Making an EP with Eric Agner! 

I'm really excited about this project. Eric's a songwriter and bassist I've been co-writing with since 2008, almost entirely online, since we live across the country from each other. We are finally making an EP of some of our music -- including some written specifically for this recording project. Currently we're refining arrangements of the songs, and in late July we will record at Tonal Park Studio. 

Songs still come first 

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>What&#39;s the biggest factor determining the sound of your music: Recording, mixing or mastering? <a href="http://t.co/v8CbVLIVxG">http://t.co/v8CbVLIVxG</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/CNET">@CNET</a></p>&mdash; Blast House Studios (@blasthouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/blasthouse/status/555770547737722880">January 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Interesting interview with…

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Songwriting Classes 

I'm excited to be offering songwriting classes at Madison Music Foundry this autumn and winter.  We're keeping class sizes at 5-10 people -- small enough for everyone to participate and get feedback, while large enough to get stimulated by a variety of approaches to the craft.

On the second Sunday of each month, starting September 14 from 2:30-4:30, I'll be doing songwriting classes for individuals. Each class will be a stand-alone workshop where everyone will write a complete draft of a song. It'll be…

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Student Stars 

Rock Camps and Student Jam and Recital -- oh my! It's shaping up to be a summer of student performances, and I can't wait.

Girls Rock Camp starts tomorrow. I spent yesterday hauling drum kits, testing guitar amps and sorting keyboard parts, setting the stage for the kids to start learning their instruments and practicing with their peers. I'll be co-teaching the keyboard class with Barbara Chusid, a fantastic musician and teacher I've known since we sang in Womonsong back in the '80s! I'll be co-coaching a…

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Couch by Couchwest 

Here's my first performance of one of my 22 songs written this February. I'm kicking it off at Couch by Couchwest, with "The Nasty Man".

http://couchbycouchwest.com/nancy-rost-the-nasty-man/

Songwriting Workshops 

Get an intensive introduction to songwriting, or learn the art of co-writing. I'm offering workshops in both next week at Madison Music Foundry.

Enroll here.

Two Johns & A Nancy Photo Shoot! 

Kris Hammargren, an amazing photographer who happens to be married to one-third of Two Johns & A Nancy, told us we needed some new pictures. We agreed, and found a field in which to catch a golden autumn afternoon -- just a day before snow fell.

There are more photos over at my Facebook page. Give it a "like" to get occasional updates or just to show support. Thanks!

November Brain 

One of the highlights of my summer was a long weekend in Emlenton, Pennsylvania. This little town (Pop. 615) was overtaken by songwriters from across the US, Canada, Netherlands and Norway. 

Above: Writing a four-handed piano duet with Kristian Børresen of Oslo.

Paul and Nancy Newbury of the Emlenton Mill kept us inspired with local history and vast amounts of ice cream. Music was composed on glockenspiels, dulcimers and smart-phone apps. I saw old friends, made new friends, got very little sleep and was…

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Real Girls and Artificial Flowers 

This week I've been teaching keyboards to 45 girls ages 8-15, and coaching a band of third- and fourth-graders to write a song together and record and perform it. Most of these kids are new to their instruments and to songwriting. It's been exciting and inspiring to see what they can accomplish in such a short time. This afternoon they take the stage. I can't wait to do it again!

 

Last night was Jim Barnard's "Artifical Flowers" EP release, and the final product sounds fantastic! Jim's signature bluesy…

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New strings, no bow 

I've been rather quiet lately, but lots of good stuff has been going on.

I've been playing bass guitar and loving it. Here's a shot of the Two Johns and a Nancy show where I debuted on Ashbory bass

I've also started accompanying local group of ukulele enthusiasts known as MAUI. These folks have a mind-boggling repertoire and a great attitude. Join us if you're into it, or come see us in the park in New Glarus in August (and possibly popping up in your neighborhood -- check my calendar dates for…

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