The World of Composing

I have to admit that I don't have alot of formal musical training. I've dabbled a bit with theory, but I don't really have the patience to study music formally. I compose by ear, largely putting together sounds that seem cohesive to me. With jazz vocals, I prefer to improvise, and enjoy being given phrases left to my own interpretation. It works for me. What more can I say?

The World of Music

Creating has many faces, and I find that many artists are versed in several avenues of creativity. For me, it's pretty much narrowed down to photography, writing and music. I can't cook, that's for sure. Sewing? Give me a break.

As a vocalist, I love jazz and the freedom it allows with improvisation. Some of my influences include Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sting and Stevie Wonder. I can't really read music, and I don't have the patience to learn, so I rely on my right brain for inspiration.

I also fool around with the keyboard, and have created a number of songs through Garageband. Most of my original material reflects my many travels, and my interests in ecclectic styles of music combining a variety of genres.

To hear some of my music, go to:
http://www.icompositions.com/artists/grathy

Here are the links to my CDs:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/mcgrathnasr
http://cdbaby.com/cd/marymcgrath

The World of Inspiration

What is inspiration? Is it synthesizing something and converting it to a new form? Is it approaching everyday things from a new perspective? Some say creativity is born of pain. I say creativity is in all of us, if we simply find those things that are of importance to us, and then indulge our passions accordingly.