Category: Making Time for Hobbies

Some thoughts on music in the digital age…

I saw this on YouTube and it resonated with me.

Maybe you’re not a music teacher like this guy, but I bet music technology has changed the way you listen to and learn music to.

My Favorite Thing to Do with Music – by Ben Levin

If you’re looking to learn more about music or want to consume some eccentric YouTube videos about music you need to check out Ben.

Mechanical Relay Percussion In A Eurorack Format

There are plenty of analog and digital synthesis modules available in Eurorack format. But how about one that actually does physical percussion while…

Mechanical Relay Percussion In A Eurorack Format

Cleere’s Bar and Theater, Kilkenny, Ireland – Artist Unkown – PPAC Challenge

I’m really happy to combine my PPAC Challenge entry this week with my musical content.

This hand painted sign is a repurposed old door outside Cleere’s Bar and Theater in Kilkenny.

A painting outside Cleere’s Pub, taken August 22, 2022.
A hand-painted bodhran, a traditional Irish drum, is used to reserve the table for the musicians.

I’ve got another post planned to describe the incredible musical experience I had at Cleere’s, but for now, please be sure to check out their YouTube channel below. Also, be sure to check out my recent post about the music in Dublin. Perhaps it will hold you over until you can plan a trip to Ireland.

Hobby #8: Active Listening

This is a common sense hobby – you probably don’t need someone like me to suggest it. But I bet for most of you it’s been months or even years since you’ve done it… so indulge while I nudge you a little bit.

Dedicate Time to Focus on Active Listening

Minimize distractions: let the dog out, put the kids down for nap, and silence your phone.

Grab a note book and pen so you can take notes. Scribble what do you like about the instrumentation, any lyrics that stand out, and any emotions you feel.

Consider headphones: this will help you hear the depth and spacing of the instruments better. Any headphones will do, but noise cancelling over ear will help block out the world and let you get lost in the soundscape.

Get comfortable: Dim the lights, light a candle, and pour some wine.

Listen to your favorite tune, or try out something you’ve never heard before. (See the playlist below for suggestions if you’re looking for something new).

Check out this playlist if you’re looking for something new to listen to.

Set a reasonable volume: heavy metal should me loud, classical music should be loud enough to hear dynamics, or whatever is appropriate for the tune you’re enjoying.

When the song is over, review your notes in silence- add any final impressions you have. If you feel compelled, listen again.

Move on to another tune. Then when you are done with the session take a moment to reflect. Did you learn anything new about your artist, album, song, genre etc? Can you draw any new conclusions?

Is there something that you’d like to share? Publish on social media or share with friends or consider starting a song club.

The most important thing is that you make the time, because if you don’t, life will get in the way and you’ll miss out. Get listening!

Ireland Adventure Series

Normally my blog focuses on musical hobbies. That is still my intent, however, I’m sitting here in the Dublin airport awaiting my flight back to the U.S. and I feel like I have so much to share about my holiday in Ireland. I want to document and share my experiences, musically related and otherwise.

Trim Castle, Ireland

So, I’ve decided to do a brief mini-series about my trip. I’ve got some great photos, videos, and travel tips that could be very useful to you if you’re planning a trip to Ireland, or if you’re just here because you’re curious about the culture or want to experience the beauty!

Here are a few posts you can look forward to seeing here in the weeks ahead.  If any of them pique your interest, you should be sure to follow me to make sure you get updates when they are posted.

Planned Blogs

  • My musical experiences from Ireland including venues in Kilkenny and Dublin.
  • Traveling the world to experience music from other cultures.
  • Our special tour of the Ring of Kerry.
  • Other Travel Insights

Photo Blogs

PPAC Challenge – Photos of art available in public places

Sculpture Outside Kilkenny Castle

Pink Predator Sculpture #DublinInk

“Art” at Guinness Open Gate Brewery

BJ’s Bar Fredonia, NY

“Full of Beans” Moxy Hotel, Dublin

Sculpture Outside Kilkenny Castle

Cleere’s Bar and Theater, Kilkenny

Two Irish castles and two ancient stone forts

Numerous photos of the beautiful scenery

PPAC #54: Harbor District Guitar

Here is my entry in Marsha’s, Always Write Blog, PPAC Challenge. This challenge it to take pictures of public art and share with others. There is an …

PPAC #54: Harbor District Guitar

PPAC Challenge: Eric Schultz Reconnecting

I recently learned of the PPAC Challenge and thought it would be fun to share pic I snapped of this fellow playing the banjo.

This is by an artist named Eric Schultz and it is called “Reconnecting.” I spotted it during the Memorial Day parade in Hopewell, New Jersey.