October 2013 marks the 2 year anniversary of my picking up the cello. This tune was recorded using SmartMusic practice software. I'm currently taking private cello lessons in Minneapolis. I rent the cello from a local music shop.

Funeral March of Queen Mary - Purcell/SmartMusic

At Christmas 2012, I had been playing cello for 1 year.

FeliseNavidad

Music for "Suicide Girls" - a film score

I compose music for film and advertising, and to me, 12-tone serialism serves two purposes: Creepy and/or Mysterious. Arguably this is a shortcoming for me as a composer, but that's where I'm at right now. 

While composing this 12-tone melody, I started with rhythm. That approach allows me to map out which notes fall on downbeats. With my rhythm, I made sure that the 1st and 9th rhythmic beat in the melody could be supported by the same chord, and the 5th and 13th rhythmic beat could be supported by the same chord. Those downbeats give me a nice tonal chord structure - something for the ear to grab on to.

I'm just not an abstract composer, so I fit the rules of a 12 tone melody into something film-scory. To me, it ended up sounding like a snake cooling off in the shade while plotting something sneaky. 

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I had fun composing his tune.

12 Tone - Weekend Challenge 2

Just my practice session today with SmartMusic. Unfinished of course.

Suzuki Bk 4 Pc 1 10 - 29 - 2014

My annual SmartMusic Christmas album:
- Helps me keep my sense of humor about learning cello
- Is always sightread
- Gives me a chance to compare how I've improved each year
- Is for my mom
- Is never to be shown to my cello teacher... ever

Hark The Herald Angles Sing

Dreams Of Fireflies On A Christmas Night

Sarajevo

Away In A Manger

Jingle Bells

An old recording of a student singing Payphone.

Payphone - Braden 2012

Freelance composer for commercials, independent films and school music programs. Berklee Alumni (BM, Film Sore). Minnesota School of Business Alumni (MBA, funding for technology in Music Ed.). Principal instrument: drum set. Music Educator: ~20 private students. Cello student.

Beth Varela

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