WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
If you’ve tried improving or mastering any type of skill, whether it be academic, athletic, or musical, you’ve probably heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” However, this quote may eventually lead one to discouragement. How could you possibly become better if you aren’t practicing as much as you want to?
Professor Green was a highly esteemed teacher who taught with a focus on violin and stringed instruments. In the Practicing Successfully, she writes,” Ultimate success depends upon one immutable, inescapable, and well-publicized fact: the musician has to practice successfully or not.” When you see famous athletes or musicians, the one thing they mention is the continual efforts they’ve put in to reach the point they’re at. So, what makes them different from the others? One section of the book Professor Green points to is the physiological principle of practice and how we can adjust so that we can maximize the productivity of the session.
I have this book checked out personally to myself right now, but I recommend all musicians to take a look at it! Even if you are not a musician, these principles of practice can be applied to other aspects of life.
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
The Beatles have been an iconic part of music history since their original formation in the 60s, and well after their break-up with their impression ever-lasting on today’s music and music culture. With over 33 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, The Beatles impression has continued through the present day generation. Fans today, whether a new fan or old, know what the Abbey Road crossing is. While the Beatles originated from Liverpool, the Abbey Road album (1969) features a picture outside the studio they often used in London. Fans today visit the crosswalk to see the studio as well as recreate the famous picture. Some may ask why fans go all the way to St. John’s Wood in London to see this? David Hepworth answers this question in his new release focused on the studio itself. Paul McCartney even gives insights into the history and the magic that lies within the studio.
I was originally inspired to write something about the Beatles since they have been a very influential band to my music taste and I find myself listening to their music quite often. I was drawn to this specific book as it talks more about the studio on Abbey Road. Although I am from the US, my family lives in London currently and we live down the road from this very crosswalk. This summer while training for a 10k, I would run past this crosswalk everyday and by the tons of people gathered outside the studio, whether they were waiting to take a recreation photo on the sidewalk or waiting to enter into the studio itself. It always amazed me how even if it was completely miserable out, cold and raining as it typically is, these people would still be there. And all of them would still be smiling and having a completely wonderful time. It made me wonder: What is so special about the inside of that studio? Is it that amazing? And while I’ve never taken a visit to the studio in my 2.5 years living there, after reading this book and learning more about it, it is on my must-visit list for when I return over winter or summer break!
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
Kanye West has been one of the most talented and controversial men in the current music industry. Apart from the many social and political statements he has made throughout the years, West is one of the best producers and lyricists in music.
Additionally, those interested in finding out more about this artist and where he has come from, there is an amazing documentary on Netflix called jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy. It’s a very interesting documentary that shows the process of his first album and how he came up in the musical scene.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Isaac (class of 2025), which features some music with a French feel.
French-y? Music
I just watched possibly the scariest movie I’ve seen in a long time, Talk To Me, but unlike my eyes, my ears were quite happy with what they were receiving. “Le Monde” was a terrific original piece for a terrifying original picture, so here are some songs that also sounded a bit ‘Parisian’ to me.
WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
Isaac Albéniz, a Spanish musical virtuoso, and his “Suite Espagnole”
Isaac Albéniz was a Spanish composer and pianist known for his significant contributions to Spanish classical music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on May 29, 1860, in Camprodon, Catalonia, Spain, Albéniz demonstrated remarkable musical talent from a young age. He received his initial musical training from his father and then studied in various prestigious institutions across Europe. His compositions often feature intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and a passionate, virtuosic piano technique.
I have been studying “Suite Espagnole” recently. It is one of Albéniz’s notable compositions, showing his profound affinity for Spanish themes and musical traditions. The suite is comprised of eight pieces for solo piano, each representing a different Spanish region, and the piece “Granada” is one of my favorites. It represents the Andalusian city of Granada, which is located in southern Spain and is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, including the Alhambra, a historical palace and fortress complex. This composition is a showcase of Albéniz’s ability to blend classical piano techniques with the traditional sounds of Spanish folk music. Learning this piece always reminds me the memories I spent a summer in Granada with my family.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Amy (class of 2025) featuring solo songs by members of the American indie supergroup boygenius.
The boy geniuses
Boygenius, a band comprised of three singer-songwriters (Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus), grew enormously popular over the summer, but the majority of listeners are only familiar with the solo music of Bridgers. As a regular listener of both boygenius and the three artists’ solo works, I wanted to shed some light on some of my favorite songs from each of them.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025) which explores musical textures.
Tactile Illusions
Are you team creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter? Just as food is textured, music is too! Here are some songs that I think are smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024) featuring some music for your Thanksgiving enjoyment.
Songs That Feel Like Thanksgiving
Christmas is around the corner, but we can’t forget about thanksgiving just yet. While there’s not really any mainstream thanksgiving-themed music, here are some songs that remind me of home and the holidays.
