influence: frequent mood changes, jumps, silliness, and humour are all there. You know, they say Mendelssohn wrote “fairy” music. Sure, why not? The sound is something new, and something borrowed from the classical era—the golden age of quality music. But it has a modern twist to it; it’s neo-classical. Ask people which age this comes from, then tell them it’s from 2016, not 1850!

 

Korean Fall: Obviously, inspired as the title implies. The colours in Korea during autumn are beyond description. Thinking about the aura in those moments brings some melancholic feelings to mind: the thought of the coming winter, and of death; things passing on into the next world; falling leaves. What is fall to you? Is it a change of season, the end of a particular phase of life, or is it adolescence losing its innocence, the loss of a loved one? Maybe fall is not just one but many of these things to you?

 

Short Fall Melody: This was a melody inspired by the light side of fall, where you feel a soft joy inside that is hard to pinpoint, but it’s there somewhere:short but sweet. You write the rest.

 

Judgment: This piece gives a glimpse into what the “wrath of God” might look like. That’s the beauty of music. It can take you to those places. What do you think about the “wrath of God” and    what do you feel when you listen to this music? Remember, music can transport  you to places in your mind you may have thought you had no access to. Have you ever felt these emotions in your life?

 

Strength: I was going through a difficult period  in my life but I discovered a hidden inner strength. This reserve helped me cope and deal with my own shortcomings. Right at the beginning of the piece you can feel this power, coiled, calm and collected amidst the turmoil. The way through the storm is where this inner strength exists. Have you faced any challenges recently and wondered from where you would draw your strength? I hope this music bestows unto you the same inner strength that I experienced. 

 

Forza 2: Another Mendelssohn inspired piece. This is one of my favourites. After playing this melody, I always feel excited and bouncy. This is my morning coffee and it is something you can learn to play, too. I dare you! If you need a jolt of energy in your day or want to impress your guests and friends, it’s a go-to piece, sure to put a big smile on your face, the perfect accompaniment for any party. 

 

Fruit of the Spirit: One of my favourite melodies. My wife improvised the first section and then after recording her part, I wrote the remainder. The “spirit” of this piece is all about the fruits of the spirit St. Paul talks about: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Don’t we all need these sort of affirmations every day? Just listen and let your spirit overflow with the sweet fragrance of this music. This piece has healing properties and the melody could be part of a music therapy session each day.